Sunday, September 19, 2010

SPEAK (a voice).


SPEAK changed my life. It saved me. After SPEAK I felt as if I could actually breathe...live. I don't support or believe in banning books. NO MATTER WHAT THEY CONTAIN. Because everyone is different. Everyone has different problems. Everyone needs an outlet. Some of these books are a voice for those who don't have one. These books, especially SPEAK, help these teens find themselves, help them know they are not alone.

I know teens who have been raped and abused. I know them personally and their story. I have been hurt in ways no girl should ever be hurt. That's why the discussion that this book is disgusting, pornographic... makes me sick.

Me, these teens, my friends, all of us have been forced to live with a horrific memory, something that will NEVER leave their minds. They deserve an outlet, they deserve for people to see that the world isn't perfect, isn't as heavenly as we would all like it to be.

They DON'T deserve to be censored, to be shut up, and by who? Another human being who is no better than any of us, any of them. Because these children and teens are not aliens. They are NORMAL human beings.

Banning books such as SPEAK only sends the message that these children and teens are not worthy to be heard, to be noticed. That whatever has happened to them should be kept' a secret, that they may never be able to live a healthy life again because if they reveal what happened to them society will shun them, call them disgusting and pornographic.

No. No. No. I'm not going to sit here and say NOTHING. No. We have to be their voice. We have to show everyone that the world and it's people are NOT perfect, but far from. Evil happens. Betrayal happens. Home is sometimes no longer safe, neither is school. This is something that NEEDS to be heard, not ignored. Because I am sick of the people who think the world is a bucket full of sunshine, that what they hear on the news can NEVER really happen.

NEWS FLASH: it can.

Children and teens are abused and neglected every single day. We can't ignore this fact, because if we do we are just as wrong as the ones who are trying to silence their voices, ban the novels that SPEAK out.

Blessings to all of you bloggers who have spoken out, who are helping fight this, who are being a voice.

Strength and love to those who have been hurt beyond reasoning. Please, have faith that you will be able to be happy again, to feel like you can breathe again.

You are not alone. You are understood. You are worthy.

Bloggers, this is my opinion. How do you feel?




"I have survived. I am here. Confused, screwed up, but here. So how can I find my way? Is there a chain saw of the soul? An ax I can take to my memories or fears?"
Laurie Halse Anderson (Speak)

"You have to know what you stand for, not just what you stand against. "
Laurie Halse Anderson (Speak)

*Te read more about this issue click HERE, written by Laurie Halse Anderson herself.*

20 comments:

  1. As a lover of books I abhore and passionately do not support the ban of ANY book. Censoring people's "voices" is wrong, wrong wrong!

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  2. *hugs* You are brave to speak out about yourself and this important book and subject. We must keep on speaking out against stupidity and malicious slurs. I think our voices will ring true and be louder.

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  3. I agree, censoring thoughts is dangerous. I say speak and let speak.

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  4. I cannot believe that in this day and age ANYTHING so amazing as a book, no matter what its voice, could be banned. Isn't this the ultimate slamming of freedom of speech?

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  5. You are so brave!!! I'm truly amazed and inspired by your strength!

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  6. Excellent post! Speak was the first of Anderson's books that I read and I was blown away at how beautifully she handled the subject matter. Have worked with abused and neglected kids I know how important it is to have these well written stories out there.

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  7. Well Said. I can say that this has made not just a splash in the book world it's a tidal wave. Standing for what you believe in is the only way. Awesome post

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  8. Wonderful post! No book should be banned, it's like saying ignorance and keeping your eyes blind to the world is okay, and for me it sooooo isn't. Thanks for the reminder!

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  9. This is the first time I've heard of speak. I'm not in favor of banning any books. People have tried and succeeded over the years, but those people are outnumbered by millions.

    Incidentally, that is an amazing cover!

    Helen

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  10. I'm disturbed by this whole thing. I do not condone the banning of any book, let alone this one. I'd love for my teenage daughter to read it. I just hope she gets the chance. Here's to Speak!!!!

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  11. Fabulous post!! Banning books is ugly and dangerous and selfish.

    I had to pop over because everywhere I go to leave a comment today, there you are! :-)

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  12. Okay so I have never even heard of this book but anything that helps people that have memories they can't escape and pasts that haunt deserve a book like this! :D

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  13. I have enjoyed reading these posts! They are so inspiring!! I do not condone the banning of books, I think this is a powerful story and though someone didn't like it, that's their view, it doesn't mean it should be banned.

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  14. Well said, Victoria. So much heart and passion! I feel inspired by your post. Banning books is so dangerous. Thank goodness for people like you who stand up for what is right.

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  15. Words are not dangerous, no book should be banned. Banning a book only makes it more interesting. When I was a teen, I used the Index librorum prohibitorum as my bookstore shopping list >:)

    Cold As Heaven

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  16. I have added myself to follow your blog. You are more than welcome to visit mine and become a follower also if you care to.
    I have been a follower for some time now.

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  17. I completely agree. I'm honestly surprised we are still banning books. I can understand people going after video games because it's the "new" and scary form of entertainment. Really though, books, still? Oh well, scared people are scared and won't change thoughts/views.

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  18. Hi Victoria,
    You added me as a friend on Goodreads and as a result I have found myself here venturing through your interesting blog. =)
    I find this post really touching and heartfelt.
    I honestly probably wouldn't have known about the book let alone read it had it not been for my college adolescent literature class. I reluctantly took the class since it fulfilled a last-minute requirement. However this feeling quickly dissipated as I was soon exposed to some amazing YA lit that summer, Speak being one of them.
    It was definitely a difficult read considering the subject matter and I have to say I 100% agree with your views, and was unaware there was a ban on it?! (Who would ever dare do this, and most importantly, WHY?!)
    So just passing through to voice my support and send you warm wishes =)

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