Canadian author Margaret Atwood, author of the popular dystopian book The Handmaid’s Tale and its sequel, The Testaments, spoke to The Guardian about the banning of her books in some US school libraries.
During the interview, parents in Virginia were asked how they felt about “The Handmaid’s Tale” being unacceptable for allegedly “inspiring children with a dangerous ideology”. “I wasn’t the only one who was seen as unacceptable. Toni Morrison and Stephen King were also banned. Maybe there is too much sex in our books? Then they have to cross out the Bible, too, there is too much sex there,” the 83-year-old writer gave as an example.
Atwood believes the ban stems from the desire of state officials to demonstrate their power. “What century are we living in? This is a show of strength. Governor Glenn Youngkin is outspoken, “We’re in control here, we’re going to make life unbearable for students and librarians.” But they really don’t want their children to be educated and successful because the library and the librarian in it are important factors in the child’s future success,” he shared.
formerly Atwood spoke in defense of assassinated author Salman Rushdie. He noted that Rushdie has always fought for freedom of expression.