Do You Think Books should be Banned? Why or Why not?

Books are banned for many of reason. They can be banned for the content of the language, violence, drugs, the questioning of humankind. Who bans books? The government, schools, and libraries ban books. I believe books shouldn't be banned because I believe mostly everything an author writes about is true or could happen in real life. Some books weather actually non- fiction or not they have a message to get across to readers. Banning of books, I feel like is preventing information from being spread and its increasing ignorance in this world because of the lack of resources people have to gain knowledge.


I think a book shouldn't be banned because once a book is banned in the particular places including libraries and schools, Where are people suppose to go to gain access to the book. Banning of books is causing even more of a problem. We already have a limited amount of resources. People learn better in different ways by different sources. Some people don't have the sources that others do. For an Example, most things I've learned from my parents and friends. But there are people that can't find out about things from others. So they either have to experience it or they could just read about a character in a book experiencing it through the character's journey.


Since some books are banned for language, religion, humanity, and violence; I am going to touch on these issues. A book should not be banned because of it questioning mankind. Everyday people challenge mankind like doctors and scientist. People ask questions when their lost or don't understand something. So I propose the question, What defines a human being? Physical traits or mental? Explain? I can't even answer this question. A book called Grendel was banned because it questioned humanity. A monster was ripping up peoples' bodies and eating them. But does that really make him a monster? Before this monster was created people judged it because of the way it looked and didn't treat it with respect so they are also at fault and should be guilty. Another book is Tarzan of the apes. The controversy issue was evolution and how animals and human relate. If you question our humanity, It can help us change the monsterist things about it.


Another reason of why books are banned is because of the use of language. In some literature there are racial slurs, profanity, explicity. But language is the realism of life. As humans we are not perfect and if we could speak proper without using any profanity it would be great; but I mean lets be serious. Language is a way of expressing ones self. If we aren't allowed to express how we feel then we feel hindered. Although I agree there is a time and place for everything and certain language is not appropriate all the time. But a book should be our way of escaping our hinderness. We should feel the free when writing something verses actually speaking it.



Thirdly, some books are banned because of their violence. But isn't violenec apart of our everyday lives even if it's not directly affecting us. You can't turn on the news without hearing that some one has been shot, robbed,or raped. And isn't the American history based around violence due to the many wars we have fought including the soldiers in Iraq now. If violence didnt play a role in our lives dont you think it would be boring. Same as for a book. Since violence is normally acted out by the opressor it would be unusually for it to be in a book. So if you can't act it out it has to be visual. Due to the fact that you can't actually see how the violence is inflicted you only can use your creative imagination to visualize.



Besides the fact that some books are banned for questioning mankind, language, and violence; they are also banned because of religon. Some books don't really point the finger at practiced religions specifically but is more so about what one believes. Under this category books are even banned for their symbolic meaning, magical powers, santanic verses,intelligent design, and evolution. I think that everyone's opinion should be voiced. Everybody doesn't have to agree with it but as long as it gets out then it's up to the person to decide weather or not they agree too. Taking away these books can leave the world ignorant and lacking more knowledge. In the book "God are you there, It's Me Margaret" is about a pre- teen going through puberty and trying to find her spirituality. This book can help guide other teens with the same problem .But if its banned how will they be guided and by whom? Chronicles of Narnia and Bridge to Terebithia are other books which have magical creatures and a made up worlds but even though the characters and settings may be fiction the problem which lie beneath sends a real message to people.

So books can be banned for many reasons including their sexual content, language, questioning of mankind, violence, drugs, and religious beliefs. The government bans these book and libraries and schools. But why ban books? People have limited resources already and if these books are not available to the public in libraries or at schools how else are they suppose to gain access of them. Everybody learn in different ways. Some obtain their knowledge from books. So if books are banned then some people stay ignorant or lack knowledge on a specific subject. Uusing words to speak is how we express ourselves. To ban a book because of language is hindering the writer from expressing themselves and helping others do the same. And violence is apart of our lives regardless if we want it to be or if it directly effects us or not. It's life. So to try to cover up these things that go on in the world to sugar coat it would be a lie.

Bench Mark Essays :Beyond the Line

What are the characters from the book, Of Mice and Men, symbolic meanings? Explain.

Throughout the book the author, Steinbeck, gives the characters symbolic meanings to send a message to readers of this book. There are five characters I would like to address in this essay about this question. These four characters are Curley’s wife, Candy and the Dog, George, Curley, and Slim. I think they are important to the plot of the story and the message that the author delivers about the 1900’s.

