If you want to control the masses, control what they read. After all, books are seeds that germinate new points of view. As a result, the struggle against banning books is contentious and continual. Learn more about banning books in this classic episode.
AI Summary
In this episode, Josh and Chuck explore the history and practice of book banning in America, explaining how books actually get challenged and removed from libraries, and why it matters for intellectual freedom. They dive into landmark court cases that shaped censorship law, the surprising power Texas wields over national textbooks, and some of the most frequently banned books from *The Catcher in the Rye* to the *Harry Potter* series. Plus, they celebrate Banned Book Week and remind listeners why librarians are basically superheroes fighting to keep information accessible to everyone.
Goosebumps
1995
TV-G
★ 8.0
"R.L. Stein, who is sort of like a Stephen King for kids. Yeah, goosebumps. — Chuck references the Goosebumps series when discussing R.L. Stine's work and censorship challenges."
— Chuck
Pee-wee's Playhouse
1986
★ 7.1
"It'll be like the Pee Wee's secret word of the day. Oh, yeah. Isn't that what it was called? — Josh references Pee-wee's secret word of the day as a comparison to finding a hidden theme."
— Josh
The Nightmare Room
2001
★ 7.8
"I think I actually worked on one of his little TV shows, The Nightmare Room. Oh, yeah? Was it Nightmare Room? — Chuck mentions working on The Nightmare Room, an R.L. Stine TV series, while discussing challenged authors."
— Chuck
The Revisionaries
2012
1h 32m
★ 6.2
"The revisionaries? Yeah. And I think it's up on Netflix streaming right now. — Chuck references the documentary about Texas textbook committee controversy, noting it's available on Netflix."
— Chuck
The Star Chamber
1983
1h 45m
★ 6.0
"And you remember the star chamber starring Michael Douglas? Did you ever watch that? — Chuck references the Michael Douglas film while discussing historical censorship by the real Star Chamber."
— Chuck
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