Turning the page on book banners
4 reasons why book banning efforts threaten long-held American values. Thre suggestions on how to use 'Freedom" to offer Americans a view that book banning is disrespectful of our democratic freedoms.
Book banners benefit from every book challenge, proposed legislative bill, book-banning candidate, and letter to the editor. By understanding the benefits, we can better articulate our values for keeping books, opposing these efforts, and explaining our positions to people who don't read the Des Moines Register series. (Thanks also to Iowa Public Radio for interviewing two of the authors on Friday, June 14th.)
The ‘benefits’ of book banners include: 1) disrupting democracy; 2) undermining public institutions like schools and libraries; 3) increasing cynicism toward all levels of government; and 4) lowering trust in government and public institutions.
Fighting book bans necessitates quickly defending public institutions which can be challenging—I come from a career of working in all three branches of government and at all levels for 50 years. Since similar fights will surface from MAGA movement, we have to articulate common values opposing these current and future efforts. In other words, stop book banners from winning; stop MAGA from reaping any benefits, too.
To help dramatize and list my values on book banning, I propose an acronym for FREEDOM: Fighting Restrictions, Endorsing Education, Defending Open Minds. Three phrases that support open books and libraries (and open minds).
This acronym encapsulates the values of opposing book bans and promoting freedom of information and education. If a reader can come up with something better, go for it.
We still need an alternative to MAGA— I am working on PROGRESS. Promoting Respect. Open-mindedness, Global cooperation, Rational policies, Equity, Social justice Sustainability. This acronym highlights positive values and principles that contrast with the MAGA movement.
FREEDOM and PROGRESS fit in my values as an Iowan. I will leave it up to Raygun to figure out how to fit them on a hat or shirt.
A shout out to Jess Piper for her column "Bandits and Banned Books" for another take on banned Books from Jess's rural perspective. Check out her substack--View from Rural Missouri @JessPiper
Gaya Gayatrinath asked for next steps.
I challenge the large group of 'anti - MAGA types" to search for a overarching message and better acronym. How about in time for the debate, or at least this summer. Progressive groups and public officials concerned over our democracy should recognize current messaging has been a losing proposition, especially in reaching disaffected, disenfranchised, and discouraged populations .
When done right, messaging can reinforce supporters, bring back disaffected, be memorable and even be entertaining -which acronyms often are. See MAGA for proof.
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Hold a contest. In addition to reaching out to party officials and progressive groups, I want a national contest for the best acronyms to be used by us ‘anti MAGA’ types .I would like it to fit on shirts and hats. I want a campaign to make people comfortable and to coalesce on ideas of democracy. I want groups to build upon and improve acronyms of FREEDOM and PROGRESS. If nothing else, those do no fit on hits