Episode 83 – The Quiet History of Book Censorship in Texas

About this episode

This episode explores the complex history of book censorship in Texas and its implications on power and freedom of reading.

There’s a phrase we use and hear a lot in Texas. “Don’t mess with Texas.” It’s supposed to refer to us having a feeling of independence, grit, and self-reliance.But when it comes to books, and who gets to read them, we Texans have a long, complicated history of messing with what our fellow Texans do. Today, when we hear about book bans or library purges, it can feel like something new. Like a sudden crisis. But the truth is far less comfortable. Book censorship in Texas isn’t an anomaly.It’s a tradition. And like most traditions, it tells us a lot about who has power… and who’s afraid of losing it. Not a complete transcript.....

People in this episode

Host: Hank Wilson

Topics covered

• book censorship
• Texas history
• library purges
• freedom of reading
• power dynamics

Keywords

• book bans
• censorship
• Texas
• history
• libraries
• tradition
• power

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Texas

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