Saturday, March 21, 2015

Censorship

In the library where I work, I felt it a small achievement when I managed to expand our graphic novel collection.  It was part of an effort to re-vamp and expand our teen section.  So while I am proud of our re-done 'TeenZone' and the increased usage it has seen, there is a problem in that all our graphic novels and comics lie within it.  There is no separate section for graphic novels themselves, where we could shelve ones with more mature themes.  (And since our current policy is to avoid comics/graphic novels with mature themes and illustrations, Image publishing is no where in evidence.)  One of the reasons of this policy is the fear of an overwhelming amount of challenges from our conservative community.  Because it is true that graphic novels and censorship are quite familiar with each other.

Perhaps it is because of the stereotype that comics are meant for children, or perhaps it is because violence and sex scenes are 'more shocking' when depicted through illustrations instead of words.

"Graphic novels that do contain violence or sexual content are generally labeled as 'adult,' and...using the term 'adult' in relation to graphic novels is often taken to mean the novel contains pornographic content. While some graphic novels do contain sexual content, the label 'adult' does not mean pornographic, it may be in reference to philosophical and emotional content that targets a more mature audience."
--Janet Pinkley & Kaela Casey, 2013

Cover of Saga #12, the issue in question.
The offending images were drawn within
the screen of character Prince Robot IV.
It is not only in libraries that comics struggle with censorship.  Even in digital distribution must they fight.  Apple often acts as gatekeeper for its app store, which can be good for the consumer as it keeps knock-off apps and scams off their devices.  However, Apple's policy also affects companies like ComiXology who digitally publish monthlies.  In spring 2013, ComiXology refused to published Saga #12, due to two "postage-stamp" sized depictions of homosexual acts.  After backlash, ComiXology apologized and posted the issue, saying that they had initially refused to publish it because of how they personally had interpreted Apple's guidelines.  While many cried homophobia, Brian K. Vaughn said, "I never thought either company was being homophobic, only weirdly inconsistent about what kind of adult material was permissible."


And that is the issue with censorship, in graphic novels and all other cases.  Challenges are arbitrary and so are the judgments on whether or not to allow publication or to keep on the shelves.  In 2014, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF) teamed up with the Banned Books Week committee to shed a light specifically on graphic novels.   One such graphic novels, listed on CBLDF's website, is Neil Gaiman's Sandman.  Citing reasons such as "anti-family themes", "offensive language", and "unfit for age group", Sandman has been challenged at numerous libraries across the country since its publication in 1989.

Sandman's example may serve to back up the advice Pinkley and Casey give in their writing...each graphic novel's audience must be assessed individually and shelved appropriately, rather than assuming it is meant for a younger crowd.  But no matter the age, all graphic novels should be treated as proper literature, and as potential gateways for reluctant readers.

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1 comment:

  1. C-floMarch 25, 2015 at 8:21 AM

    I am not one that loves graphic novels. It just isn't my preferred reading choice. That said, censoring graphic novels is not necessary. There are many benefits that graphic novels provide to developing readers. Many graphic novels contain advanced vocabulary and go a long way towards ensuring life-long reading skills.

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