BANNED TOGETHER is blunt, honest, and brutal as it pulls the curtain back from two current problems facing our society. Banning books and curriculum censorship cannot be ignored after viewing this powerful documentary. The directors take viewers behind the scenes to follow three high school activists along their journey from the local level to the national platform. It is a riveting story that is still ongoing, battling against ignorance and the use of fear tactics.
BANNED TOGETHER was created with care and thought. It brought not only the activists and adversaries together, but also the authors whose books were burned. Their words gave hope to this frightening situation appearing in major cities and small towns across the United States. Only Illinois did the brave thing by passing legislation to ban banning books. More states should continue this trend to resolve this problem quickly. It was insightful to be in the room where people argued, discussed, and fought to reach a consensus. There is much work until everyone can chant, “Free people read freely.”
As a former teacher, I was struck by the enormity of this puritanical problem. I wondered what I would have done to stop this culture within my school district. I relate to all the teachers who are scared senseless and losing their livelihood over freedom of speech. I worried what this would have done to my former students, “my kids,” if they lost access to me because I chose to stand against censorship in education and working for access to knowledge. I was in awe of those who speak for the whole and not just for the few who lead with senseless misunderstanding and misguided fear. In my heart, I believe I would have lost my job over this war of words.
BANNED TOGETHER is worth the viewer’s time and support. It is necessary not to allow the public to plunge their heads in the sand and ignore what is happening. It would be a travesty of justice and an insult to how far we have come. “When everything is hopeless, you are the hope.” Well said, Congressman Raskin. This must be how America moves forward.
BANNED TOGETHER is streaming on Prime Video.
