Let me clarify for those of you who haven't read Speak: it's about rape. A high school girl is raped. Rape, people. Pornography is "designed to stimulate sexual excitement." I am extremely sensitive to depictions of rape. I have turned off movies and put down books that even remotely crossed the line for me. Speak was not one of those. It's not graphic, it is definitely not designed to titillate. It is honest while being respectful. If someone reads that book and is stimulated by it, then they should SEE A THERAPIST.
This might be funny if it weren't so tragic and dangerous. This attitude is precisely what keeps girls silent when they should be speaking up, what makes them afraid of reporting rape, what lets perpetrators get away. Please, please don't confuse the issue. Rape is rape is rape. It is not sex. It is not sexy. It is violence. It is always wrong. Classifying this book as a kind of pornography is so insulting and damaging to survivors of rape. Ee gads. I'm so upset I'm contracting just thinking about it. Deep breaths, Mama.
Been trying to choose a new banned book to read. So, I just looked at the list again, and Mark Twain is jumping out at me. Maybe it's time to read a banned book with all my kids.
ReplyDeleteAmen. Amen. Amen.
ReplyDeleteAnd that banned book list has some amazing ones. I just re-read 1984 (which I read in High School) & oh I loved it even more the second time around.
And have you read Frankenstein. Wow, that book is amazing & written by a woman.
Let us know what you pick!
I'm glad you posted about this. I did too, even though I haven't read Speak. But, it still sickens me.
ReplyDeleteI want to read a banned book too. I think it might be time to go pick up Speak and read it this week. :)
you're such a rebel.
ReplyDeletejust kidding. i guess i didn't even realize there were banned books, but now i want to read one.
That makes me so angry. Crazy angry.
ReplyDeleteWay to Speak Loudly, girlfriend!
ReplyDelete