Bazoongas Redux
Aha, the press has uncovered the "bazoongas" story. In other words this is the continuing saga of the banning of Nikki Tate's Trouble on Tarragon book.
Edmonton Journal
Saskatoon Star Phoenix
Alas, the press can't resist a few jokes about the topic (nor could I for that matter). But the actual reasons for banning this book are, well, even more ludicrous. Here's what the principal says are the reasons behind the "screening" of the book: "In this case, the book was screened and was found to be not suitable for addition to Elizabeth School's library because of the language used in the bullying scene in question, he said.
"Do you work from the assumption that everything that is published automatically is guaranteed a spot in a school library until it's removed? And then if something doesn't make it on the shelves you call it censorship?" said Parohl."
So it's only censorship after you put it on the shelf then take it off? But if you choose not to put the book on the shelf at all that is just "screening." Ah, I see. This book has been nominated for three awards. And who were the people who put together those lists of nominees? Librarians. How dare they put a books with interesting stories on their awards lists!
This is really a laugh and cry story. I mean what's so offensive about the word "bazoongas"? It's not even a real swear word.
Art
Edmonton Journal
Saskatoon Star Phoenix
Alas, the press can't resist a few jokes about the topic (nor could I for that matter). But the actual reasons for banning this book are, well, even more ludicrous. Here's what the principal says are the reasons behind the "screening" of the book: "In this case, the book was screened and was found to be not suitable for addition to Elizabeth School's library because of the language used in the bullying scene in question, he said.
"Do you work from the assumption that everything that is published automatically is guaranteed a spot in a school library until it's removed? And then if something doesn't make it on the shelves you call it censorship?" said Parohl."
So it's only censorship after you put it on the shelf then take it off? But if you choose not to put the book on the shelf at all that is just "screening." Ah, I see. This book has been nominated for three awards. And who were the people who put together those lists of nominees? Librarians. How dare they put a books with interesting stories on their awards lists!
This is really a laugh and cry story. I mean what's so offensive about the word "bazoongas"? It's not even a real swear word.
Art
posted by Unknown at 2:10 PM
7 Comments:
I somehow doubt that had she used the real word for breasts, the result would have been any different. Perhaps the librarians boobs hang a bit too low, but it seemed like she was equally offended by the word "saggy."
This is ridiculous! If that's the only reason the book was banned I'd say the librarian should spend some time in the playground. There is certainly far worse language out there.
And my novel Whale Song is in many schools, resource centres, tutoring centres across Canada...and I use the word "b*tch" because it is RELEVANT to a bullying scene, which incidentally actually happened and far worse was said!
While I have immense respect for librarians and teachers, I think they need to realize that the world has changed, and even if we don't like those changes, it is far better to address them head-on than to hide from them.
Let the parents of the kids decide what they should read.
Cheryl Kaye Tardif,
author of Whale Song, The River and Divine Intervention
http://www.whalesongbook.com
Hmmmm . . . "bazoongas"?
What was the author thinking? She shouldn't use slang, she should use straightforward words for body parts, like "scrotum."
Oh wait, that gets authors in trouble, too.
That's about as ludicrous as my daycare provider insisting that I stop using the word "butt" and replace it with "bunsies." People just need to grow up and find something more important on which they can focus their energies.
I am sorry if this is off topic, but I wondered if you knew of the plans to close the libraries in Lapeer Michigan if a millage vote for funds doesn't pass. When The Bermudez Triangle was taken from the school library shelves, at least it was still available in the public library nearby. The worst news I heard about the banning of this book because of "bazoongas" was that it doesn't seem to be accessable anywhere else nearby. Yes, amazon.com goes everywhere, but not if you don't have the money to spend. Few of us reading this website could afford to buy every book we wanted to read. Please extend your support for intellectual freedom to support public libraries where that freedom can grow.
http://www.sayyestolibraries.org/
thanks,
hope
That's really sad!
We can't use bazoongas? It's such a fun word, I'm bumfuzzled. BLEEP. Can't use bumfuzzled either? BLEEP. Aw geez. BLEEP. What's the world coming to?
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