A new report, "Demographics of Book Bans" by the EveryLibrary Institute, provides an analysis of the demographic characteristics and political attitudes in communities experiencing book bans and challenges in the United States. The report uses demographic data about towns, cities, counties, and school districts to identify patterns and understand the implications of these activities. The report shows that efforts to ban books and censor content in school libraries and public libraries are predominantly found in more privileged areas – white, wealthy, educated, and employed – and driven by fear of societal changes and loss of traditional privileges. The increase in book bans is seen as a concerning trend threatening the democratic values of freedom of expression and access to information.
The "Demographics of Book Bans" report highlights several findings about the demographic characteristics of book ban communities, including the prevalence of higher education levels in predominantly white areas, higher income and homeownership rates, and higher employment rates. The data indicate that book bans happen in both Republican and Democrat-leaning areas but are predominantly in Republican areas.
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Methodologically, the report combined data on book bans with demographic information from several national databases, analyzing patterns and trends and correlating them with scholarly research. The report uses the terms "ban" and "challenge" interchangeably, considering any restriction or attempt to restrict access to books as a form of censorship.
Case studies presented in the report include Florida, Texas, Missouri, and Utah, highlighting specific instances of book banning, the motivations behind these actions, and their societal implications. The study emphasizes the influence of parental and political groups in these efforts, driven by concerns over diversity, sex education, and perceived threats to traditional values. The report also provides comparative insights into the United States' position alongside countries with authoritarian regimes.
Book banning in schools and public libraries has far-reaching implications, affecting education, librarianship, and the broader social fabric. It contributes to a "whitewashing" of education, an empathy gap, and a potential increase in racism and hate crimes. It also poses a threat to the professional integrity and sustainability of librarianship.
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