In Chapter 3 Rodman discusses controversies of book censorship. I am appalled at each and every act of censorship by the "government or any quasi-governmental agencies such as public schools and libraries" is a terrible infraction against our freedoms. A question raised is why these books are censored. Rodman says that books are banned because of sexual lifestyles, drugs, the occult, suicide, and profane language these are everyday issues people struggle with. Books are a way for people to learn about other cultures and other aspects of life books dealing with the tough issues should be welcomed. For example the book Huckleberry Finn is almost always one of the top banned books because of its use of racial slang. The novel was written using local vernacular and gives the reader a negative portrait of slavery and racism. This example shows the blindness of the censors. A satirical look at the racist culture of the south should not be banned because of factual uses of racial slang.
Another issue discussed by Rodman is the lack of diversity in the news room. The lack of diversity in the newsroom has caused riots and the alienation of minority groups from society. I tend to disagree with Rodman concerning the problem. I believe the problem does not solely lie in lack of minorities physically working in the newsroom. I believe a majority of the blame should be placedon the nature of the business. The goal of modern media is too make money by selling lots of newspapers. This means catering to what is popular at the time. It is in papers best interest to ignore unpopular people and news topics. This phenomenonis perpetuated by media consumers who only wish to read about issues and people they support.
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I'm kind of on the fence (I know, terrible cliche) about censorship for books because I can understand both sides. I can see how books that have explicit content (really explicit content) should be censored because there simply is no place for them in schools. But books that I have read in school before and have been banned from schools like Huckleberry Finn and The Catcher in the Rye are very good quality books that kids should read. I believe they expose kids to sex and race in a constructive way that can truly educate them.
I agree with you that censorship (especially in books) is wrong, but public schools and libraries have to make decisions as to whether or not to purchase or receive books. But how this type censorship works is more of an act of the free market, if a book is seen as immoral or uses "bad" language and euphemisms, people simply won't buy it, it won't be published and only those who want to see it will. Libraries and schools have to make the same decision that all of us when it comes to buying products, even if it is for public use. The free market has the same impact on diversity in the newsroom, because it isn't generally popular enough to be profitable, it doesn't change.
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