Anti-Christian Charges Prompt Review of Part-Time Indian
PrintThe Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian was yanked from the library shelves and required reading list of the Dade County (Ga.) High School because of complaints from parents about what they deemed vulgarity, racism, and anti-Christian content.
Students had been required to read Sherman Alexie’s young adult novel about a teen growing up on an Indian reservation, but the numerous complaints prompted Superintendent Shawn Tobin to remove the book until it could be reviewed by a media center committee, the Chattanooga (Tenn.) Times Free Press reported November 13.
“Some people thought it was the greatest book ever, and some people thought it was the most perverted book ever,” noted Tobin. He said most of the complaints centered on profanity, as well as a depiction of Jesus Christ breaking wind.
“It was just disgusting,” Trenton resident Mechele Berry said in the November 9 Dade County Sentinel about the book’s content. “You know, perversion.” Berry told the Sentinel she immediately called high-school principal Josh Ingle to voice her concern, but “apparently I wasn’t the only parent, because by the time that I had gotten to Mr. Ingle, they had already pulled it.”
The National Book Award–winning novel ranked second on the American Library Association’s list of the 10 most frequently challenged books of 2010.
When the book was banned in Stockton, Missouri, in 2010, Pat Scales, chair of ALA’s Intellectual Freedom Committee, told the Cedar County (Mo.) Republican the book was “fabulous” because it offers a window into the tough life on the reservation.
“Yes, it’s raw in places, but it’s raw because the life was. We have our heads in the sand if we don’t realize there are people who have to live this way,” Scales said. “Every book we read is not going to reflect our own value systems.”
In a November 20 editorial, the Rome (Ga.) News-Tribune observed that, “largely cut off from the rest of Georgia by Lookout Mountain, Dade has always been something of a land apart, which can be both one of its charms … and handicaps.”
“Yet on this side of Lookout Mountain,” the editorial continued, “some might recall, about three years ago the very same Alexie book was the community selection for the One Book Many Voices reading initiative in Greater Rome. Youngsters were encouraged to read it, write essays about it, discuss it; the award-winning author visited and signed copies plus spoke at Pepperell High. That’s both evidence of progress, especially in somewhat cosmopolitan Rome, and the continuing need for more progress in some insular locations cut off from reality.”
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Comments
Revere, don't Forbid!
The accusations that this book is not appropriate for students are based on properties of it taken far out of context. When you consider the book as a whole, it is obvious that its positive elements far outweigh the negatives. As far as the sexual references, the mention of masturbation early in its pages is the only blatant announcement found in the whole book. Compared to the dozens of significant life lessons the story contains, this subject is of very little prevalence. Racism is another main reason for the banning of this book, however it is a principal issue in this world that cannot be ignored. Especially for young people, accepting this issue and learning about the absurdity of it is very important. When parents or school boards are listening to why this book should be banned and they hear lines such as the joke Roger makes on page 64 out of context, it creates a wrong impression. Even on this same page is evidence that Alexie does not support this. Through the entire book we see Roger develop into an amazing friend to Junior. If a child were to stop reading after that part, he would have the wrong idea of what Alexie is doing by using this line. After reading further and analyzing the content of the book, the message that is ultimately sent about racism is extremely powerful, and does not support the behavior whatsoever. In addition to this lesson about racism, Alexie provides readers with a great deal of other advice. When Junior attends Reardan, despite all of the difficulties, he pushes on. “I have to prove that I will never give up,” he says. “I’m never going to surrender to anybody. Never, ever, ever” (186). Junior’s perseverance is utterly inspiring, and we see examples of it at the turn of every page. What’s more, this inspiration to persevere is only one of many such lessons Alexie demonstrates in this book. He weaves deep advice and essential messages about life into every single page. In addition to being humorous and relatable for children, students who read this come away with new insights into many ideas, from alcoholism and death, to hope, dreams, friendship and love.
Ban "Part-Time" in high schools and lower!
Is hearing different than seeing? No, it is not. you could hear the word “Shit” and see it too but no matter how your come across it, your brain processes it the same. If this is so, then how come books are not given that little “parental advisory” box at the low right corner of the front page? Yes, the book follows some serious and harsh life experiences but the extremity doesn’t need to apply to how it is described. Children today know as many swear words as another kid the same age. For some reason, children know approximately 30 swear words before they entire school. This is because the lack of intolerance for profanity at homes which has dropped to 75% and the fact that most swear words are learned at home from parents. This means that verbal expression of profanity is a big reason why intolerance of foul language is dying. If that is so, then books should be censored just like media is. In protection of the children’s morality, discipline and censorship should be a top priority.
