Teenage Rebellion: Why I Read Books Considered Taboo
Adolescence is a time of rebellion and exploration. Yes, it was during my teenage years that I read some books that many would consider taboo. However, I never felt the need to hide my choices or to tell others not to read what I had. Let me share some of my experiences.
My Adventures in Poison
Mein Kampf by Adolf Hitler was one such book. It is a read that comes with significant challenges and warnings. Yet, I embarked on this journey, quickly realizing why it was a book that not all were encouraged to explore. Despite the cautionary tales, I found it both fascinating and educational, a testament to the wide array of knowledge and perspectives a book can offer.
Similarly, Poison by Marquis de Sade was a graphic and provocative text, reflecting his rebellious spirit and the daring of his time. His works often bordered on the unethical and often resulted in legal and moral condemnation, a common criticism of his fellow French peer. I explored his perspective as a window into a bygone era, a reminder of the societal and cultural challenges of that time.
Forbidden Fancies of the Adolescent Mind
As a teenager, I was told not to read a few books, most notably My Life and Loves by Frank Harris and Fanny Hill: Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure by John Cleland. These books, while not mainstream, provide insights into the experiences of individuals whose lives were shaped by passions and desires that society often deems inappropriate. At my young age, I found their stories powerful and their messages thought-provoking, offering a nuanced understanding of human behavior and sexuality.
Later, during my high school years, I encountered Also Sprach Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche and Heaven and Hell by Alan Watts. These books, while not explicitly forbidden, were known to have unconventional content and ideas. My curiosity led me to seek out these works, and I discovered rich, stimulating discussions on life, ethics, and metaphysics. These texts broadened my worldview and challenged the norms that I had grown up with.
The Necronomicon: A Testament to Curiosity
I recall reading The Necronomicon as a 12-year-old. This book about invoking demons was intriguing, and the stories about it were always exciting. Interestingly, no one forbade me from reading it for fear of its spells working. Instead, the concern was more about avoiding harmful ritual practices and unintended consequences. This book captured my imagination and taught me the importance of researching and understanding the potential risks associated with such practices.
Lovely by Danielle Steel was another book that caught my attention. Intrigued by its title and the author’s reputation, I ventured into reading this novel. Later, a relative who read the book asked me not to continue with it, deeming it inappropriate and potentially harmful to my impressionable mind. However, I found its message relevant and empowering, especially as a young adult navigating life’s challenges.
Reflections on Forbidden Knowledge
While there are certainly books that should be restricted from children, such as pornography, I argue that the question of whether a book should be forbidden is often misguided. The question of whether a book is harmful is better addressed through education and conversation. If one feels the need to restrict a book, it should be because it poses a clear risk to the reader, not because it is considered taboo simply based on societal norms.
More egregious are the instances where adults, wary of teenagers exploring controversial topics, resort to book burning. This action does not solve the problem but rather suppresses the dialogue that should be taking place. Instead of burning books, we should engage in open discussions about the themes and messages they contain, ensuring that young readers can make informed and thoughtful choices about what they read.
In conclusion, teenage years are a time to question norms, explore new ideas, and understand the world from different perspectives. Rather than restricting access to knowledge, we should encourage critical thinking and meaningful dialogue to ensure that we are not suppressing the very creativity and innovation that comes from challenging the status quo.