Book censorship is not a new phenomenon, but its resurgence in recent years has sparked significant conversations, especially concerning children’s and young adult literature. This article delves into the rising trend of book bans, drawing insights from a discussion with Aya Khalil, author of The Arabic Quilt and The Great Banned-Books Bake Sale, to explore the complexities of censorship and its potential impact on cultural representation, particularly in the context of the Arabic language and culture. While the question “Why Is Arabic So Censored?” might evoke various interpretations, this analysis will focus on how books featuring Arabic culture and characters, like Khalil’s, become targets of censorship and what this reveals about broader issues of cultural sensitivity and freedom of expression.
In an interview, Betsy Bird engaged with Aya Khalil to discuss her latest book, The Great Banned-Books Bake Sale, a picture book directly addressing the issue of book bans. This conversation provides a valuable lens through which to examine the current climate of censorship and consider why materials related to Arabic culture might face undue scrutiny.
Aya Khalil, reflecting on her journey as an author, shared the origins of her first book, The Arabic Quilt. She explained, “I wrote The Arabic Quilt back in 2017. I was frustrated with the lack of picture books with Muslims or Arab characters.” This initial motivation highlights a crucial point: representation matters. Books like The Arabic Quilt fill a vital gap by providing narratives where children from Arab backgrounds can see themselves reflected, fostering a sense of belonging and validation. The fact that such books are now facing bans raises concerns about the messages being conveyed to these communities.
Khalil recounted the surprising experience of The Arabic Quilt being banned in a Pennsylvania school district in 2021. This incident served as the inspiration for The Great Banned-Books Bake Sale. Learning that her book, along with others featuring diverse characters, was removed from shelves, Khalil channeled her reaction into creating a story of empowerment and resistance. The book depicts Kanzi, the protagonist from The Arabic Quilt, and her classmates organizing a bake sale to raise funds to buy banned books, turning a moment of censorship into an act of collective action.
When asked about the motivation behind The Great Banned-Books Bake Sale, Khalil elaborated, “Shortly after, my editor Jon Eaton emailed me telling me that two districts, one in NY and one in Pennsylvania, ironically, bought a few thousand books for their curriculum… He also asked if I would be willing to write another picture book for them… I started thinking about my experiences as an adult. Book-bans were still fresh in my mind as I was doing interviews with media outlets so I put the two together and got my idea right there! I would write a picture book about book bans.” This narrative underscores the direct link between real-world censorship and the creation of children’s literature that tackles these complex issues head-on.
The increasing prevalence of book bans across the United States is a worrying trend. While book banning is not a novel concept, the current surge and the types of books being targeted warrant close examination. As Khalil notes, “Unfortunately book bans have been around for a very long time and will continue for years to come.” However, she also expresses optimism in the younger generation’s response, adding, “But I also think this young generation of children is absolutely incredible and will continue to use their voices to stand up to these unfair book bans.” This highlights the importance of educating children about censorship and empowering them to become advocates for intellectual freedom.
One of the questions posed to Khalil was about the types of books being banned. She pointed out that many of the banned books in the Pennsylvania district, including Ramadan Around the World, Bilal Cooks Daal, Fry Bread, and the Meet Yasmin series, involved food. This observation led to a discussion about the role of food in cultural understanding. Khalil articulated, “Yes, I love all of those books, and food is an absolutely incredible thing to broaden children’s view of different cultures and countries.” Food acts as a tangible and accessible entry point for children to learn about different cultures. Banning books that feature food from various cultures could be seen as limiting children’s exposure to diversity and hindering their ability to develop cultural empathy.
Khalil further explained the significance of normalizing “cultural” food in children’s books, stating, “But normalizing our ‘cultural’ food in books is so important to me, because kids will be familiar with that dish. So instead of kids making a disgusted face at my kids’ kofta sandwich during lunch, they’ll remember they read it in a book before, and maybe they even tried making it or buying it! Not to mention, there’s so much to learn about different food’s history. Food is a great conversation starter.” This emphasizes how literature can play a crucial role in breaking down stereotypes and fostering acceptance of different cultural practices. When books featuring Arabic culture, traditions, or even food are censored, it sends a message that these cultures are somehow less valid or acceptable, contributing to a climate where questions like “why is arabic so censored?” become relevant and necessary.
In conclusion, the conversation with Aya Khalil and her work with The Great Banned-Books Bake Sale illuminate the ongoing challenges of book censorship and its implications for cultural representation. While the question “why is arabic so censored?” might not have a singular, straightforward answer in the context of book bans, the act of banning books like The Arabic Quilt and others featuring diverse cultures raises important questions about cultural sensitivity, freedom of expression, and the messages we are sending to young readers. By addressing these issues directly in children’s literature, authors like Khalil are empowering young people to challenge censorship and advocate for a more inclusive and representative literary landscape. The fight against book bans is not just about protecting access to literature; it is about ensuring that all voices and cultures are valued and represented in the stories we tell.
