Inside Voices: Utahns speak out about banned books

Happy Saturday, and welcome to Inside Voices, a weekly newsletter that features a collection of ideas, perspectives and solutions from across Utah — without any of the vitriol or yelling that’s become all too common on other platforms. Subscribe here.

Utah just added another book to its growing list of titles banned from public schools, Carmen Nesbitt reported.

“Living Dead Girl” by Elizabeth Scott follows the story of Alice, a young woman who endures years of abuse and manipulation while struggling to find hope and a way to escape. Scott acknowledged “some debate” about her book, but says it is “absolutely 100% for teens.” Utahns shared their reactions in a recent Instagram post by The Salt Lake Tribune announcing the news:

• “Unfortunately this is the experience of so many, this book should be available for those to see another reflection of their experience. And for those that are fortunate enough not to have this experience, they could learn empathy, compassion and the realities of life.”

• “I agree with banning exceptionally graphic books from public spaces. I wouldn’t be supportive of a teenager viewing that kind of content online. I’m not supportive of him reading it in a book either. I think we give books an intellectual halo and pretend that they are good no matter what, but there are definitely some very explicit books that we wouldn’t be comfortable [with] our children [reading] without our knowledge. I think it’s reasonable to restrict those in public spaces.”

• “Kids don’t need to be protected from the idea of abuse, they need to be protected from abusers. Books help us to recognize what abuse is … Support the freedom to read 💔”

• “Ah yes, why parent my child when I can have the government do it for me.”

Give us a follow on Instagram to join the conversation. And, as we start to plan for The Tribune’s annual Utahn of the Year poll, let me know who you think best reflects the state and its biggest news stories of the year.

Utah Voices

The following excerpts come from op-eds recently published in The Tribune.

Thanksgiving

• “As a woman whose ancestors were displaced by manifest destiny, my feelings about Thanksgiving are ambivalent at best, and I imagine that most Native Nations did not celebrate a day of Thanksgiving and Praise without also recognizing it as a time of displacement, erasure and removal policies,” writes Brenda Beyal, an enrolled member of the Diné Nation. Read more.

• “I have never looked at a package of ramen in quite the same way … I have never looked at employees working in hotel kitchens quite the same way either, as I remember those who had pity and compassion on me in a moment of need,” writes Sen.-elect John Curtis. “Newly found gratitude for simple things and a newly earned empathy for those who struggle made it a Thanksgiving never to be forgotten.” Read more.

Ideas

• “If vested parties can put aside their differences, Utah’s transformative homeless campus has a real chance to succeed and give new hope to those searching for a way out of life on the streets,” write Lynn Ames and Dave Kelly of Solutions Utah. Read more.

• “Having experienced two different education systems, one where school meals were guaranteed and another where many children go hungry, I can see how access to basic needs shapes a child’s future and doesn’t give all children an equal start in this world,” writes Adriele Fugal, who grew up in Brazil. “It’s time to invest in their future by prioritizing food security.” Read more.

Winter traffic

• “You just can’t go wrong while idling in the Cottonwoods,” writes comedian Brian Higgins. “The snow-capped peaks and towering granite walls provide hours of great company, and your screams of hopelessness will feel a bit like an alpine yodel as they echo off the cliffs around you.” Read more.

Share Your Perspective

This week the governor outlined how the state will support President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration in deporting undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes or, the governor’s office says, are a threat to Utahns’ safety.

I want to hear from you: What is at the heart of the immigration issue for you? What would improve the immigration system?

From Bagley’s Desk

I’m always looking for unique perspectives, ideas and solutions that move our state forward. Learn more about our guidelines for an op-ed, guest essay, letter to the editor and more here, and drop me a note at voices@sltrib.com.