Curley’s wife represent women during the 1920’s, which was when this book was written. She obviously is married to Curley, a guy who works on the ranch and has no job outside of the home. In the 1900’s women really had no career they were looked at as vulnerable and weak. They had to take care of the house like cook, clean, and tend to the needs of their husbands while trying to be a mother too. Men who were married to these women only flaunted them around and looked at them as trophies. Women were being compared to as objects not human beings. They had little to no legal rights or freedoms. And if a woman went out and got a job they were considered a floozy. They were degraded and people used harsh and derogatory language towards them. How can you be degrading to someone who wants to be independent and upgrade their lives with their own success? The authors purpose was to show you how women were treated, others people perspectives of them, and how they underestimated us.

As for Candy and the Dog, they represent senior citizens and old people. The author shows , not only in the 1900’s but even today, how other treat them harsh. Today senior citizens get robbed, killed, or hurt in various of ways. Some have no homes or can’t afford to pay for their medications. Instead of the younger generation trying to help we sit back and watch the people that have been of great help to us in the past suffer. In this book, the dog is harshly killed and is taken away from Candy. Just like that we also take the last of our grandparents hard earned money or possessions and once they are out of cash and of no use we “throw them away”. In our society the government treat seniors the same take their money and leave them out to dry once their old.

Another character who also has a symbolic meaning is Curley. He is the co-worker in the workforce that continually tries to show off or intimidate someone. Because he is the son of the Boss who owns the ranch, he thinks he can be snobby to people and get away with it. He abuses his authority like others in the workforce. He reminds me of the manager who you always have to deal with that has a smart mouth and no patience what so ever. He also could represent men during this time because of his misogynistic and chauvinistic attitude. He flashes his wife around and gives her orders like she’s his servant.

George is thrown into the working class category. He is very down to earth and fairly a good person. He represents the people in America who try to survive with low pay, minimum wage jobs. He tries to better himself by following after the American Dream of becoming rich and successful. Many people go out to work everyday trying to be a good citizen when the government and big Ceo’s, lawyers, and doctors make it hard for them to get a good paying job like Curly and the Boss. These type of people just take, take , and take. They just get rich off of the poor or working class. And not once do they give back because they are selfish.

On the other hand Slim represents African Americans during this time, which still had no rights. He was referred to as a “nigger” and a stable buck. It was hard for African Americans to find good jobs and some were lucky to even have a job. They always had the most laborious jobs of them all. They were also treated with cruel conditions and were never looked at with respect because they were the minorities in our country.

The author depicts the world of the 1920’s by give each character out the book a symbolic meaning to help you better understand the message he sends out. Curley’s wife shows how women had no careers and were degraded and underestimated. They were even flaunted around like trophies by their husbands and had no rights. And through the character Slim, he shows how African Americans were disrespected with being called a “nigger” and other cruelty. Steinbeck really does an awesome job of depicting peoples’ views of seniors. Candy’s dog was shot after all of the years he lived with that dog. And George who has to put up with Curley’s bull crap while trying to do his job to survive.

Bench Mark Essays :Beyond the Line

How does the relationship of George Lennie relate to that of characters in a show you’ve watched before?

George and Lennie’s relationship is an interesting but awkward relationship. While George can be upfront and sarcastic with Lennie he always his there to watch his back and never intimidate him or let anyone else do the same. In the book, Of Mice and Men, George tells Lennie to watch out for Curley’s wife because she causes trouble on the ranch and not to be afraid of Curley and his bulling ways. On the other hand he likes to snatch mice from Lennie and throw them away. A motif that keeps coming up in the book is how repeatedly George tries to make Lennie seem like an animal by talking to him in such a stern way. For example, when Lennie kept forgetting where they were going when they traveled to the ranch. And when George asked Lennie what he did with his bus pass Lennie thought he lost it when actually he never had it from the beginning.


George and Lennie’s relationship reminds me of a lot of television shows I’ve watched before but nothing relates more than the characters from Rugrats. It seems very extreme that I would compare babies and children’s’ relationships to theirs. It’s really hard for me to narrow down to what characters they remind me of in the Rugrats because in some kind of way all of the children relate to George and Lennie. Lennie reminds me of Chucky because out of all the other babies Chucky is the most scariest, lame, and naive characters. He has this “uh duh are you stupid” type of attitude like he’s stuck on stupid same as Lennie. Now on the other hand George reminds me of leader of the pack or kids named Tommy. Tommy always tries to take up for the rest of the babies if they are being harmed by Angelica’s bullying. He even tries to help Chucky get over his fears in some episodes. Angelica even reminds me of Curley because she never picks on people of her age she likes to mess with the babies and she flaunts her new toys and neat clothing that her mother spoils her with. Sometimes she even uses these things to bribe the babies including Chucky, Lil, and Phil, to do her dirty work.

