Facts don’t lie: Unmasking library book concerns
EDITOR:
I want to address the concerns raised in Sandy Malcolm’s letter to the editor from last week’s paper.
It is exhausting that these issues won’t go away, and instead we could focus on the land buy the county just approved for a school expansion, or the countless other issues and concerns happening in our community. But I believe it is crucial to clear up any misconceptions and shed light on the facts.
Firstly, let me reiterate that there is no pornography at our public libraries. Anderson County Sheriff Barker’s thorough investigation confirms this, and no book flagged by the group of book banners violates any obscenity standard under Tennessee law. It’s important to differentiate between what is legally obscene and what simply doesn’t align with our personal preferences.
Regarding the “Research Facts” presented in last week’s letter, I believe it’s essential for all readers to approach the broad statements listed with skepticism, especially when they lack proper citations and are based on personal opinions.
Sandy mentioned the quotes were from reputed sources such as The American Colleges of Pediatrics, Harvard, and the Mayo Clinic. However, upon closer examination, it’s clear that these were merely opinionated statements rather than factual findings from the credible sources that were listed.
I understand that the issue raised by this group appears to be about “protecting children.” However, I must express my concern about the closing quotation used. Sandy quoting “Gays Against Groomers” reveals a far-right anti-LGBT narrative, using child protection as a pretext for their biased agenda. We should be cautious not to let our emotions be exploited by discriminatory agendas.
Our public libraries are valuable resources for our community, offering access to a diverse range of books.
While not everyone may agree with every title on their shelves, the libraries serve the collective “us” rather than individual preferences. There is already a robust process in place to address concerns about specific titles, ensuring there is a fair evaluation of titles that members in the community might think cross a line.
It’s important to recognize that human development, including psychological and sexual aspects, is a complex journey. Research indicates that individuals begin developing a sense of gender identity as early as age 2 or 3, with sexual preferences becoming more apparent by 9 or 10. Sexual orientation is not something a book can dictate; it is an intrinsic part of who someone is.
That’s one of the reasons why I believe it’s essential to retain these books in our library as resources for parents with children discovering their identities.
Such books can serve as valuable tools to help children understand themselves better and even guide parents in their journeys raising their children.
Sandy and the book banners rely on booklooks.org as their source for determining whether certain books should be removed from our county libraries.
However, a closer look at the website reveals that it explicitly states: “Any book … would still be available in public libraries or in stores for interested students to procure with parental consent.”
Even their source does not advocate for book banning, and emphasizes parental guidance when it comes to access.
To parents and grandparents, I hope you don’t read this and think I’m trying to dismiss any legitimate concerns you may have. It is natural to worry about children’s well-being and to want to protect them from harm. However, I urge you not to get swept up in the winds of opinion. It is ultimately every parent’s responsibility to monitor their own children’s access to media, whether it’s the internet, movies, or books.
To members of the LGBTQ+ community and those questioning their identity, I want to express my unwavering support. The current climate can be intimidating, but know that the vast majority of people stand with you. You are loved, and you have the right to be who you are without fear or prejudice.
We have to recognize that none of the books in question meet the criteria for obscenity.
As a nation, we hold fundamental the principles that safeguard diverse opinions, and we must acknowledge and respect the varying perspectives surrounding these books.
Embracing the fact that we can hold different opinions on this matter allows us to move forward with a deeper understanding of the purpose our libraries serve – to cater to the needs of our diverse community.
Chase Lindsey
Oak Ridge