Double Standards
You are joking right? While we are at it lets just burn all the books, ban music, tv, movies, video games, and the internet because apparently they are corrupting the youth too. You people are retarded. I was born in 1990. there were no family friendly pop stars when i started listening to music and the only children’s book series were Curious George and the Dr. Seuss books. These kids are lucky to have literature like this. Media is an outlet for emotion and it will continue to change like this, if you don’t like it then we will not bother you while you watch the bible channel, so you can just calm down. On the topic of censorship, why don’t we censor Shakespeare? You know the poet who liked to rape little boys? He wrote plenty of profanity, just not in our standard context. Double Standards. Maybe you should just be a real parent and raise your child to know that his language is for the sake of art and it isn’t something they should be saying.
Do not censor this book!
This book is informative and deals with very mature topics. While not all children should read this book at a young age, seventh graders and older are able to handle the topics in this book. The topics of sexuality, alcohol, and race are all issues that young adults are aware of. There is so muh profanity in the media and internet today, it could be sending a bad message to young adults if it is censored in books. Now a days children do not always reach for a book in their free-time, and it is no secret that many enjoy what is being shown in the media. So why take out what they like in books? Reading helps develop english skills and improves the minds of young adults. The book does not condone drinking, in fact it denounces it and describes the negative effects that it has on characters in the book. Junior openly talks about his sexuality and it is something that becomes more prevalent as kids grow older. Junior also confronts the stereotypes behind being Native American. While they are stereotypes, it is written from the perspective of a teen age boy who has a lot of animosity towards his living situation. This book does promote friendship, responsibility, and self respect. It has a progressive approach to literature and should not be censored from America’s youth.
Keep This Book In Schools!!!
I loved reading this book because it was so sincere and easy to relate to. Because the story was narrated by a high school student close to my age, I was able to understand the emotional experience of self discovery and finding your place in high school. Putting a face to problems that we all have heard of, like alcoholism, bulling, poverty, and racism, made these problems seem more real-like and not just another statistic. The book also opened my eyes to the struggles that Native Americans have faced and still face today. Not having read this book I would have not have known that this was an issue in society that desperately needs to be addressed. In fact, some students don’t even know that Native American reservations still exist, let alone the problems the people there are facing. Banning this book will continue to keep this issue hidden from the general population. The book doesn’t deserve to be banned just because of a few moments of crude humor and language. The controversial material in the book is outweighed by the overall effect the book has of teaching students in a way they can relate to and understand.
THIS BOOK SHOULD NOT BE BANNED
Even though this novel has extreme profanity and vulgar language, it is nothing new to a high school student such as myself. Sherman Alexie’s main purpose in writing this novel is to depict a teenager’s reality growing up on a reservation. It is important that children know and understand other peoples’ backgrounds so that when they encounter others, they will know how to approach the situation and not be closed minded or uneducated. If the language in this book was to be written in less offensive language, readers would not believe Arnold as a person. One of the essential messages in this novel is to show teenagers that despite the hard times and poor family life, if one wants to create their own future, they can. Arnold shows determination and perseverance throughout the book which gives other the mindset that they could do the same. I agree that The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian should be allowed to be read and analyzed in a school setting and not be banned.
The Absolutely True Diary of
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian is an educational book that teaches students about the struggles that a young Indian boy faces growing up on a Reservation and his struggles as he travels outside the reservation for school and therefore, should not be banned from schools. Although some disagree and believe that the book should be banned for its profanity, discussion of sexual topics and discussion of alcohol; all of these topics are discussed every day by students in schools. The world is a place where these topics are a part of everyday life and therefore discussing them in an educational setting helps students have an open discussion about such topics. Many parents disagree as when they were in high school, such topics were rarely discussed. However, the world has evolved and with it, teenagers are talking about such subjects much younger than when their parents were exposed to it. After reading the book, I told my parents about the book and it caused an open discussion in our family. Although not all children will discuss the book with their parents, for the one’s that do it creates a jumping off point to have deeper discussions. Even for students who do not discuss such issues with their parents, having a discussion in school about the book will aide them in later life as they will be educated on the effects of racism, eating disorders and alcoholism.
This was overall a good read
This was overall a good read and I think it is an insult to the students themselves to have this book pulled. It approaches a view differently but more realistically than some would like. With this “perversion” quality as described by others, it just seems unreasonable. This ends up being an insult to students because the students should be able to take meaning out of darker themes and understand its purpose. This book itself was targeted toward middle school students and in all honesty does not have that much inappropriate content. Lastly, for these “anti-Christian themes”, that’s quite a silly excuse not to read a book. It doesn’t heavily offend Christianity other than the “Jesus breaking wind” comic to express his anger toward God’s ignorance to himself and his people and the negative view toward white people. However, it is all in good reason and expresses history and understanding ignorance that previous generations might have not understood.