One particular relationship from the Rugrats that relates to that of the book is Angelica and Chucky’s. Although George doesn’t really bully Lennie to like Angelica to a certain extend he uses Lennie. The ways he uses Lennie is by taking him along on his adventure so that they can be more exciting because in realty who wants travel alone. Everybody wants company when traveling. And just like Chucky, Lennie won’t resist George’s leadership and guidance. The author, John Steinbeck, tries to make it seem as if Lennie needs George to survive but can’t we also say that George would get bored to death with Lennie there. So in a sense we can say the same for George. In the cartoon show Rugrats, I remember in one episode Angelica tells Chucky, “ Go get me a Popsicle you twerp and do it fast or else I will burry you in the sand box . Now fetch.” Angelica harsh attitude reminds me of George’s sarcasm and sternest attitude towards Lennie.

It amazes me how much the characters from a cartoon really relates to that of a book. If I didn’t know any better I would think that the cartoon was based on the book somewhat. I could go on and on never ending when comparing the two that’s how much the characters have in common. I never noticed that just until I asked myself this question, “How does the relationship of George and Lennie relate to that of characters in a show you’ve watched before?” I had no idea that would have so many traits alike.

Characters’ relationships can relate to other characters whether in another literary work, real life, or on a show. But there nothing like a comparison from the book, Of Mice and Men, and the cartoon show, Rugrats. George and Curley both remind me of Angelica because George carries along Lennie for enjoyment even though he can sometimes be a pain. And like Angelica, Curley can be a bully. Also at the same time George shows traits of Tommy when he takes up for Lennie and looks after him in Lennie’s best interest. Therefore the relationship of George and Lennie’s relates to that of Tommy and Chuckey’s because Tommy tries to stop Angelica from bullying the babies especially chucky and Tommy tries to help Chucky get over his fears of Angelica. Like in the book George warns Lennie about Curley. And Lennie is scary, lame, and naïve about situations like Chucky.

Bench Mark Essays :Between the Line

1.)What differences exist between Curley and George?
Differences that exist between Curley and George are that Curley is married while George is single. Curley also is the son of the boss on the ranch. Curley's attitude is nasty, arrogant, and rude. He walks around with his head on his shoulders like he's someone to be reckoned with. He even flaunts his wife around in a sense as if she a trophy. He tries to bully Lennie too. Although George has a very sarcastic attitude towards Lennie and is up front with him, he never tries to intimidate or bully Lennie. And he is a low, working class guy and down to earth with good intensions unlike Curley.

2.) Can you write in your own words of what George meant by "I seen em poison before, but I never seen no piece of jail bait worse than her".
When George makes this quote from above he meant that he has seen women with similar traits as Curley's wife but hasn't seen any (women) that are worst than her sneaky, "rat trap" ways.

3.) Can you provide an example of how the character, George, might be chauvinistic or misogynistic?
Evidence that allows me to believe George is chauvinistic is in the book on page 32, he says, “Don’t even take a look at the Bitch.” I don’t care what she says and what she does.” In this quote he refers to Curley’s wife as a bitch. He tells Lennie this to keep him away from her because she’s considered a “rat trap” who gets people in trouble all the time. Other characters at the ranch also share similar views about her including Candy, the old man.

Bench Mark Essays :Between the Line

1.)What differences exist between Curley and George?
Differences that exist between Curley and George are that Curley is married while George is single. Curley also is the son of the boss on the ranch. Curley's attitude is nasty, arrogant, and rude. He walks around with his head on his shoulders like he's someone to be reckoned with. He even flaunts his wife around in a sense as if she a trophy. He tries to bully Lennie too. Although George has a very sarcastic attitude towards Lennie and is up front with him, he never tries to intimidate or bully Lennie. And he is a low, working class guy and down to earth with good intensions unlike Curley.

2.) Can you write in your own words of what George meant by "I seen em poison before, but I never seen no piece of jail bait worse than her".
When George makes this quote from above he meant that he has seen women with similar traits as Curley's wife but hasn't seen any (women) that are worst than her sneaky, "rat trap" ways.

