The worst form of censorship is banning books. The written word—no matter how simple or complex—reflects the thoughts, opinions, ideas and fundamental beliefs of others. 

No one should have the right to put bans on other people’s intellectual property because they disagree with the content or underlying message.

 If you don’t like what the book is about, don’t read it. But do not disrespect the right of someone else to choose if they read it or not. 

On Aug. 31, Judge Pamela Baskervill dismissed a Virginia lawsuit made by two Republican politicians trying to ban the books “Gender Queer” and “A Court of Mist and Fury” from bookstores and public libraries, according to The New York Times. 

The politicians stated the books violated the state’s obscenity law. However, Baskervill said in an order that there were no facts in either of the politicians’ petitions to prove the books were obscene. 

Having a select few determine what information the public consumes could lead to stripping people of personal responsibility, choice and consequences—removing what are supposed to be inalienable rights that are provided by our constitution.

Books have been around for centuries. They are packed with knowledge of our past and teach us various life lessons. 

Reading allows us to escape from reality and help us delve into our own creativity. 

Many books banned around the United States, such as “To Kill a Mockingbird” or “Of Mice and Men,” have historical significance that should not be forgotten. Books like these were deemed sexually explicit or said to contain offensive language and became banned. 

Reading books allows us to understand different points of view that help us to recognize ourselves and to see others more clearly. 

People do not always have someone close to them to express their concerns to.

 When they experience unknown feelings, they are left questioning whether the feeling is normal or if they are different from everyone else. 

Authors who have written about their own similar experiences allow the reader to acknowledge these feelings and understand a missing piece of them. 

Everyone should have the choice on what to read. If we don’t allow people to think for themselves, we will become a skeleton of what our country was built upon and represents.