by Starbuck21

Created on: July 10, 2008

Holden Caufield, the smoking, cursing, prostitute-soliciting hero of "Catcher in the Rye," does not exactly inspire parental confidence. From the 60s all the way to the 80s J. D. Salinger's novel was the most censored title in both US schools and libraries. Parental groups and school officials have tried (sometimes successfully) to keep the book from being taught in classrooms. Teachers have even lost jobs because they've assigned the book in class. The most infamous case occurred in Oklahoma in 1960; fortunately she was reinstated but the damage was done. The school removed "The Cather in the Rye" from its curriculum. Two infamous assassins, Mark Chapman (John Lennon's assassin) and John Hinkley Jr. (President Regan's attempted assassin) added fuel to the proverbial fire when copies of the J. D. Salinger novel were found on them after each instance.

Censors have listed potty language, sexual fantasies, and alcohol abuse as making the novel obscene and completely inappropriate for teens. For those who are unfamiliar with "Catcher in the Rye," here is the plot: young Holden Caufield wanders through New York City during 1947 after his fourth expulsion from another pricey prep school. Holden aims to have a good time away from parents and rules, but instead he sinks further into depression, haunted by personal loss and crippling loneliness. "Catcher in the Rye" has been accused of promoting immorality, while Holden was labeled as a bad role model for young adults. In this case, I believe that censors have the best intentions; they want to protect their kids from potentially bad influences.

However, I have a suggestion for those who want to censor "The Catcher in the Rye" and other controversial novels: read the book again, closely. Holden Caulfield does drink and hire prostitutes, but his behavior doesn't promote these activities. In fact, Holden acts out because he's desperately unhappy and confused. I believe that this book provides teachers, students, and parents the opportunity to discuss the implications of drinking, smoking, and sex.

As much as we all want this world to be a safe and secure place for teens and children, it's not. In real life, kids engage in dangerous behavior and "Catcher in the Rye" captures this tendency beautifully. Instead of censoring this book, parents and educators should use it to help teach kids about life and growing up. Holden Caulfield can do your kids some good if you let him.

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