On the ALA’s list of most banned / challenged books of 2018, The Hate U Give came in at number 4. The reasons cited were that the book were because it was deemed “anti-cop,” and for profanity, drug use, and sexual references. Last year, many students at my school selected it as their free-choice reading book at some point in the year. None seemed to be damaged by the experience. In reviewing their summaries and notes, none seemed to have their opinions / beliefs changed by the experience. So, what’s the big deal? It seems that much of the problems conservative groups have with the book centre around how police and policing are portrayed. So here, I want to focus on the claim that the book is “anti-cop.”
There are strong arguments on both sides of the debate over whether Angie Thomas' novel The Hate U Give can reasonably be seen as anti-police. On one hand, the book provides thoughtful criticism of problems in law enforcement like racial bias and excessive force, rather than attacking individual officers. For instance, the killing of unarmed protagonist Starr's friend Khalil by a police officer explores issues of police brutality and systemic racism. However, Starr's uncle is also portrayed as a good cop who helps his community. By showing both ethical and unethical officers, Thomas arguably avoids an overt anti-police narrative.
Nevertheless, others contend continuously portraying police as threatening ingrains destructive assumptions about law enforcement's motivations. They point out the lack of nuance in the officer who kills Khalil, arguing it encourages readers to see police prejudice as common. Whilst the novel reflects many Black Americans' real fears, constantly framing police as antagonists divides society rather than reforming institutions, critics say.
Defenders argue the criticism is justified and that Thomas provides context for distrust whilst allowing for good policing as well. Yet critics feel even nuanced critiques perpetuate an "us vs them" mentality when police are complex institutions requiring thoughtful solutions. Overall, both sides make strong points on the implications of Thomas' portrayal. There are merits to claims it spurs needed dialogue on racial injustice, and to concerns it may go too far in fostering suspicion of law enforcement.
Attempts to ban Angie Thomas’ The Hate U Give demonstrate precisely why this book belongs on shelves. Whilst critics argue it promotes anti-police views, the novel presents an authentic perspective on issues still affecting many Black Americans. By depicting realities like police brutality, it provides a rare window into fears and adversity communities of color face.
Banning The Hate U Give marginalizes vital voices and struggles. Police reform requires acknowledging diverse experiences, even painful ones. Yet censoring this book because some interpret it as controversial paradoxically proves its point - that dissenting views get suppressed rather than engaged.
The Hate U Give resonates as truth for many readers. Restricting access ultimately continues cycles of ignoring minority voices. However one interprets it, this powerful novel undeniably illuminates ongoing racial divides. Keeping it accessible for discussion, not condemnation, is imperative. Suppressing voices like Thomas’ achieves nothing. To move forward as a society, we cannot fear books that push us to think critically about injustice.
The AutSide is a reader-supported publication. To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber.
Banned Books Week: The Hate U Give
Banned Books Week: The Hate U Give
Banned Books Week: The Hate U Give
On the ALA’s list of most banned / challenged books of 2018, The Hate U Give came in at number 4. The reasons cited were that the book were because it was deemed “anti-cop,” and for profanity, drug use, and sexual references. Last year, many students at my school selected it as their free-choice reading book at some point in the year. None seemed to be damaged by the experience. In reviewing their summaries and notes, none seemed to have their opinions / beliefs changed by the experience. So, what’s the big deal? It seems that much of the problems conservative groups have with the book centre around how police and policing are portrayed. So here, I want to focus on the claim that the book is “anti-cop.”
There are strong arguments on both sides of the debate over whether Angie Thomas' novel The Hate U Give can reasonably be seen as anti-police. On one hand, the book provides thoughtful criticism of problems in law enforcement like racial bias and excessive force, rather than attacking individual officers. For instance, the killing of unarmed protagonist Starr's friend Khalil by a police officer explores issues of police brutality and systemic racism. However, Starr's uncle is also portrayed as a good cop who helps his community. By showing both ethical and unethical officers, Thomas arguably avoids an overt anti-police narrative.
Nevertheless, others contend continuously portraying police as threatening ingrains destructive assumptions about law enforcement's motivations. They point out the lack of nuance in the officer who kills Khalil, arguing it encourages readers to see police prejudice as common. Whilst the novel reflects many Black Americans' real fears, constantly framing police as antagonists divides society rather than reforming institutions, critics say.
Defenders argue the criticism is justified and that Thomas provides context for distrust whilst allowing for good policing as well. Yet critics feel even nuanced critiques perpetuate an "us vs them" mentality when police are complex institutions requiring thoughtful solutions. Overall, both sides make strong points on the implications of Thomas' portrayal. There are merits to claims it spurs needed dialogue on racial injustice, and to concerns it may go too far in fostering suspicion of law enforcement.
Attempts to ban Angie Thomas’ The Hate U Give demonstrate precisely why this book belongs on shelves. Whilst critics argue it promotes anti-police views, the novel presents an authentic perspective on issues still affecting many Black Americans. By depicting realities like police brutality, it provides a rare window into fears and adversity communities of color face.
Banning The Hate U Give marginalizes vital voices and struggles. Police reform requires acknowledging diverse experiences, even painful ones. Yet censoring this book because some interpret it as controversial paradoxically proves its point - that dissenting views get suppressed rather than engaged.
The Hate U Give resonates as truth for many readers. Restricting access ultimately continues cycles of ignoring minority voices. However one interprets it, this powerful novel undeniably illuminates ongoing racial divides. Keeping it accessible for discussion, not condemnation, is imperative. Suppressing voices like Thomas’ achieves nothing. To move forward as a society, we cannot fear books that push us to think critically about injustice.
The AutSide is a reader-supported publication. To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber.