MANGA HISTORY BOOK REMOVED FROM SAN BERNADINO, CA LIBRARIES

[MattBrady]

It’s a familiar song that, if you’ve been around comics long enough, sadly know the structure and words by heart.

Following a parent’s complaint after her 16 year old son checked out Manga: Sixty Years of Japanese Comics from the Victorville, CA library, the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors of San Bernadino County, CA has ordered all libraries within the country to remove the book, which is a scholarly work by Paul Gravett. The book was published in 2004 by Harper Design.

According to The Desert Dispatch, the tempest began when Michael Jones checked the book out, which was located in the adult section of the library. The book, which, as its title suggests, covers Japanese comics through inception until present day, and includes a broad look at all forms of manga, including those that are graphically violent and graphically sexual. As usual in these instances, it was the sex that got the ball rolling. The 16 year-old’s mother complained to the library.

The library noted that she was the only person to have complained about the book’s content since it joined the collection in May of last year, and had been checked out over 100 times since.

Nannett Bricker-Barret, the County Library Collection Development Coordinator told the Desert Dispatch that ultimately, parents should be responsible for that their children view.

“It is the parents' responsibility since the library does not act as a parent. It is the library's responsibility to offer a broad spectrum of materials, not to exclude materials,” Bricker-Barret told the paper. “Library policy affirms the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read and Freedom to View statements"

The Dispatch heading towards the well-trod “comics are for kids!” ground, pointed out that Charlie Brown, Calvin and Hobbes, and Incredible Hulk collections are also found in the adult section of the library, and also asked other parents if they would like their children looking at the images, with the expected outcome.

The story (with the library’s plans not to remove the book) ran in the Dispatch on April 12th, and by the 13th, Miguel Gonzalez, who wrote the initial report, followed up in the Daily Press, with a story of rapid governmental action, writing that Bill Postmus (R), Chairman of the Board of Supervisors of suburban San Bernadino County, California, has ordered all the county's libraries to remove the book.

In a press release on the county’s website, Postmus stated: “That book is absolutely inappropriate for a public library and as soon as I was made aware of it, I ordered it to be removed."

Postmus also commented: “I have directed our County Library System to research and report back to me regarding what methods the county may employ to better control which materials are available to be checked out by children. We have a responsibility to protect our children and this type of material should not be so easily accessible. We also need to take a closer look at what kind of material is appropriate to be purchased with taxpayer dollars."

According to the Daily Press, Postmus’ influence is in its final days, as the individual cities will take over the libraries from the county on July 1st. Although, as the paper reported, a similar gauntlet is apparently already being constructed.

Victorville Councilman Bob Hunter is quoted as saying that, “I want the city library to be a family-friendly place."

Continuing on the slippery slope of censorship/not censorship/save the children that usually follows in situations such as this, from the Daily Press: The councilman was quick to say he does not believe in censorship of books, but was also clear to point out the need to protect underage library members from explicit content.

"When the city takes over we are not just going to look at books, but movies and Internet filters that could also pose the same threat," Hunter said.

Apple Valley Councilman Rick Roelle said sexually graphic material does not belong in a public library in the first place.

"They don't have any educational value. The county should enforce the obscenity laws that we have in California," he said.

[tralfaz]

Postmus stated: “That book is absolutely inappropriate for a public library and as soon as I was made aware of it, I ordered it to be removed."

might as well take out all the art books too while we're at it.... oh, and those lovely romance novels. hell, while youre at it, get rid of the bible because that book has some crazy stuff going on in there

[Superfrick]

Score one for the thought police!

[Superfrick]

Originally posted by tralfaz
hell, while youre at it, get rid of the bible because that book has some crazy stuff going on in there

No. You forget that all the murder and incest in the bible are perfectly okay!

[c_andrew_s]

This is very sad

[boxfish]

PLEASE, WHY WON'T ANYBODY THINK OF THE CHILDREN?!!

[LazarusMan]

The worst part about this is that the kid got the book from the adult section, which usually means that a book should be reserved for an ADULT person. But I suppose that in this day and age with all the people fighting causes that make no sense, censorship will thrive quite nicely because of librarians who are too idiotic to think, well, maybe I should do my job this once and keep this kid from checking this book out.

Why doesn't the library just have the same prompt that retail stores have when selling a mature rated video game or r-rated movie? It's the same thing, except the library gives it to you for free.

Stupid. Stupid stupid stupid.

[Jmacq1]

Sometimes....I really despise the overly puritanical "moral majority" of my country.

But you know what? If it'd just been a few shots of people getting their heads lopped off or limbs removed or whatever, I'm sure there wouldn't even be any hubbub.

I bet the scene in question was probably a typical "Tentacle rape" scene, but regardless, the book in question is what appears to be a scholarly treatise on Manga and its' development. To ignore that particular (prominent) genre would've been silly. Then again, illustrations may not have been necessary, either.

But besides that, the above poster is right. If we're going to make our libraries so politically correct that everything that -might- offend someone is taken out....we're gonna have pretty bare shelves, aren't we?

Kinda sad though, for all these people that claim we hate the hypocrisy between the way violence (good and acceptable) and sex (evil and wrong!) are perceived/treated in the US, we don't seem to have any cohesive voice that points it out in a real public forum, do we?

[Sambo253]

Augh this really angers me, I'm from San Bernadino county too. I'm going to have to write a letter.

[MattBrady]

Originally posted by LazarusMan
The worst part about this is that the kid got the book from the adult section, which usually means that a book should be reserved for an ADULT person.

To nip what might be some confusion about this in the bud, from my readings of this, I'm gathering that the "adult" section of the library being mentioned isn't the "bomp-chicka-bow-bow" "adult" section, but rather, the "everything that's not kids" section.

It's not like the kid slipped behind the curtain somewhere to find this. It was shelved in the same general section as Tropic of Cancer, Beloved, and The Catcher in the Rye...well, if those books are allowed to be there, that is.

MattB

[blankpoint]

There are some ratty later issues of Preacher and Books of Magic in the kids section at my local library here in Toronto.

I'M ALL FOR IT.

[Jay Carvajal]

Victorville Councilman Bob Hunter is quoted as saying that, “"I want the city library to be a family-friendly place."



So, books that are violent=okay & books with some sex=bad?

I guess we can all sleep a little better at night knowing that councilman bob hunter is ridding the Victorville libraries of the evil that is sex.

Seriously, haven't these people got slightly more important things to do with their time?

-Jay

[ejulp]

i'm disapointed but not suprised
i've been waiting for a reaction to manga
in this vein for awhile

go to your local bookstore
and the manga with sex bitties in it
is mixed up next to the yugi-oh, etc

censorship is a very dangerous thing
but can't say i'm suprised
or expect not to see more roll out of this

[shy guy]

I've looked over that entire book and read huge chunks of it (used it for the final paper of a class), and the banning is as absurd as one might imagine. It's just like those histories of Marvel and DC comics and, while, yes, it offers examples of graphically violent and sexually explicit manga, that's kind of hard to avoid when you're presenting the history of a medium (any medium).

In any case, they'd better ban any and all books on pre-modern art while they're at it. God forbid a child (note that this was a 16-year-old) come accross some fertility idol or any one of a zillion paintings of Zeus about to rape some girl in the form of an animal or inanimate object.

[ejulp]

Originally posted by Jmacq1
Sometimes....I really despise the overly puritanical "moral majority" of my country.

But you know what? If it'd just been a few shots of people getting their heads lopped off or limbs removed or whatever, I'm sure there wouldn't even be any hubbub.

I bet the scene in question was probably a typical "Tentacle rape" scene, but regardless, the book in question is what appears to be a scholarly treatise on Manga and its' development. To ignore that particular (prominent) genre would've been silly. Then again, illustrations may not have been necessary, either.

