Podcast Summary: "Book Bans and Free Speech with Suzanne Nossel"
Here's Where It Gets Interesting
Host: Sharon McMahon
Episode: Book Bans and Free Speech with Suzanne Nossel
Release Date: June 16, 2025
Platform: An Audacy Podcast
Introduction
In this compelling episode of Here's Where It Gets Interesting, host Sharon McMahon delves into the contentious issue of book bans and their implications for free speech in the United States. Joining her is Suzanne Nossel, CEO of PEN America, an organization dedicated to defending and celebrating free expression globally. Together, they explore the rise of book bans, the motivations behind them, and the broader impact on education and democracy.
Understanding PEN America
Sharon begins by highlighting the vital work of PEN America, prompting Suzanne to elaborate on the organization's dual mission: celebrating literary achievements and defending freedom of expression. Suzuki outlines PEN America's initiatives, including the prestigious PEN America Awards, the annual Penworld Voices festival, and various programs supporting marginalized writers, such as those who are incarcerated or undocumented.
"We are an organization with a mission to both celebrate and defend freedom of expression worldwide." [01:06]
Evolution of Free Expression Landscape
Suzanne discusses how the focus of PEN America's free expression work has shifted over the past decade. Initially concentrated on international issues, the organization has increasingly addressed domestic challenges, particularly those emerging around 2016 from both political spectrums.
"The threats to free expression, to open discourse, to truth, have continued to multiply a couple of times over." [07:50]
Key changes include:
- Left-Wing Challenges: Debates on college campuses over trigger warnings, safe spaces, and speaker disinvitations have led to a perceived retreat from open discourse in favor of equity and inclusivity.
- Right-Wing Challenges: An uptick in violence against the press and the spread of disinformation and conspiracy theories undermining factual discourse.
- Media Landscape: The decline of local news due to the migration of advertising dollars online, exacerbating misinformation.
Surge in Book Bans
Sharon raises concerns about the increasing prevalence of book bans in schools and libraries, prompting Suzanne to provide a historical perspective. While book bans were once sporadic, they have now become a strategic tool in broader cultural conflicts.
"We saw this extraordinary upsurge in book bans that really grew out of... trying to suppress narratives that seem threatening to particular communities." [09:30]
Key Insights:
- Targeted Subjects: Over 56% of banned books address race, racism, LGBTQ themes, or feature characters of color.
- Geographical Hotspots: Texas, Florida, Missouri, Utah, and South Carolina lead in instances of book bans.
- Rhetoric Shift: Books are increasingly labeled as "pornographic" or "indecent," a term traditionally reserved for materials lacking literary value. This redefinition extends to age-appropriate literature, including works by Shakespeare.
"Labeling these books obscenity and pornography is false. It deprives students of access to literature that in some cases they badly need." [13:00]
The Impact of Book Bans
Suzanne emphasizes that many of these books play a crucial role in supporting students who feel isolated or marginalized. By removing these resources, schools are silencing important voices that offer comfort and understanding to vulnerable youth.
"Books can literally be lifesavers for some kids. Kids who are isolated... can realize they're not alone." [15:10]
Addressing Parental Concerns
Sharon addresses the fears of parents who oppose their children accessing certain materials, questioning how to balance these concerns with the principles of free expression. Suzanne responds by distinguishing between legitimate parental rights and the overreach of a minority imposing restrictions on the broader student population.
"This is not about parents asserting their legitimate right to influence what their kids are exposed to. This is about a very small minority imposing their views on the entire community." [18:30]
Recommendations for Concerned Parents:
- Speak Up: Engage in local school board meetings to advocate for the freedom to read.
- Legal Action: Join or support lawsuits against unlawful book bans, such as the case in Escambia County, Florida.
- Form Alliances: Collaborate with diverse groups to support open access to literature, transcending personal preferences.
"If you're in one of the cities where we have a chapter, we can connect you with that." [23:00]
The Broader Implications for Democracy
Suzanne ties the issue of book bans to the foundational principles of democracy, asserting that free expression is essential for a healthy democratic society. She warns against the dangers of allowing a few voices to censor the many, urging listeners to defend the First Amendment as a cornerstone of civic trust and democratic resilience.
"First Amendment and free speech rights are a key underpinning of democracy." [30:04]
Conclusion and Call to Action
As the episode concludes, Suzanne urges listeners to recognize their stake in protecting free expression, regardless of the issues at hand. She calls for collective action to resist censorship and uphold the values that sustain democratic discourse.
"We need to stand up and defend it. We need to reject legislation trying to dictate that certain books must be off limits." [30:30]
Sharon wraps up by directing listeners to PEN America's website for resources and ways to get involved, reinforcing the importance of community engagement in combating book bans and defending free speech.
Resources:
- PEN America Website: pen.org
- PEN America Awards and Events
- Legal Support for Challenged Books
This episode serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing battle over free expression in educational settings and the pivotal role that communities play in safeguarding access to diverse ideas and narratives.