Phil Kerby, a previous editor of the Los Angeles Times, once said that "censorship is the strongest drive in human nature; sex is a weak second" (American Library Association 3). According to him, people are taking censorship to far. It appears that they are beginning to enjoy censoring more than sex, a strong human nature. Censorship, the removing of objectionable features from the media, is becoming increasingly more common. It is beneficial in some cases, but most of the time, this act is taken to the extreme. The American Library Association proclaims that "censorship can be subtle, almost imperceptible, as well as blatant and overt, but, nonetheless, harmful" (2). They understand that at times, the act of censoring goes unnoticed, but other times it is very obvious. In both of these cases, however, it appears to be harmful, especially since it changes how the audience perceives what is being censored. One form of censorship, which has been taken to far, is the banning of books.
[...] Steinbeck's often incorporates inappropriate material into easier-to-read books, and, as a result, his books are often found on banned lists. John Steinbeck's novel Of Mice and Men is often banned because of the tragic ending, language and sexual content, all of which are necessary to illustrate important themes. Of Mice and Men is an easy book to read, but it is said to contain offensive language and sexually explicit material. It tells the story of George, who is “small and quick . [...]
[...] strikes their life because books illustrate how to make it through unforeseen tragic events. Unfortunately, some people feel that literature should always contain happy endings, like fairy tales. As a result, they try to censor books with tragic endings. By doing this, people will just have more trouble escaping tragic events in their life. Also, greatest writers and the best readers know that literature is not always only mere sugar candy; it can sometimes be a strong medicine . necessary for continued health” (Scarseth 388). [...]
[...] 6). Lennie explains how his and George's relationship are different from most people. He says, got you to look after me, and you got me to look after (Steinbeck Of Mice 14). This relationship is more likely seen in the way that wealthier people act toward each other. Even seventy years after the book was written, the relationship is still relevant in the way the middle and upper class often treat each other. This relationship is understood so well because it is very relatable. [...]
[...] Right before George picks up the gun, he tells Lennie to “look down acrost the river, like you can almost see the place” (Steinbeck Of Mice 106). George, being the true friend that he is, wants Lennie to be happy for his last moments on Earth. Even though Lennie realizes that his physical life is coming to an end, he still has high spiritual hopes. These are the kinds of memories that students create when reading Of Mice and Men. [...]
[...] To show this, Steinbeck creates a socially unaccepted lower class and makes them the noble characters. By doing this, he proves that all men truly are created equal, at least in respect to their potential. Lennie and George are not equal to others in their socio-economic status, but they still feel that they have the potential to reach their American Dream, which all Americans strive for. The objectionable features are also necessary to create complex turmoil of life” (389). All of the characters try their hardest to be good. [...]
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