Literature still pissing people off

We recently completed Banned Books Week, an event that librarians pay attention to, but almost no one else does because the list of banned books reaches back throughout the 20th century and most of the "banning" takes place at schools. And let's face it, what goes on in schools is something that few people care about unless they happen to have kids in school and are politically active on one side or another.

Actually, the best thing about having a "banned books" list is probably that it simply gives the more curious, rebellious kids a reading list. I'm a 16-year-old and you don't want me reading The Chocolate War? That's what I'm going to get first thing. (I've read the book and it's great -- a real "question authority" anthem, with more than a hint of sadomasochism.)

El Struggle continues today in Austin, TX, where parents at a parochial school are arguing over Annie E. Proulx's short story "Brokeback Mountain" (which -- this falls under the "no such thing as bad publicity" rule -- is about to be released as a film directed by Ang Lee). The controversy has already cost the school a promised $3 million from a conservative donor who withdrew his pledge when the school refused to take the story off the reading list. The school's website offers a way to donate online if you want to support their stand.