"Cannibalistic Undertones" and Other Not-So-Common Threats

Get out your Sherman Alexie novels and Maurice Sendak illustrations. It's time to celebrate Banned Books Week.

Banned Books Week started in 1982, the same year that the Supreme Court ruled that “local school boards may not remove books from school library shelves simply because they dislike the ideas contained in those books.” This landmark decision made banning books much more difficult, but it didn’t stop people from trying. 

In 2011, there were a reported 326 book challenges, or attempts to "remove or restrict materials based upon the objections of a person or group." Even The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie, has faced a challenge or two. When an individual or group complains about a book to a local library, the library decides whether or not to remove the material, and since libraries are dedicated to the right to read, challenges rarely result in actual bans; but over the years, the attempts have only gotten more…interesting.

A Light in the Attic: You might remember this Shel Silverstein collection for its fun rhymes and odd illustrations, but do you remember the parts about anarchy and barbarism?  In 1985, it was challenged because it "encourages children to break dishes so they won't have to dry them." Then in 1986 it was challenged again because it "glorified Satan, suicide and cannibalism, and also encouraged children to be disobedient."

 The Diary of Anne Frank: Not only did this text shed light on one of the most horrific and significant moments in human history, it did so in such a way that young readers could gain a better understanding of their own humanity. Unfortunately, it was also “a real downer,” which is why it was challenged in 1985 by the Alabama State Textbook Committee.

Where’s Waldo?: Did anyone ever figure out where he was? Surely a few people did. Others--actually hordes of others--gave up the hunt for the man in the striped hat when they noticed the pea-sized topless woman lying face down on a beach towel. And where did they go? Straight to their local libraries, making this one of the most challenged books of the 90s.  

If you've got a favorite book that's been banned or challenged somewhere, you should join in the Banned Books Week Virtual Read-Out. Check it out, here.

Sources: bannedbooksweek.org, ala.org, and howstuffworks.com

Bedtime Stories

You may be familiar with the annual Bedtime Stories, the Humanities Washington gala that promotes storytelling, critical thinking and conversation. During the event, Northwest authors take over the stage to fundraise for Humanities Washington's efforts, sharing works that spin off of the gala's main theme, as well as engaging each other and the audience in noteworthy conversation. This year, the Bedtime Stories theme is Red Eye and will be taking place in Seattle, Washington on Friday, October 12. The author line-up includes Kathleen Flenniken, Charles Johnson, Kevin O'Brien, Amy Wheeler, and Nancy Pearl will be running the mike as the event's emcee.

For those literary lovers who would be interested in going, but feel that Seattle is a couple too many hours across the way, we have good news: for the first time, Humanities Washington will be holding Bedtime Stories here in Spokane, Washington as well. The opening Spokane roster features local writers like Kim Barnes, Jim Lynch, Shann Ray, and Nance Van Winckel. Our very own Jess Walter, author of Beautiful Ruins, will take over the stage as the evening's host.

In addition to the brain-storming and thought-provoking conversation, Bedtime Stories will be offering food for hungry writers, and various types of wine to wet those parched throats. Spokane's Bedtime Stories will be held on Friday, September 28 at 6:15pm in Skyline Ballroom, Red Lion Hotel at the Park. Individual tickets will be going on sale this summer. For more information on either event about remaining tickets, event sponsorship, or purchasing a table, reach Kari Dasher at 206.682.1770 x103, or email her kari@humanities.org.

Unity in the Community

Set in Riverfront Park, this diversity festival is the largest multicultural celebration to happen in the Inland Empire. Over 6,000 people attended last year's Unity festival, and this year is expected to draw an even bigger crowd!

Participate in this year's theme, "Where's Waldo Scavenger Hunt", organized by members of Youth 'N Action. Do your good deed for the day and donate school supplies to the Back-to-School Supply Give-Away. Check out the Cultural Village that brings the heart and soul of countries like South Africa, Turkey, Persia, Scandinavia, China, and many more, to Spokane. Or, if you just feel like kickin' it beneath the sun, bring a funky beanbag or lawnchair and immerse yourself in the entertainment. In the past, Unity has had Chinese dancers, Hawaiian singers, Gospel choirs, theatre performances, and belly dancing.

Spokane has a lot to offer by way of its history and the diverse population that calls this city home. Join us August 18, from 10am to 4pm to watch the performances, travel the booths, and see the wonders of Spokane. If you have questions, visit www.nwunity.org/ or email Unity at the Community at info@nwunity.org. Volunteers are always welcome!

Uncommon Gifts

Spokane's Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture (MAC), founded in 1916, has gone above and beyond when it comes to its duties of collecting historical artifacts and documents. Inspiring appreciation of all things historical, cultural, and downright fascinating, the MAC once again has delighted visitors with its new exhibit, Uncommon Gifts.

Showcasing seven internationally known artists with ties to the Inland Northwest, this exhibit proudly displays the Liberty Mutual/Safeco Insurance corporate collection. Artists include Jacob Lawrence, Fay Jones, Morris Graves, Barbara Thomas, and George Tsutakawa. Visitors can expect to see almost 500 works created on paper, 130 canvas and panel pieces, and more than 180 three-dimensional objects of glass, ceramic, bronze, and mixed media persuasion.

The Uncommon Gifts exhibit runs from June 25 to August 25. While you're there, check out the MAC's previously mentioned Dig It! The Secrets of Soil exhibit, or the Two to Tango: Artist and Viewer, Lasting Heritage. The MAC is a cultural showplace that strives to bring the past and present together with community events, rare pieces, and local artists. For more questions, visit the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture website, or call 509.456.3931.