Freedom to Read and Learn
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Last week, we kicked off a series exploring how current attitudes and actions today pose a threat to our freedom. This week, I want to look into some of the factors that might impact our ability to read and learn. As I sit here typing away, I'm also baking. Now, I'm not exactly a fan of baking, but I'm on my way down South for a family event, and my relatives always request that I bring homemade cakes with me. They say my cakes remind them of my mom's because I make them just like she did. So, today, alongside our discussion on democracy and freedom, I can't help but have recipes on my mind. Therefore, I want to talk about the fact that our freedom to read and learn is one of the main ingredients in the recipe of our democracy.
Just as mixing a cake requires careful attention to detail and the right combination of ingredients, our democracy demands thoughtful consideration about the essential components that lay the foundation for society. Some of the necessary components of our democracy include our freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and freedom to vote. When mixing a cake, each ingredient serves a specific purpose, contributing to the overall taste, texture, and structure. Similarly, when thinking about our democracy, each component helps to establish the foundation or framework for our rights.
Our rights to read and learn are tied to our freedom of speech and freedom of the press. The American Library Association (ALA) states that "The freedom to read is essential to our democracy" and that it is guaranteed by the Constitution. Freedom to read is protected under the 1st amendment, which encompasses the right to free speech. Therefore, if democracy is a recipe, you can't achieve positive results by banning books or limiting what people can learn.
Despite constitutional protections, the freedom to read and learn is under attack. Censorship and book banning are on the rise in America. According to the ALA, book challenges have spiked more than 1100% since 2020. In 2020, there were 223 challenges, and in 2022, there were more than 2500 challenges. Most of these involve books by and/or about marginalized identities, including Black Americans. This type of censorship limits access to important ideas, perspectives, and histories, and can discourage free thought and inquiry.
The freedom to read is an essential ingredient in our democracy as it allows individuals to access information and ideas from a range of perspectives. This helps promote diversity, critical thinking, and innovation because when people are exposed to a variety of viewpoints, they can develop their own opinions based on a wide range of information. The freedom to read is also important for education and cultural understanding. By reading books and other materials from different cultures and time periods, individuals can gain a better understanding of the world around them and develop empathy and compassion for others. This can help break down barriers and promote peace and understanding across different groups.
In conclusion, just as mixing a cake requires careful blending of ingredients, our democracy requires careful blending of ideas and perspectives through our ability to read and learn. Our very freedom is in jeopardy if we start to limit free speech and free press. Let's take heed of this because our democracy, like a well-mixed cake, will only rise and be good to us if we follow the recipe.
Sophia Brewer (M.L.I.S.) is Collection Development and Serials Librarian, Grand Rapids Community College; Co-President of the Greater Grand Rapids History Council; member of the Grand Rapids Study Club and serves on the Grand Rapids Public Library, Board of Library Commissioners (Elected 2016-2021). She is a former Head of Programs, Grand Rapids Public Library and former Branch Manager, Madison Square Branch, Grand Rapids Public Library Congresswoman
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