But besides that, the above poster is right. If we're going to make our libraries so politically correct that everything that -might- offend someone is taken out....we're gonna have pretty bare shelves, aren't we?

Kinda sad though, for all these people that claim we hate the hypocrisy between the way violence (good and acceptable) and sex (evil and wrong!) are perceived/treated in the US, we don't seem to have any cohesive voice that points it out in a real public forum, do we?

i was watching network tv over easter for the first time in forever
its amazing whats allowed on tv
but we have to tip toe around in comics

of course parents MAY have more control of the tv (v-chip etc)
but
the simple answer to this is
have age prompts come up in the computer for certain books checked out
most likely a video store won't rent an R movie to a 12 yr old
so why shouldn't a library have the same standards?

of course i view most censorship stuff on the same level as a lower drinking age in europe, but i understand i'm not in the majority on that

[ejulp]

Originally posted by shy guy
I've looked over that entire book and read huge chunks of it (used it for the final paper of a class), and the banning is as absurd as one might imagine. It's just like those histories of Marvel and DC comics and, while, yes, it offers examples of graphically violent and sexually explicit manga, that's kind of hard to avoid when you're presenting the history of a medium (any medium).

In any case, they'd better ban any and all books on pre-modern art while they're at it. God forbid a child (note that this was a 16-year-old) come accross some fertility idol or any one of a zillion paintings of Zeus about to rape some girl in the form of an animal or inanimate object.

you forgot that non pomo "fine art" is real art
and that illustrated narrative is for children

[drs9p]

Might as well take "Black Hole," one of the most amazingly artistic graphic novels ever created, out of the public sphere too. Cause there's a lot more than just freaky sex going on there.

Hey I'm trying to keep the existence of female genitalia a secret from my kids too. I want them to be surprised!

[skeletorjr]

Wouldn't this have been solved very quickly and easily if the PARENT had actually taken time to take a look at the book and decide if they want their kid to look at it? That's what I do with my son. If I see something too risque or gory, I tell him he's going to need to wait a few more years. People seem so eager to find someone else to blame so they can't take any responsibility.
However, not to sound like I'm contradicting myself completely, the library in my neighborhood has a graphic novel section as part of the children's section that has a pretty large collection of Vertigo and other mature readers stuff, which seems to me to be asking for trouble down the road. There should be some way to flag this stuff at the counter, too, so the librarians might be more aware as well, to head off any future troubles.

[ssava]

Wow...I guess I shouldn't be surprised...but I still am.

Does NO one here have children?

I mean REALLY!

My kids are only 3...so I am still pretty much in control of EVERYTHING they watch and read.

But I can ASSURE you I'm going to be active in as much as possible well through their teens.

It's my responsibility and right as a parent.

It seems that EVERY time one of these articles comes out...you ALL say the SAME thing.

You blame the "evil right wing, the puritans, etc."

At what point do you realize that parents JUST want to make sure that if they take their kid to a comic shop or a library or even the book store...that they can turn their back for a few minutes and feel that their child can read books that don't depict sex or violent acts.

Why is this so wrong?

YES there is alot of sex and violence on TV. Which is why a parent monitors the child's viewing habits.

YES there's alot sex and violence in games. Which is why there's a rating system.

It's absolutely ridiculous that you all jump up in arms every time a parent finds something R rated in the hands of their child.

For once...please just take someone else's point of view here...and allow a parent a fighting chance to raise a child the way THEY want to.


Also...
There is NOTHING wrong with these books being in the libraries or book stores.

I honestly think it's the librarian's fault for allowing the child to check it out.

Still...I think if Charlie Brown is in the ADULT section...something is very wrong with the DEWEY DECIMAL SYSTEM...don't you think?


