This past week America was set
ablaze by peaceful protests that turned into riots by opportunistic thugs and
anarchists far removed from the causes of battling racism and advocating for much-needed
policing reforms. Whether this civil unrest leads to justice and meaningful,
lasting change remains to be seen. But as the words, sparks, tear gas, and
rubber bullets fly, our nation seeks to grapple with how to bring about change
while not allowing for the destruction of more lives. I do hope we
see peace restored and real change made in our nation’s policing of all people.
While seeing the civil unrest and
community participation in seeking to make a change in our society, it made me
wonder if we will ever again see protests and riots -- over books.
The written word used to spark protests and violence.
The written word used to spark protests and violence.
Battles over free speech, book bans,
or censorship have happened throughout America’s history. Pamphleteers led the
American colonies to revolt against the oppressive British Kingdom. Up until
recently, I wondered if people could be moved to do anything more active than
exchange angry social media missives from the protective comfort of their
couches. But now I see people can turn their passion and purpose into
meaningful action.
Protesting is a right, one that we must use wisely, and
indeed, one that we should feel morally implored to use for certain situations
and issues. Not long ago, we had the huge women’s marches. We also had anti-gun
violence rallies. This past week’s nationwide protests have awakened a
nation to a cause that may actually lead to meaningful change.
Books are merely packages of words,
but words are all that we have to determine the life we choose to live. We use
words to lead and guide others and to empower ourselves. We allow words to
educate, enlighten, inspire, and even entertain us. Words mean something. Words
can lead to action and it is up to each of us to advocate for books. The enemy
is illiteracy. It is censorship. It is also the elite and powerful who hope we
stay ignorant and complacent. Books bring us hope, love, and support. They give
us information, ideas, and history. They take us to wherever we choose to go.
Will you step forward to lobby for
widespread access to books? Will you encourage their survival by buying them,
reading them, sharing them, and advocating for their funding? Will you fight
against those who seek to destroy books, diminish them, or remove them from our
lives?
Today there are protests for social
justice. May they be peaceful and
productive.
But will we be there for books tomorrow?
Don’t tell me your answer. Show me.
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Brian Feinblum’s insightful views, provocative opinions, and interesting ideas expressed in this terrific blog are his alone and not that of his employer or anyone else. You can – and should -- follow him on Twitter @theprexpert and email him at brianfeinblum@gmail.com. He feels much more important when discussed in the third-person. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog ©2020. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester. His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s Independent. This was named one of the best book marketing blogs by Book Baby http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs and recognized by Feedspot in 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. Also named by WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.” He recently hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America.
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