by Azeemah Sadiq, age 16
In today’s rapidly changing world, the freedom to educate ourselves is more important than ever. It shapes our ability to understand, empathize, and connect with the diverse array of human experiences. As a Nigerian Muslim girl, representation in literature is deeply personal to me. Recognizing characters and stories that reflect my experiences and struggles is not only affirming but essential for my sense of identity and belonging.
Growing up, I often felt invisible in the stories I read. Mainstream literature sporadically portrayed characters who resembled me, shared my cultural background, or even practiced my religion. This absence was more than a mere oversight; it created a void that suggested that my experiences were not worthy of storytelling. The moment I finally encountered books that featured characters of diverse cultures, religions, and identities, it was like a revelation. These stories did more than entertain me; they validated my existence and helped me see my place in the world.
Representation in literature matters profoundly. It goes beyond seeing someone’s reflection in the pages of a book. It is about acknowledging that our stories, struggles, and triumphs are part of the human experience. When literature includes diverse perspectives, it fosters a more inclusive environment by dismantling stereotypes, dissipating misconceptions, and promoting comprehension. Some argue that certain books should be banned because they contain content that is deemed inappropriate or controversial. They believe that shielding young readers from these topics is a form of protection. Conversely, I argue that shielding us from such narratives does not protect us; it leaves us unprepared for the harsh realities of the world.
Books are extremely powerful tools for education. They extend beyond facts and figures, engaging us in the cultivation of critical thinking, empathy, and a deeper understanding of our complicated world. Through literature, we are able to immerse myself into someone else’s experiences and discern the world through their eyes. This ability to connect with others, to understand their perspectives and emotions, is crucial in the development of adolescents and a more inclusive society. Reading stories about people from different backgrounds allows us to learn about their tribulations and triumphs, as well as their fears and dreams. This pivotal knowledge fosters empathy and eliminates the barriers that divide us.
Moreover, diverse literature inspires us to challenge the status quo and advocate for change. Witnessing characters confronting injustice inclines me to stand up for my own beliefs and overcome adversity— I become inspired to do the same in my own life. These stories empower me to believe that I too can make a difference, that my voice does matter. The freedom to read is a fundamental principle of democracy. It allows us to access a plethora of knowledge and perspectives. When books are banned or censored, it is not just an attack on the freedom of expression; it is an attack on our ability to think critically and independently. It undermines the very foundations of our democratic society. Currently, there is a troubling rise in attempts to ban books, particularly those that discuss race, gender, sexuality, and other aspects of identity. These efforts often come under the appearance of protecting teens, but they are fundamentally about control—about deciding which stories are told and which are silenced. This censorship denies us the opportunity to perceive ourselves in literature, to learn about others, and to develop the critical thinking skills we need to navigate the world. It is imperative that we resist the efforts to limit our ability and freedom to read. We must protect diverse literature and ensure that all voices are heard. This is not just about defending books; it is about defending our right to learn, grow, and understand the world around us. It is about affirming that every story matters, that every voice deserves to be heard.
Save the Books is a teen-led project run by Austin Public Library and funded by the Library Foundation with the goal of increasing student discussion of intellectual freedoms and amplifying student voices. This year we ran our first annual Op-Ed contest that invited students between the ages of 14 and 18 to submit an entry about “What the Freedom to Read Means to Me.” Our winner was Azeemah Sadiq from Houston, TX, who entered the contest because she “felt compelled to share my perspective on the issue of book banning and censorship. It’s deeply troubling that diverse and marginalized voices are being silenced, and I wanted to highlight the harmful impact this has on us young readers.”
Thank you so much to all the participants, judges, and wonderful Save the Books members who made this contest possible! If you would like to learn more about Save the Books and the organizations that support it, please go to https://sites.google.com/austinlibrary.org/savethebooks/
Find out more about the Save the Books Project on their website, and join the teen leaders for a celebration of their work, including a reading of these winning essays, on September 28 at 3:30 PM. Full event details can be found here.
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