Jimmy Kimmel Criticizes Republican-Led Book Bans on World Book Day

On World Book Day 2023, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel took aim at Republican-led book bans, highlighting classic novels like Huckleberry Finn and To Kill A Mockingbird that have been targeted by progressive activists for their racial content. In a segment on his show, Kimmel accused Republicans of threatening librarians with prison for lending "unapproved" books, calling the actions "appalling, unjust, and contrary to American values."

Kimmel featured a sketch with librarians defending themselves, saying they are "not predators," "not obsessed with sex," and "not devil worshippers," and telling Republicans to "be quiet." The librarians noted that books like Huckleberry Finn and To Kill A Mockingbird are often targeted by progressive activists, despite their historical significance, due to their disturbing language and alleged "white savior complex."

The segment also included an appearance by LeVar Burton, the beloved host of the children's show Reading Rainbow. Burton brought attention to the issue by showing a group of kids a selection of banned children's books and sharing the questionable reasons for their bans, such as Harriet The Spy encouraging spying and Charlotte's Web being disrespectful to God. The kids expressed their own views on why adults might be banning these books, saying they don't want kids to learn and succeed.

Book banning has become a controversial issue, with over 450 books banned in Iowa school districts since the 1980s. Professors at Drake University, a private university, openly discuss book challenges and bans with their students, using challenged books in their curriculum to encourage critical analysis and questioning of the motivations behind the bans. Educators emphasize the importance of academic freedom and the right to read, and work to educate their students on the policies and regulations surrounding book censorship.

The American Library Association has reported a significant increase in attempts to ban or remove books from libraries and schools across the United States, with the top 10 most challenged books of 2023 including works by authors like Mikki Kendall and Rupi Kaur. The ALA and other organizations are working to raise awareness and fight against these censorship efforts, including hosting discussions and events to celebrate the right to read.

Why this matters: The rise in book bans and challenges across the United States has sparked a national debate about censorship, academic freedom, and the role of libraries in providing access to diverse perspectives and ideas. The targeting of classic novels and children's books for their content highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding education and the control of information in society.

Kimmel's criticism comes amid ongoing debates around Critical Race Theory (CRT) in education, with some states introducing bills to ban the teaching of certain racial concepts. Professor Patricia Williams, a Wellesley alum, expressed concerns about the lack of open discussions and the reverting to a society of silence, which she believes reinforces the legacy of racial retribution in the country. Williams also discusse

Key Takeaways

• Jimmy Kimmel criticized Republican-led book bans on World Book Day 2023.
• Librarians defended themselves against accusations of being "predators" and "devil worshippers".
• LeVar Burton highlighted banned children's books and kids' views on censorship.
• Over 450 books banned in Iowa schools since 1980s, sparking debates on censorship.
• Top 10 most challenged books of 2023 include works by Mikki Kendall and Rupi Kaur.