Why is it banned
- Graphic depiction of violence, Rape, Language, Sexuality of the relationship between Shug and Celie, Racism, Man’s relationship with God, African history
Quotes
- Sophia, a character who has been appraised in the book for her kindness, strength, and independence, is described here with wounds and a horrible description of her condition. Was it really necessary to go into detail, and make it so depressing? Many say it’s completely unnecessary to be described so brutally.
- It’s horrible to hear about children being abused this way. Even though there wasn’t much description, the mere notion is cruel and violent as well as depressing, because it’s the main character, whom we emphasize most with, that’s being abused.
- Not only is this a very detailed sexual scene, it is also between two women. This is probably beyond some peoples’ comfort levels, even if it weren’t about Lesbians. There are many who don’t want them or their children exposed to the idea that two women, who are portrayed as heroes, to sleep together.
- If an African American were to read this, they might feel offended, because it’s demeaning to their ancestors. It might also be controversial that Whites considered themselves superior, a notion that many don’t want others exposed to for fear that they might think that that’s the way to act.
- Shug's belief that she is a part of everything and that God is a part of everything and that Church doesn't have that much to do with it
Some believe that proof is enough to ban it everywhere, all over the world, while others believe that its powerful message is more important than the controversial material. Violence, sex, and racism, was and probably still is part of everyday life. To ignore it, or to only mention it lightly, would not have the powerful effect on readers that make them connect with the story and characters. This book is also historical fiction, and if Alice Walker had not conveyed a sense of what life was like for poor African Americans in that time period, then I do not believe The Color Purple would be as interesting a book. This does not mean that children should read the book, but this book is not just a random collection of inappropriate or controversial things as some people make it out to be. Men and women who are looking for controversy will find it- but if they believe this book is pointless and obscene, then they have missed the beauty of the novel.
It has already been stated that Alice Walker was a feminist and active in the civil rights movement, fighting against racism, which later on became one of the reasons her masterpiece was banned. The Color Purple tells us the injustices of an older America, while at the same time, spinning a story of individual people who endured them. It was as though they were on a ship at sea, having to steer through the many storms to enjoy a few moments of warm sunshine. In my opinion, anyone mature enough to handle this book should read it, and it should be available to them through schools and libraries.
