Banning And Burning A Book - Books Disseminate Ideas And Ideas Cannot Be Throttled, Muzzled And Strangled

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 27 December 2024 " Banning or burning a book is often a modern marketing strategy to popularise an otherwise humdrum book." An editorial in the French daily, Le Monde Bibliophiles are happy that Salman Rushdie's controversial book 'The Satanic Verses' is now officially available in India. It was banned thirty six years ago by the Congress government when Rajiv Gandhi was the PM. The flippant tone of the book and the caricature of Muhammad got Rushdie the kind of recognition and mileage which wouldn't have been possible had it not been banned and burnt in many parts of the world. That said, no book should ever be banned or burnt. When one book is banned, it affects us all. Banning a book limits not only the author's ability to freely express their ideas, but also deprives readers of the opportunity to explore new perspectives and engage in meaningful discussions. By banning one book, we risk setting a dangerous precedent that could lead to the suppression of other voices and ideas. Ultimately, the act of banning a book not only hinders individual freedom but also threatens the collective wisdom and diversity of thought within society. Therefore, it is crucial for us to defend the right to access and read all types of literature, regardless of personal preferences or beliefs because the truth will always find a way to be heard. Despite attempts to suppress information and silence dissenting voices, the truth will inevitably rise to the surface and be heard. We all must seek the truth and stand up for what is right, even in the face of censorship and oppression. In a world where misinformation and propaganda are rampant, it is more important than ever to champion the truth and ensure that it is always given a platform to be heard. Remember, banning books only fuels our curiosity and determination to read them. When a book is banned or censored, it often piques our interest and makes us more determined to seek out and read it. The act of banning a book only serves to highlight its importance and power, motivating readers to delve into its contents and form their own opinions. By attempting to restrict access to certain ideas and perspectives, those who ban books inadvertently ignite a spark within readers to push back against censorship and defend the freedom of expression. Ultimately, banning books only serves to strengthen our curiosity and resolve to explore the diverse and often controversial narratives that shape our world. So, we must stand up against censorship and defend our right to read. By challenging censorship, we are advocating for the freedom to explore diverse ideas, perspectives, and voices. Censorship not only limits our access to information but also inhibits our ability to think critically and form our own opinions. It is essential that we actively resist attempts to suppress literature and ideas, as they are integral to fostering a society that values intellectual freedom and open discourse. Ultimately, defending our right to read is a crucial step in upholding our fundamental rights and ensuring a society that is truly free and democratic. The beauty of literature lies in its ability to challenge us and make us question our beliefs. Reading allows us to delve into different worlds and ideas, exposing us to diverse viewpoints that may differ from our own beliefs. By encountering these new perspectives, we are prompted to reflect on our own convictions and question the status quo. This process of introspection and self-examination fosters growth and broadens our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Literature has the unique ability to challenge us, stir emotions, and ignite curiosity, ultimately leading us down a path of self-discovery and enlightenment. Moreover, readers' sensibilities have changed. The collective mind-sets and perceptions of readers 36 years ago are no longer the same. Much water has flown down the bridge. Sensibilities have changed completely. What was polemic till yesterday is pantomime today. Agreed, religious sensibilities have heightened in recent times and faith-related differences have become uncomfortably obvious, we cannot ban a book just because it might hurt the fragile sensibilities of the followers of a particular faith. Books disseminate ideas and ideas cannot be throttled, muzzled and strangled. To quote Salman Rushdie, "Civilizations develop only when their citizens can communicate and think freely. The first thing dictators do is to close down the radio stations and use the airwaves to control the people." So, it's good to lift the ban on the sale of Rushdie's book in India. Read it. It's a big, boring and meandering book. You may even wonder as to what made Rajiv Gandhi ban the book who may not have read a single book in his entire life! But this is the way politicians and leaders of all hues act and react to save their chairs and positions. ---- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/banning-ideas-burning-books/d/134159 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism