Ever since pen was put to paper, a certain form of censorship has surrounded it. The most common form of censorship is banning books deemed inappropriate. Such an act violates not only the rights of American citizens, but also the right of students to learn. Even if the government managed to ban all books it deemed inappropriate, the thirst for reading such books would only grow. It is too often forgotten that before book banning was a “domestic issue” (Book Banning 1), the federal government was trying to cut off the flow of inappropriate information at the source. By prohibiting the reading of certain books, the First Amendment of every American citizen is being violated. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution clearly states that all citizens enjoy freedom of speech as well as freedom of the press (Book Banning 1). By banning a book and ensuring that no one can read it, the government prevents the author from expressing his thoughts and opinions in the press. Freedom of choice is also violated due to the inability to read this particular book as an option. Not only are First Amendment rights violated, but also the academic freedom and diversity of thought guaranteed and protected by the Constitution (Teachers 1). History will show that Americans do not take the violation of their rights lightly and are more than likely to protest. Sometimes, in more extreme cases, they rebel. Censorship of ideas is visible not only on American soil, but in other countries, today and throughout history. In a world where governments must be respected, thinking contradictorily is anything but prudent. Throughout history, ideological governments...... middle of paper ......ersy. The logical thing to do would be to cease all attempts to control the people, but banning books is anything but logical. Works Cited “Book Banning”. Current issues: Macmillian Social Sciences Library. Detroit: Gale, 2010. Gale Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Internet. January 31, 2011. “The ideology of controlling book destruction.” » Book ban. Ed. Ronnie D. Lankford. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2008. At issue. Gale Opposing viewpoints in context. Internet. February 11, 2011. Foerstel, Herbert N. Banned in the United States: A Reference Guide to Book Censorship in Schools and Public Libraries. Westport, CT: Greenwood, 1994. Print. Lankford, Ronald D. Banning Books. Detroit: Greenhaven, 2008. Print. “Teachers should prepare themselves for the challenges of the book. » Book ban. Ed. Ronnie D. Lankford. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2008. At issue. Gale Opposing viewpoints in context. Internet. February 15. 2011.