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Community Thoughts:  Posted By: Greg Stillson - December 22nd, 2011 6:46:23 pm EST I agree with Mr. King on most points. Certain materials should not find a home on the shelves of an elementary school library, but I do have to say (having read The Dead Zone) I can't see any reason to ban this particular book from any library. I own over 30 of Mr. King's books and although most do contain some adult themes and language, most TV sit-coms contain subject matter that is just as suggestive and/or vulgar. This is an "eye of the beholder" situation. Still...banning books? wrong. Posted By: Jo - December 6th, 2011 9:31:41 am EST Stephen: I was born in the UK, educated in the US, and am raising a family in Dubai, where "approved" book lists, "state edited" movies, documentaries & news clips are the norm. I challenge the kids to think for themselves, to question those who limit and control the flow of information, and most importantly, to keep asking "why" and 'what if." And, I'm glad to say, the older kids have also gained a healthy appreciation of your works. Keep on keeping on. Well written piece from a thoughtful, provocative voice... Posted By: Cchambers4 - November 7th, 2011 11:05:00 am EST I am a highschool student and my parents let me read your books Mr. King and from what I have read hasnt been anything I haven't been exposed to in school already. I believe that your essay on this matter is completely correct and I completely agree with it. When I go through my school and ask people if they know who you are most of them say yes. So if the kids go to the library and come across one of your novels they have the choice whether to check it out or not. They know the material that you write. I think that highschool students are old enough to make our own decisions and we know if it is going to be bad for us or not. So I don't agree with the books being banned but thats ok if they are because I know kids will find another way to read your novels. :) Sincerly, cchambers4 Posted By: Anonymous - November 5th, 2011 9:22:40 pm EDT I just wanted to share something interesting with you, Mr. King (in hope that you will get this message). I'm an elementary school teacher working in the public schools. Teaching some of the basic elements of fiction led to a very rich discussion on themes and messages within the books they read. By the way, I teach 3rd grade in a Dorchester school within the Boston Public Schools. Anyhow, the discussion works its way to positive and negative messages within books. A student held up a copy of Horrible Harry (a trite series of children's chapter books where the protagonist is the antagonist). The child pointed out that invariably, in every book from this series, the messages are wrong because Harry rarely received consequences or learns from the mayhem he devises and carries out. I asked the kids if this was true, I hadn't really put any time into examining the content assuming it was appropriate elementary fare, albeit low-quality literature. Overwhelmingly, they agreed the series of books offered themes which would misguide young minds (my words, their idea). They decided we shouldn't allow them in the class. I thought out loud that perhaps it's not a big deal, it's just a kid's book, and attempted to return them to the shelf. Their collective conscience stood firm, though, and I witnessed a literal book-banning at the hands of kids who wished to draw a moral line and make a collective stand against themes which would confuse, and otherwise, mislead a young mind seeking to develop a useful set of morals in a world gone adrift in moral relativism for the sake of pulp entertainment. I offer this anecdote for your consideration, Mr. King. I wonder how middle-schoolers would react if we simply encouraged moral discernment of the media they usually gobble up without a moment's thought... Just something to chew on. Posted By: AnarchyRules - October 18th, 2011 6:57:45 pm EDT Stephan King has a uncanny knack for opening the mind of the reader to the possibility's of life! And each of his books I read make me realize just how messed up those who seek to rule us are! Anyone who hasn't read the Dome should , because those same folks who seek to ban books , are the same ones who would be running your home town if the dome happened! Thank you Stephan for a life of possibility's and a fun way to get a education in reality! More Thoughts » |
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