In an engaging and intellectually stimulating event under the banner of a reading project 12th and 11th-grade students at Mkhitar Sebastatsi Educational Complex took the initiative to delve into the world of banned books. Hosted by Karine Gomtsyan, a 12th-grade student, this Open Gathering within the Foreign Languages educational field aimed to shed light on the reasons behind the censorship of certain literary works.
“We cordially welcome all participants and distinguished guests. March 14-15 mark the days for presenting author multilingual subject programs in the field of foreign languages, covering elementary, middle, and research high schools, as well as the college of Mkhitar Sebastatsi Educational Complex,” noted Karine. She emphasized the significance of the event within the broader context of educational endeavors at the EduComplex, underlining literary awareness and critical thinking skills.
Karine commenced the thought-provoking event with the 12th and 11th graders with a warm welcome, setting the stage for an enlightening discussion. Drawing attention to the prevalence of book censorship, she emphasized the importance of understanding the underlying motives. Using “The Lord of the Flies” by William Golding as a focal point, she elucidated the themes and context that led to its banishment in certain quarters.
Following Karine’s lead, Syuzi Melikyan and Maria Dishakjian presented insightful analyses of “Animal Farm” by George Orwell and “The Stranger” by Albert Camus, respectively. Their presentations delved into the complexities of censorship, highlighting the political, philosophical, and moral dimensions that often provoke controversy.
Despite the influx of inquiries from the intrigued audience and time constraints limiting further presentations, the organizers decided to reconvene in May for a continuation of this enlightening discourse. This subsequent gathering will afford additional students the opportunity to share their perspectives on banned literature.
Throughout the presentations and ensuing discussions, it became evident that books are banned for a multitude of reasons, ranging from age appropriateness and political bias to existential themes and moral ambiguity. Karine succinctly outlined these reasons, encompassing societal, cultural, religious, and philosophical sensitivities, among others.
The event concluded with a vibrant exchange of questions and answers, as presenters engaged with the audience to deepen understanding and foster meaningful dialogue. By confronting censorship head-on and exploring its implications, our students exemplified the spirit of intellectual inquiry and free expression that defines our educational ethos.
Books can be banned for a variety of reasons, often stemming from societal or cultural sensitivities. Here are a few examples for each of the mentioned reasons, such as age inappropriateness, political bias, existential themes and moral ambiguity, religious and philosophical concerns, witchcraft, censorship critique, sexual situations, encouragement of drug use, encouragement of cohabitation without marriage, cultural sensitivities, racial issues, etc.
Age Inappropriateness: “The Lord of the Flies” by William Golding has faced challenges due to its violent content, leading some to deem it inappropriate for younger readers.
Political Bias: “Animal Farm” allegorically critiques Stalinism and totalitarianism. It was banned in the Soviet Union and other communist countries because of its criticism of the Soviet regime. In other cases, it has been challenged for its portrayal of political ideologies. George Orwell’s other novel, “1984” has been banned in some places due to its critique of totalitarianism and censorship.
Existential Themes and Moral Ambiguity: “The Stranger” explores existentialist themes and presents a protagonist, Meursault, who exhibits a detached and indifferent attitude towards life and society. It has been challenged for its portrayal of amorality and existentialism, which some find disturbing or morally objectionable.
Religious and Philosophical Concerns: “The Alchemist” explores themes of spirituality, destiny, and personal legend. While widely acclaimed, it has faced challenges in some conservative religious communities due to its portrayal of spiritual concepts that may contradict traditional religious beliefs. Additionally, some critics have argued against its philosophical messages, leading to challenges in certain educational settings.
Witchcraft: The “Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling has been banned in some schools and communities due to its portrayal of magic and witchcraft.
Censorship Critique: “Fahrenheit 451” depicts a dystopian society where books are banned and burned to suppress independent thought. Ironically, the book itself has faced challenges and bans due to its critique of censorship and authoritarianism. Some have objected to its themes of censorship and anti-establishment sentiments.
Sexual Situations: “Lolita” by Vladimir Nabokov has been banned in some places due to its controversial depiction of a relationship between a middle-aged man and a young girl. “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini
Encouragement of Drug Use: “Perfume: The Story of a Murderer” by Patrick Süskind has been challenged due to its depiction of the protagonist’s obsession with scents, which leads him to commit murders.
Encouragement of Cohabitation without Marriage: “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley has faced challenges due to its portrayal of a society where traditional family structures are replaced by promiscuity and casual relationships.
Cultural Sensitivities: The novel “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini explores the complexities of Afghan society, including issues such as ethnic tensions, class disparities, and political instability. Some critics argue that the portrayal of these themes may perpetuate negative stereotypes or misconceptions about Afghanistan and its people, leading to objections and challenges from certain groups.
Racial Issues: Books that contain racial themes or language that some find offensive may be banned. For example, “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee has faced challenges due to its use of racial slurs and its portrayal of racial inequality in the American South.
Blasphemous Dialogue: Salman Rushdie’s “The Satanic Verses” has been banned in several countries due to its perceived disrespect towards Islam.
Violence or Negativity: “A Clockwork Orange” by Anthony Burgess has faced challenges due to its graphic violence and nihilistic themes.
These examples illustrate how various societal concerns can lead to the banning or challenging of books.
See other students’ presentations below.
Laura Torosyan The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli
Albert Zakhrabekyan Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Tigran Harutyunyan Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
Angelina Hakobyan The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Nare Navasardyan Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
Meri Yeremyan Fahrenheit 451 by American writer Ray Bradbury
Tigran Ayvazyan American Psycho by American writer Bret Easton Ellis
Mane Abgaryan Fairy tales by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm
Hakob Gevorgyan Their Eyes Were Watching God by American writer Zora Neale Hurston
Levon Yengibaryan Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell and Brave New World by English writer and philosopher Aldous Huxley. Brave New World presents a nightmarish vision of a future society in which psychological conditioning forms the basis for a scientifically determined and immutable caste system that, in turn, obliterates the individual and grants all control to the World State. 1984 has repeatedly been banned and challenged in the past for its social and political themes, as well as for sexual content. Additionally, in 1981, the book was challenged in Jackson County, Florida, for being pro-communism. In the UK the book faced challenges and censorship due to its portrayal of a totalitarian regime and themes of political oppression and surveillance.
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