Watching De Explainerr (2025), Every Banned Book Explained in 14 Minutes, has me thinking why are books (or movies…) banned.
In all but the most extreme cases books and movies are banned either because:
- one group wants to retain power over another, or
- one group is fearful of another.
The challenging of social, moral, political or religious norms are the usual “reasons” given to hide the true reasons of power and fear.
Those seeking a ban are acting superior to others, i.e., “they know best” and others are incapable of coming to their own conclusions. Or it’s an acknowledgement they are capable, and the conclusions reached will challenge those who benefit most from the status quo.