3.) Can you provide an example of how the character, George, might be chauvinistic or misogynistic?
Evidence that allows me to believe George is chauvinistic is in the book on page 32, he says, “Don’t even take a look at the Bitch.” I don’t care what she says and what she does.” In this quote he refers to Curley’s wife as a bitch. He tells Lennie this to keep him away from her because she’s considered a “rat trap” who gets people in trouble all the time. Other characters at the ranch also share similar views about her including Candy, the old man.

Article: Prom( Which sex has an easier time preparing?)

Just the other week I mentioned soph-hop to a friend and she blurted out the word prom. I mean can't we just worry about one thing at a time. My friend isn't a procrastinator but should she be shopping for a gown now. Geesh! Between her plans of becoming prom queen to what color will be her dress, made me hurl. Is fashion the only thing people can think of when the word prom is presented to them or is it memories?

High school isn't cracked up to be what people make it. Amongst all the problems teens have to face including strenuous nights of writing essays, dreadful homework, big projects, PSAT's, and peer pressure. The one thing that high schoolers think about and look forward to since freshman year is prom. Prom is a night full of dreams coming to reality. For some it's every girls transitioning night from an average teen to a dazzling diva. For guys they're lucky, if they get a kiss.. Or more. But overall prom is memories to cherish and reminisce in your adult- hood. Before your dreamy night there is a variety of planning and preparation which some don't take into consideration or even realize. But what sex has an easier time preparing.

The main topic that comes up with prom is fashion. Why is appearance an important issue during prom? I suppose it's to be in competition as to becoming prom queen or king or to have a reputation of being best dressed in your yearbook. Alexis, a sophomore at Con High said, " it's not to impress people, but to impress yourself". When asked, " What do she spend more time on- her hair or clothes", she stated, "Both, because they compliment each other. How can you have one done and not the other"? Therefore girls have to worry not only about the perfect dress and shoes but accessories to set off her outfit. They have to find the right undergarment that tucks their stomachs in and makes the gown fit smoothly which helps compliment and capture her body shape, the right sparkling diamond earrings and bracelets, and lastly a clutch, and a wonderful hairstyle.

Boys basically have a guideline to follow. Whatever colors their date wear's that's the color of their suit, tie, and/or shoes. I interviewed a male teacher at Con High. He quoted, "It really didn’t take time to prepare because I just went with a couple of (my) fellows. I didn't have a date". Shaquille, tenth grader, said, "When it comes to prom, I'm mostly worried about what color to where so that I can match my date. But the least I'm worried about is my haircut. " And with sarcasm he stated, "I can do that the same day of the event". The only thing males have to do is meet the standards of his date if he wants one. But the girl has to figure out the theme and colors; boys' interest isn't really in what are their theme or color schemes for prom.

It's very rare that the guy cares when asked what accessories will they wear to prom besides their tuxedo, Shaquille said, "One earring". That was fast. I think the word accessory is foreign to males or just not in their vocabulary. I'm surprised he didn't say a Rolex watch with gold chains or something. Most males could care less about fashion when prom I in mind. "I'd rather party then do anything else" a quote from Shaquille. An anonymous male who asked for his name to be with held said, " It's not about what happens at the prom, it's about the after party in the hotel lobby". " I was more interested in who was stashing the beer and which one of my boys was bring the weed".

There are many similarities with both sexes but there is a world of differences between the two. Both sexes have their own complexity. For girls it's fashion and boys it's their actions toward their date. To girls the gown and shoes is important but the accessories are even more important. They compliment the gown and quoting a sophomore at Con High again, Alexis, "You can't have a cute outfit on without your hair done etc." Girls have find nice jewelry, perfect gown with great shoes, a slip and undergarments, a clutch, and a shaw for when the night bring heavy breeze. And beauty is time and pain not to mention. Girls have to wait in hair salons for several hours while getting her hair done. And a hair cut alcohol rub doesn’t hurt as much as getting scorched with hot curlers. And even once their hair is done the pain doesn’t stop there, they have to sleep pretty. A guy just continually brushes his hair for hair waves to form, spray it, and tie a do- rag on his head. Not only do females have to sit in a hair salon but they have to sit in the nailery also to get manicures and pedicures to beautify their nails and feet. Natural beauty is a great thing to have but some just have to have make-up. Make- up adds a little extravagence to the night and volume to one’s beauty. When is the last time you seen a guy wear some M.A.C lip-gloss or Victoria secret eye shadow? Never! Men are complex in a special way, but fashion is not it. During prom they plan the actions out. Like how they’re going to impress their date tonight. They have to be the one’s to rent a stretch Hummer or a limozene with a shouffer. There job is to take their date on an adventure. They also have to buy their date roses and of course a crisage to put around her arm. If he’s a real gentle-men, he may even buy her some jewelry. So how does fashion effect your prom night and memories or does it?

