Argument Essay- 2nd Draft

Many teens have dealt with problems like being a high school dropout or have given into peer pressure. “The Adolescents Substance Abuse Knowledge Base reports that right around 30% of teens are offered drugs in middle school and high school” according to familyfirstaid.org. Alfred, the main character, is a high school dropout and also goes through peer pressure throughout the story.  However, because of the positive message Alfred sends to the audience I came to the conclusion that “The Contender” by Robert Lipsyte shouldn’t be banned.

Mr.Donatelli gives Alfred a speech which encourages him to fight for what he wants and to make something of himself “- It’s the climbing that makes the man. Getting to the top is an extra award” (Lipsyte p35). This shows that fighting for what you want will make you a stronger person but accomplishing it is like a gift in return for the hard work. In this part of the text Alfred refuses to join Major and the guys to break into a store; even when his best friend is going too.  “You coming? Alfred shook his head- you coming James or you gonna be a slave too?” (Lipsyte p7). This shows to not give into peer pressure, even if your friends are part of what ever bad thing they’re going to do. In this part of the text James (Alfred’s best friend) gets in deep trouble with the cops and Alfred is there to the rescue. “Why you wanna do all this? Because I know I can. And you’re my partner. Ready?” (Lipsyte p.226). The way Alfred is treating James and helping him out compared to how James has been treating him shows that friendship is important and that no matter what you need to be there for each other through thick and thin. 

However, my question is… why would people want to ban a book with so many great lessons for young readers? Throughout the books there is violence, racism and drug/alcohol use. For example, “You just a slave.  You was born a slave. You gonna die a slave” (Lipsyte p.5). To others referring blacks as slaves is an offensive term and encourages the audience to use such foul and racist language to others. An example of violence is,“-four of them were in a tight pile of swinging arms and legs, kicking, cuffing, punching “(Lipsyte p.16). This may give the younger readers that violence us okay and might use it on others. This is  an example from the book when drugs and alcohol is being used/ described in the text. “The red bulb burned out, and it was pitch-dark in the clubroom. Wine bottles kept coming around, and the cigarettes” (Lipsyte p.18).  This part of the text might also encourage the young readers to drink and take drugs and smoke cigarettes.

According to “Darkness to Visible” book banners say “It has to do with the child’s happiness and tenderness of heart” meaning that books read by young audiences should make them feel comfortable and that the content of the book should be on the right level of maturity for the reader. Book banners also said “Let’s hope publishers do have young people’s interest at heart- and they are not selling books by sensationalizing children’s suffering” according to “Sick-Lit”.  But non book banners have a much different and bigger opinion. “The argument in favor of such novels is that they validate the teen experience, giving the tortured adolescents who would otherwise be voiceless” (Gurdon p.2). Books like these can give young readers a sense of controversial topics like teens being high school dropouts and giving into peer pressure. This book is good for young readers because others in the same situation can relate to Alfred and what goes on in his life in the story. Books like these can also show the young readers what to do and what not to do by learning from the characters mistakes.

Banning books because of strong language, graphic details and maturity takes away the meaning of the book. Books like these are pointed to young readers so they can learn and have a sense of the sensitive topics to teens today. “I don’t want to compromise how kids talk. I don’t want to acknowledge those      f-ing gate keepers” said by an editor responding to “Darkness to Visible”. She meant that people who think it’s appropriate to guide what young people read is wrong and inappropriate. We all have a right to freedom of expression and there’s no law saying kids can’t read what they want without others permission. Books are meant to explain things differently instead of just reading it in a daily paper or a magazine. Books are to help you see and understand and learn about these controversial topics as they are, emotional and painful. Reading about these topics is one thing; imagine living it.