When you think of an advent calendar, the first thing that
comes to mind Is Christmas (and possibly chocolate). Banned books are
definitely something that is not generally associated with this holiday
tradition. However, the International Federation of Library Associations as created
the worlds fist video Banned Book Advent Calendar.
This unique advent calendar works exactly the same way a
traditional advent calendar works. Each day a new video is posted on sites like
youtube and vimeo around the world, and highlighting a book that has once been
banned in different parts of the world. The books in question have so far been very
different and banned for different reasons. There have been obvious titles such
as Mein Kampf by Adolf Hitler and
more surprising titles like Charlie and
the Chocolate Factor by Roald Dahl. Many of the books in the calendar were
banned because they were deemed too obscene or too graphic for readers. Others
such as Mein Kampf were feared and
hated because of what they represented.
It doesn’t matter why
the books were banned. The fact that they were banned highlights censorship throughout
history as well as in our modern world. This video calendar is overthrowing
that stigma and celebrating the right of freedom of speech. The first half of December
has showcased books that have certainly left their mark on history. The second
half of the month is sure to be equally as captivating.