Maturity Essay 2/23/09

                                        The Flower Who Blooms During the Summer


Have you ever planted a flower and watched it grow? Well maturity is like growing a flower. Maturity to me is when you give up some hobbies because you realized there is more important things in life than just fun. Your priorities, friends, and perspective began to change. People everyday have problems transitioning their lives like when flowers die due to harsh climates. The poem “Marigolds” deals with a girl losing her innocence of childhood to maturity of a young adult. And here is my story of maturity and how my flower of life is in the summer.

My life has just entered summer. I show many changes in my early spring life that allows believe that I have entered the summer. The first stage of my harvest was the seed my mother planted that helped develop my summer life- Responsibility. As a child you are free with no obligations. But as I got older so did my parents. I began to realize that I would have to help my mother and Father out for soon they would have to depend on me as senior citizens. Who will care for my parents better than me? The seed planted began to grow as a root. My mother gave me an inch and I took a yard. My first test of responsibility was coming home after school by myself proceeding she gave me my very first set keys. I felt like a dove began released from its cage. I was ready to fly. From than on I began commuting from place to place without my parents. My parents especially my mother tried to instill great values and lessons to make life for me less complicated down the road. Now that I am older I as well take interest in my future. Just the other day on the computer I typed in Myspace then found myself looking at an application to McDonalds. For hours, I used to come home and watch television. But with responsibilities, doing what I wanted to do changed to doing what is necessary to better my future. I consider college life after high school and I have already applied for scholarships and internships to further my skills.

Responsibility and maturity goes hand and hand. Time passed and my seed grew roots. The root of my flower is maturity. By me having responsibilities, it helped me mature and sprouted my growth. One sign that lead to my maturity was the transition of friends. I have moved on eliminating my childhood friends. Some have moved on with me and others couldn’t seem to let go their innocent laughter and fun games. Now more rope- playing, catch a girl freak a girl, or red light- green light. Since didn’t share the same goals and interest like college, education, work, and family; I stopped associating myself with them. For example, In the poem “Marigolds” the character Lizabeth was confused about who she wanted to hang with younger or older children due to her maturity and self- control developing. She thought it would be stupid to throw the rocks in the garden, but since she was challenged she threw the rocks in the garden to impress the younger kids. In the poem she says, “The child in me said it was fun, but the woman… flinched a malicious attack”.


Now my flower is blooming! The stem and leaf is my consciousness. I try to be aware of my behavior and surroundings. When not in my mother’s presence, I can still maintain self- control and carry my-self with respect and grace. Where- ever I travel, I hear my mother’s voice saying, “ Do what you know to be right. Be yourself.” Also with maturity, I began to realize my blessings and appreciate them. Simple things I didn’t pay attention to I now am thankful for. For an example, I thank my mom for cooking great hot meals. Everyone’s parents don’t cook because after coming in from work their exhausted, but every night I could count days smelling a hot meal waiting to be devoured. I have stopped letting my id control me. I am not selfish anymore, since I noticed how others sacrificed for me. Reminiscing these images prevent me from being self- centered. Now I think of others before myself. I look at situations in different view or perspective. I worry about other people’s feelings than saying what I feel all the time. Lastly, I take interest in the economy. I have never in some many years watched the news not just to see the weather but also to have knowledge about the world around me.

So there are many reasons I think my life is in the summer because my flower is budding, blooming, and live. I have the necessary parts a flower needs including the root, which is the foundation of the structure, the seed that started the growth, and the stem and leaves. The seed my mother planted in the soil is my responsibility. My mother giving me responsibility allowed me to spread my wings to maturity. If my mother would’ve never gave me my own keys, I most likely would have never traveled alone which means I probably wouldn’t be used to making good decisions for myself because I’d be depending on my mother to make them for me. My seed matured the more I was allowed to do things unsupervised the more I made great decisions. I stopped playing games and surrounding myself with friends who no longer shared the same goals or positivity in their lives as I. My root made me become conscious of the things I did and appreciate the small things in life with thanks. With my stem and leave sprouting I grew new interest in topics I thought didn’t matter. I gave up selfish baby ways to care for others. Time allowed my flower to grow and change. Now that I’m responsible, mature, and conscious, I’m the flower in the summer that attracts all the bees.