The contemporary burning of books is taking on a new significance.
Burning books is an act historically associated with censorship and limited freedoms, a symptom of an overpowering and centralized government or religion. However, these days, the burning of books is “has become as much an act of provocation and one of censorship,” as evidenced by the recent Dutch political group.
Their plan to burn books revolved around the offensive racial language used in the books, a reminder of slavery. Canadian writer, Lawrence Hill response included this:
“Burning books is designed to intimidate people. It underestimates the intelligence of readers, stifles dialogue and insults those who cherish the freedom to read and write. The leaders of the Spanish Inquisition burned books. Nazis burned books.”
3 responses
“Those who condemn the past are fated to repeat it.” I forget who said this, but it seems apt.
Usually cited as “those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it.” Siddharta, I think.
Books, like flags, can be burned, shredded, or doused with oil, as a political act or merely for decorating one’s garden. I hope they paid for the books before they burned them. On the other hand, I believe Terry Jones just had a stroke, so you might want to consider the consequences first.
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
– George Santayana
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