Anyways...I just would like to see some TOLERANCE for others on this board. Please consider that there ARE others out there...a GREAT MAJORITY here in America who do NOT feel that these books should be side by side with All Ages works.

We need to Rate comics, LABEL books and manga, and just give parents (and librarians apparently) more information.

Not censorship...just better information to help Parents.
Then I think we'll be seeing less articles like this.

[skaly]

The kid was 16 years old. Kids that age (and younger) are sneaking into rated R movies all the time, but I don't see any campaigns to remove them from the theatres.

I could understand a parent getting stupid over their 10 year old finding sex in a book, but a 16 year old is just one year away from rated R movies, and is probably already having sex to boot.

[MattBrady]

Originally posted by ssava
For once...please just take someone else's point of view here...and allow a parent a fighting chance to raise a child the way THEY want to.

Scott,

no one is arguing that, and I think, as quick as you are to fall into accuring others of broad brushing things, you're doing the same thing by assuming things that aren't being said just becuase they aren't being said.

While no one is arguing that parents can raise the child they want to, there are those arguing that because one parent and a local government official found something (still questionable as to what it was) they don't like, no one is allowed to see the work.

As for claims of "puritans" and "right wing," the woman identified her religious preference in the newspaper (unclear if the newspaper or the woman felt it was important enough to mention), and a Google search will give the expected answer about Postmus' learnings, affiliations, and aspirations. In this case, the duck walked and quacked.

MattB

[ssava]

Originally posted by MattBrady
Scott,

no one is arguing that, and I think, as quick as you are to fall into accuring others of broad brushing things, you're doing the same thing by assuming things that aren't being said just becuase they aren't being said.

While no one is arguing that parents can raise the child they want to, there are those arguing that because one parent and a local government official found something (still questionable as to what it was) they don't like, no one is allowed to see the work.

As for claims of "puritans" and "right wing," the woman identified her religious preference in the newspaper (unclear if the newspaper or the woman felt it was important enough to mention), and a Google search will give the expected answer about Postmus' learnings, affiliations, and aspirations. In this case, the duck walked and quacked.

MattB

Thanks Matt...
I'm sure you know this isn't the first time this type of thread has happened here. And it's almost comical how it's the same response every time.

I apologize if I came off in any way heated or crazed...ha ha. That's not my intention or demeanor.

This is more of a response to the general consensus here based on a good deal of threads like this.

And I'm sorry...I didn't catch any indication to her religious views in your article...even on a second reading. Am I missing something or do I really have to Google it to see that?

And if so...did EVERYONE else who pointed out the right wing purists google before coming to that conclusion?

But of course I see your point. And I agree.

I too never said the works should be taken out. I'm just calling for tolerance for those that don't want their kids to see it.

Same as in comic shops and book stores.

A simple rating system or labeling system and we're all better.

[FallenFate]

Originally posted by ssava
Wow...I guess I shouldn't be surprised...but I still am.

Does NO one here have children?

Yes. I DO have children. I have two daughters, one of which turns 14 in three weeks and another that turns 11 this year. And, for some odd reason, I still believe it is the ability of the parent to EDUCATE their child.

I mean REALLY!

My kids are only 3...so I am still pretty much in control of EVERYTHING they watch and read.

But I can ASSURE you I'm going to be active in as much as possible well through their teens.

It's my responsibility and right as a parent.[/quote]

It certainly is, but it is also your responsibility and right as a parent to teach your children to be able to think for themselves. We are all individuals and if we are up in arms about manga and art (and make no mistake, I believe that comic books are art forms and that a comparison to classic art and literature is very much in line-will you prevent your children from taking a school field trip to the local art museum because there are some pictureds there of naked women?) then we are well on our way to falling in line with the book burnings of the Nazis or the totalitarian regime depicted in Fahrenheit 451.

It seems that EVERY time one of these articles comes out...you ALL say the SAME thing.

You blame the "evil right wing, the puritans, etc." [/quote]


Hmmmm...maybe because they ARE to blame.