I can definitely understand
I can definitely understand why some people want this book to be banned, but I don’t think it deserves to be banned. Some parents are way too protective of their children and don’t want to admit to the fact that their high school children probably know what masturbation is. Children also need to grow up at some point and learn all of the sad, depressing truths of reality. Another great point in this book though is that it teaches life lessons to young readers, one example is the consumption of alcohol in the book. After reading this book and realizing the sad truth of what alcohol can do young readers will be more likely to think before performing actions that could hurt others.
The Absolutely True Diary of
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian was probably one of the best books I’ve read. This book should not be censored or banned. If that was the case then why not ban our history books? People tend to shelter themselves and ignore reality as much as they could. Before reading this book, I did not know about Indian reservations. Living in the east coast, I don’t really come across Native Americans. This book definitely opened my eyes to the harsh realities of Native Americans living in “Indian Reservations”. This book does not sugar coat anything and that is what scared people the most. A lot of us are afraid of reality. I have learned a lot of thing I would have never learned if it wasn’t for this book.
I think that this book should
I think that this book should not be banned. The reality is that if teens and young adults aren’t exposed to the content that is in this book then they will never know what actually happens in the real world. If they don’t learn about the problems that alcoholism can lead too then how will they know not to drink a lot and become an alcoholic. This book is a story but it teaches lessons at the same time.
Challenge to Part-Time Indian
All the challenges to this book only serve to bring even more attention to it. Hopefully, more and more teens and adults read it as a result. This one of the of the best books I read last year. Then it made its way through my extended family. Thank you Mr. Alexie for a powerful yet funny read.
N Harty
http://bookmenus.blogspot.com/2011/03/absolutely-true-diary-of-part-time…
Insulting to readers to pull
I know I could not handle reading cuss words and farts at age 16 between saying cuss words and passing gas. It is much more appropriate to leave that kind of reading material till one turns 18 and they are magically able to handle such themes.
Although I cannot find the selection policy for this particular library online, I would find it hard to believe it would not contain the policy to select materials for recreational/educational reading and presenting a broad range of viewpoints and characters. In addition, this book has numerous positive reviews and critical praise both in and out of the library world. It is written for the age group being discussed.
If all these reasons do not constitute reason to have it in a high school library I really do not know what does. But even if we were to say it somehow deserves to be pulled from shelves, what book would be recommended to replace it and show life on a reservation in such an engaging, honest manner? Pull books such as this is an insult to the very readers pulling such materials is meant to protect.
To make sure I cite some sources:
NYT Review: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/11/books/review/Barcott3-t.html
National Book Award: http://www.nationalbook.org/nba2007.html
I couldn’t agree more with
I couldn’t agree more with your point. This book has provided such eye-opening and realistic events from the perspective of a 14 year old boy. Being a teenage boy reading this for an English class, I found myself relating to many of the themes and topics that Sherman Alexie brought up. I agree that it is insulting to ban the book because it is saying that most teenagers will not be able to handle the mature topics that are frequently mentioned throughout the book. This book shouldn’t be banned because it teaches pre-teens and teenagers very important lessons.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
What planet are these people living on that they don’t get the reality of circumstance others live—moment by moment—imposed mainly and merely by these very same preciously—and perhaps, clueless, ones? How dare a writer—a non-white male, at that— impose a different and challenging reality upon their collective psyche or that of their child? Jesus H. Christ, get a life; or better still, read, learn, and grow.
Look at the School's Materials Selection Policy and Pico Case
Simply look at the schools’ materials selection policy. If the book meets or exceeds the policy, the book stays. If it does not meet it, “get it out of there,” as long-time ALA leader Judith Krug has said. http://safelibraries.blogspot.com/2011/09/marking-25-years-of-banned-boo…
The question of reviewing the material selection policy is a valid one, but use should be made of the policy in place when the challenge was brought. Perhaps schools may wish to reconsider their own policies before a challenge occurs. The one in Republic, MO, that matches selection policy to the school’s behavioral policy may be of interest
Also relevant would be Board of Education v. Pico. If the book is pervasively vulgar and/or educational unsuitable, the book may be removed forthwith, likely no matter what the material selection policy says. http://laws.findlaw.com/us/457/853.html
Safelibraries
Safelibraries, hmm? Please keep my libraries safe from the likes of you, Dan.
