The Catcher in the Rye

The Catcher in the Rye Essay

During the 1950’s, there were many great books that influenced students. Some of these books are nowadays commonly seen in schools´ book list and libraries. These books have shed some negative and positive lights to the students´ points of views. One of the most famous book that has fans and anti-fans is a book named “The Catcher in the Rye” written by J.D. Salinger. The novel tells the story of a boy speaking from a negative point of view during a three day period. It starts off with the main character, Holden, getting kicked out of school. He experiences several events during his three days and writes about the events that have impacted him, in a first-person account kind of way. It is also the first coming of age novel that shows the frustration of teenagers on the daily events that most people just ignore.

This book was recently banned in many districts of the US and other countries because of the use of profanity, lurid passages about sex, and statements defamatory to minorities, God, women and the physically disabled (Chasan, 1). Despite it being banned, numerous individuals wonder why “The Catcher in the Rye” is challenged and if it should really be banned. I believe that it should be banned and that for certain it is not a suitable book to be in the school shelves for the reasons that follow…

First of all, the book contains offensive languages and violence that are unacceptable for teenagers. Nowadays, students in school use a lot of inappropriate terms, that should not be encouraged  Reading a book with this kind of behavior being accepted or praised is a bad example that is to be followed, or at least remembered by students. Although students know these terms, they don’t apply them often. Also, during the periods of time at school, the students learn myriads of new subjects through the books they read. The rising action of this novel was made clearly when Mark Chapman approached John Lennon and shot him five times and killed him. Then, he pulled out his paperback copy of “The Catcher in the Rye” signed by John Lennon, and tried to read it (Chasan, 1). It is said that Mark Chapman pretended to be Holden and tried to live a life like him. Therefore, I don’t think that it is relevant for children to read it, although the children in our days are going though the similar social issues. As everyone can see Holden is a horrible example for today’s children.

Secondly, for the 2.1 billion people who are Christians in the World, “The Catcher in the Rye” is an extremely rude book. It has parts that have statements that are disrespectful to Jesus. Such as: “I can see the big phony bastard shifting into first gear and asking Jesus to send him a few more stiffs…” (Salinger, 17pg). Also, this book contains pages of humiliating statements toward Jesus. Even though I’m not a pious person, I believe that a book that includes disgraceful phrases shouldn’t be taught as a school’s novel for teenagers.

Countless people around the world believe that “The Catcher in the Rye” shouldn’t be banned because of it teaching life lessons to teenagers. Such as: Not judging people by just looking at them, bulling is bad and to work hard to succeed in life. However, I strongly believed that it should be banned because of its obscene languages that may induce violence and it’s rudeness towards specific religions and minorities.

Consequently, in my opinion “The Catcher in the Rye” should be officially black listed for several reasons. First, it contains vulgar languages that can impel students to turn violent. Additionally, it can make them learn the negative aspects of life before they are able to fully understand them, such as: suicide, prostitution, drunkenness and also in some occasions, getting beaten up. Thirdly, the book holds very disrespectful phrases about Jesus, ignoring his existence. Thus, since it is evident that the materials in this novel can mislead young people, I believe that it should be banned.