At what point do you realize that parents JUST want to make sure that if they take their kid to a comic shop or a library or even the book store...that they can turn their back for a few minutes and feel that their child can read books that don't depict sex or violent acts. [/quote]


It seems to me the fault with this statement lies in the parent not teaching their child not only what is right and what is wrong but trying to enforce your own world view on others while putting blinders on your children to prevent them from exposure to the world.

Why is this so wrong? [/quote]

It's not wrong to want to protect your child. What is wrong is doing it at the expense of forcing your beliefs and opinions on those around you.


YES there is alot of sex and violence on TV. Which is why a parent monitors the child's viewing habits.

YES there's alot sex and violence in games. Which is why there's a rating system.

It's absolutely ridiculous that you all jump up in arms every time a parent finds something R rated in the hands of their child. [/quote]

What's absolutely ridiculous is the fact that you want children and society to be all mindless drones who conform to a cookie cutter view of what the puritanical moral majority feels is right here in the good old United States of Censorship.


For once...please just take someone else's point of view here...and allow a parent a fighting chance to raise a child the way THEY want to. [/quote]


Practice what you preach.


Also...
There is NOTHING wrong with these books being in the libraries or book stores.

I honestly think it's the librarian's fault for allowing the child to check it out.

Still...I think if Charlie Brown is in the ADULT section...something is very wrong with the DEWEY DECIMAL SYSTEM...don't you think?


Anyways...I just would like to see some TOLERANCE for others on this board. Please consider that there ARE others out there...a GREAT MAJORITY here in America who do NOT feel that these books should be side by side with All Ages works. [/quote]


And that majority would be inherently wrong. Would you allow your child to read "To Kill A Mockingbird?" What about "Catcher in the Rye?" Wait, let's not stop there, we might as well ban anything that depicts any kind of sex or sexual connotation whether in thought, word, or deed.


We need to Rate comics, LABEL books and manga, and just give parents (and librarians apparently) more information. [/quote]

What kind of totalitarian fascist state are you proposing? Just how would you rate the above two books I mentioned? What about the previously mentioned "Fahrenheit 451?" That type of book would certainly be considered inflammatory in the world you are proposing where we are forced to label everything in case it offends someone. It's a short step from labelling to banning. And a long drop into the Abyss.


Not censorship...just better information to help Parents.
Then I think we'll be seeing less articles like this. [/quote]

No, you have certainly advocated censorship. I would honestly like to know how your proposal of rating everything or sticking a label on every piece of literature could NOT be considered censorship. With your sensibilities in play, we would have to burn down all the art museums and torch all the libraries. The key to raising our children is EDUCATION by the parents. Take responsibility for your actions and RAISE your children. Don't expect government mandates to do it for you.

[ssava]

Originally posted by FallenFate
No, you have certainly advocated censorship. I would honestly like to know how your proposal of rating everyhting or sticking a label on every piece of literature could NOT be considered censorship. With your sensibbilities in play, we would have to burn down all the art museums and torch all the libraries. The key to raising our children is EDUCATION by the parents. Take responsibility for your actions and RAISE your children. Don't expect government mandates to do it for you.

Ha ha ha.
That's great! Thanks for the laugh.

Yeah...I say burn em all!

[ejulp]

Originally posted by ssava
A simple rating system or labeling system and we're all better.

i agree

but the fear of that is,
who decides it?

if someone says bastard in an issue of astonishing x-men,
or
Gambit takes a (steam hidden nasties bits) shower in a locker room,
or
jason todd gets a batarang in his neck, and bleeds all over,
is that inapproiate for someone under 13 to read?
its not as simple as
sex, nudity, obscene language equals R material
its the pg 13 rating, the subtler stuff, the decisions on rating that, thats what scares me

i agree libraries and such should function like a video store or theatre,
but who tells us whats acceptable for what ages?