Should It Be Banned?

Since its publication in 1951, The Catcher In the Rye, written by J.D. Salinger has served as a conflagration for debate and extreme controversy. Although the novel has been the target of scornful criticism, it has also been the topic of wide discussion. The novel portrays the life of sixteen year old, Holden Caufield currently in psychiatric care. The novel has been accused of cursing, teenage sex, an many other issues. I think The Catcher In The Rye should not be banned for school.

Banning a book from school on the base of cursing is a bad reason. By excluding a novel from a high school curriculum in order to shelter students from cursing, is a horrible attempt. Cursing is found everywhere. Students hear curses on television, on radio, they read them in magazines, and a majority use cursing themselves in casual conversation.

It also should not be banned because the book’s ideas relate to the majority of teenagers throughout the country. Many say because of the book’s curses and teenage sexual relations, that it is a bad influence on many young adults. However, many teenagers have the same feelings as Holden towards many aspects of life.

 The novel, The Catcher In the Rye, should not be banned from the literature courses taught at the high school level. Cursing and teenage sex is the only complains that people had about the book. But most teenagers already use and hear curses. And most high school students already know about sex. It also limits freedom of speech and as well as other forms of expression.  

In conclusion I think that the book The Catcher In The Rye shouldn’t be banned. It continues to be a point of great public and critical debate. Yes, I would think that it should be restricted for people underage. People under 13 should not read this book because they might find it offensive but for people over 13 will like this book a lot.