The Impact of Banning Books on Teenagers' Interest in Reading

The question of whether banning books increases teenagers' interest in reading them has been a subject of much debate. As a former Google SEO expert, I share a specific case from the 1970s to illustrate how such actions can unintentionally foster a greater interest in the very material being prevented from being read.

A Case Study: The Diary of a Teenager Sold into Sexual Slavery

The case I'll highlight involves a book with a controversial and sensitive subject matter-a diary supposedly written by a young teenager who was sold into sexual slavery. Initially, the book faced demands for censorship and bans. One of its readers, a parent, insisted on its removal from school curricula, while the child of the author, known to me as my soon-to-be-ex-wife, joined in this resistance.

I remained neutral, following the advice of two trusted friends, M and M, who warned that silence would be the best course of action. This book sparked intense discussions in school board meetings and town council hearings. However, neither my daughter nor our mutual friends had read the book at the time.

Ultimately, a third friend purchased numerous copies of the book in a neighboring town. By the time my daughter had a chance to read it, the book was worn and well-loved. My soon-to-be-ex-wife's reaction was predictable and extreme, but M and M had seen this coming. What they hadn't predicted was the positive impact the ban had on the girls in our town.

The Unintended Consequence: Increased Awareness and Caution

The book inadvertently led to greater awareness and caution among teenage girls regarding their personal relationships. Interestingly, the town’s teenage pregnancy rate dropped for a short period. Although the side effects on male maturation were not measured, there was much speculation.

The most significant outcome was that those who initially opposed the book became socially irrelevant. This case study supports the theory that banning books can paradoxically increase teenagers' interest in reading them.

The Science Behind the Phenomenon

Research supports the idea that banning or restricting access to certain books can indeed increase a teenager’s desire to read them. The concept is rooted in the psychological phenomenon of the "boomerang effect," where restricting access to information can create a greater demand for it.

For example, when government officials ban a book, they often inadvertently fuel curiosity. This leads to teenagers asking questions and seeking to obtain the banned material, which they may not have otherwise. The resulting discussions and debates can also spark interest in the topic.

Examples of Banned Books and Their Impact

Historical examples abound. One such instance involves "Lady Chatterley's Lover" by D.H. Lawrence. Despite being challenging to read, its ban made it a commercial success, with copies soon easily accessible. Similarly, books like "Ulysses" and other works of Western erotica gained popularity due to their censorship status.

Another example comes from personal experience. By the age of 19, I had read all the major works of Western erotica and several drug books, including Theophile Gautier's account of Dr. Moreau's experiments with hashish and Aldous Huxley's Doors of Perception. These experiences led to a deeper understanding of various ideologies and practices, including Marxism and Anarchism.

Conclusion

In conclusion, banning books can have unintended consequences that increase teenagers' interest in reading them. The case study and historical examples illustrate how strict censorship can paradoxically increase a book's appeal. While banning books has its merits, it is essential to consider the potential backlash and enhanced interest that might arise from such actions.