In yet another episode of controversial proposed Texas bills, the state and its lawmakers have advanced a bill that will criminalize teachers who recommend certain old books. One of the books in question is none other than Catcher in the Rye among thousands. Such a proposed mandate has left many scratching their heads, especially those who have read the book.
Texas SB 13, the proposed bill, has already been passed by the Texas Senate. Surprisingly enough, the bill was authored by none other than Sen. Angela Paxton, who also proposed a similar bill that asks sex toy buyers to expose their faces. For SB 13, it aims to give parents more control over schools to determine which books to ban and keep in the libraries.
Teachers will then need to enact the removal of any book deemed by parents to be banned. And presumably any teacher who fails to comply, whether by failing to remove books in the library or continuing to recommend banned books for readings, could be subject to lawsuits. Violations could even result in up to 10 years in prison for librarians.
It just so happens that Catcher in the Rye is one of the many books being targeted for bans (along with more obvious titles such as The Handmaid’s Tale). Apparently, Catcher in the Rye has themes of teenage rebellion, mental health issues, and sexuality discourses that have worried some parents. Some of the bigger authorities in Texas have stood their ground on their stance:
“Texas parents expect their child’s school library to have educational content, not sexual content or woke ideologies meant to indoctrinate our students. These types of books have no place in our schools and must not be tolerated,” argues Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick of Texas, thanks to SA Observer’s transcripts.
Catcher in the Rye Has Been an Education Staple for Decades
For the record, Catcher in the Rye is mostly about the struggles of 16-year-old Holden Caulfield, who was expelled from prep school and wanders through New York after losing his younger brother. He then hopes to become someone who saves the youth from the harsh realities of the adult world.
Ever since author J.D. Salinger had the book published in 1951, it has become a staple in high school and college curricula as it tackles several subject matters about adolescence. As expected, those who have actually read the book are now confused as to why parents and legislators seem to be threatened by its existence in schools.
Some have mocked the Texas bill and legislation’s lack of knowledge or nuance about literature and books, while others have pointed out the double standards for book bans, citing that other books have more violent content.
“What’s next, Harry Potter for promoting witchcraft?” says Redditor My_New_Umpire
“What about the bible? There’s lots of sex, violence, and gore in there” points out Redditor josenros
“Bill written by people who have never actually read a book” according to Redditor nuttierthanafruitcak
“I read that book and have not a single clue what thing in it is controversial,” defends Redditor 02meepmeep
