A recent article in The Guardian explains that a slang dictionary has been banned in North Carolina. One school district has bowed under pressure from some conservative Christian groups that are using the internet to influence school boards in their fight to have the book banned across the US. A web site called Called to Action mounts "public encouragement campaigns" that line up with its members' philosophy.
Jonathon Green, editor of the Cassell Dictionary of Slang believes that North Carolina is the only place where the book cannot be used in schools.
Four other books were challenged including, "The Chocolate War" (one of the most challenged books) by Robert Cormier, "Junie B Jones and Some Sneaky, Peaky Spying" (WHY?) by Barbara Park, "Reluctantly Alice" (no surprise here) by Phyllis Reynolds and "In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak" (There is a naked cartoon boy in this one.)
As for Mr. Green, he is flattered.
No comments:
Post a Comment