Free libraries, where each individual decides for him or herself what to read, is what democracy demands. Let a parent decide for his/her own children, not for everyone else’s please. My teen children, my husband, and I have all read ATDOAPTI. Brilliant, thought-provoking, hysterical, and heart-breaking stuff. We’re all better people for the experience which, I believe, is the hallmark of great literature. It changes you. It opens your mind and your heart to another’s experience. Couldn’t care less about cuss words and fart jokes.
Judith Krug: "Get It Out of There"
Is there anything I said objectionable or incorrect in any way? Specify.
“Free libraries, where each individual decides for him or herself what to read, is what democracy demands.” Mostly correct, for public libraries. But this case is about a school library. In schools libraries, it is not “everyone decides for himself.” Even the ALA leader who created so-called “Banned Books Week” recognized there are times when a school can eject a book, as I already linked in my first comment. And I am 100% certain that “everyone decides for himself” does not mean Board of Education v. Pico has no effect because instead people get to decide for themselves.
So, instead of using invective about me, try to stick to the issues. The issue here is that a school is legally allowed to review a book for policy compliance, and even the ALA suggests book removal in the right circumstances. Certainly that school community in question is entitled to be aware of what I just said and to act thereunder. I made no statements otherwise, but your “anything goes” attitude goes against the weight of the law and the ALA statement that if a book violates policy, “get it out of there.”
And let me add that most people oppose explicit books in public schools: http://tinyurl.com/MostOpposeExplicitBooks Yes, you “[c]ouldn’t care less about cuss words and fart jokes,” but you do not get to make that decision for that school district, fortunately.
Your “anything goes” statement has the effect of misleading that school community to think the book may not be removed for any reason. So I provide information and reliable sources and you provide bullying. “Please keep my libraries safe from the likes of you, Dan” looks like psychological projection in light of what I just said. Don’t people like you ever get concerned about being so mean spirited so publicly? I have reason to believe you are related to the director of major university library system. That makes your comments even worse.
Reply to comment by Dan Kleinman in re "Get it out of there"
I am somewhat confused by your repeated use of the phrase “anything goes” in quotation marks. There was nothing in the post you are responding to that would imply the poster thinks “anything goes,” and certainly the poster never used that phrase. So what are you quoting? I certainly saw no bullying there, either.
I’m further confused about your comment about a relationship with the director of a major university library system. What would that have to do with anything? Are relatives of library directors not allowed to voice opinions?
For the record, it’s a fabulous book that thousands of teens and their parents have already enjoyed and benefited from. Hopefully the students at this particular school will be able to get a copy at their public library. Are school libraries different from the rest of US society in the matter of freedom to choose reading material? It does seem to me that some parents here are trying to decide for ALL parents at the school.
Wonderful Book
Thank you, Martha. This is one of my all-time favorite books and I look forward to reading it with my son when he’s older (16 mo. now). It’s offensive to me that books that show less-than-ideal-but-real living situations are withheld from children who will never experience such a life. How do we inspire compassion in our children without opening their eyes to the ugly truths of life? By all means, review it to make sure it meets the school’s curriculum policy (I would have hoped that would have been done when it was originally selected), but don’t fudge the policy if it doesn’t go your way.
I don’t exactly remember that part in the book, but as Christians we believe Jesus was 100% devine and 100% human. Anyone who is 100% human passes gas.
oops
Please read that “divine”
Mary B. Thank you for that
Mary B.
Thank you for that comment—an issue that also occurred to me. For a Christian to be offended by the comment that Christ “broke wind” is essentially blasphemy, since it denies His humanity.
What gets lost in the focus on tiny details is that Part-time Indian is a wonderful book—one that I would have loved to have read when I was in high school.
For a happier outcome, read how the Richland, WA school board reversed their decision to remove Alexie’s book after the board members ACTUALLY READ THE BOOK.
http://tinyurl.com/6447yc7
In the article, the Board president, a Mr. Rick Donahoe, admits he only read the book two days after the original board meeting and found it to be “outstanding”
“In the future, he will read every book he will vote on, Donahoe said.”
From the same article, a 10th grade teacher whose class included mostly “kids from tough backgrounds,” asked a Native American youth in her class to review the book before she gave it to the whole class.
“He read it five times,” Maldonado said. “It changed his life. It made him understand his heritage and his issues with his father.”
“The book taught the children in her class that they can get out of the tough situations they were in, she said.”
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What the above comments prove to me as that it is usually the books of greatest potential value to youth that are challenged.