We recently discussed how many on the left have discovered the allure of book burning, book banning, and blacklisting of authors. While expressing shock at ISIS and other extremist groups burning books, the practice appears acceptable based on the titles or content. Now educators in Ontario have held a “flame purification ceremony” for the local indigenous population by burning roughly 5,000 books. The notion of teachers burning books is almost as bizarre as the thought of book sellers embracing blacklisting but both are now part of the realities of our age of rage.These school officials actually videotaped the celebration of book burning for students at 30 schools with the announcement that “We bury the ashes of racism, discrimination and stereotypes in the hope that we will grow up in an inclusive country where all can live in prosperity and security.”The announcement even has a type of Maoist cultural revolution feel to it. In addition, Lyne Cosette, a spokeswoman for the public French-speaking Catholic schools of Ontario, told the National Post newspaper, “Symbolically, some books were used as fertilizer.” The entire demonstration was a disgrace to educators everywhere. The lesson of book burning left with these children will likely be indelible and lasting. I have worried about the rise of a generation of censors but the Catholic schools of Ontario appear intent on raising a generation of book burners.No administrators or teachers were fired for teaching thousands of kids to be book burners. While other Canadians have voiced their disgust, there is no indication from the Catholic schools that such individuals are fundamentally unsuited to teach children. I would defend any one of them who sought to burn books or flags as a form of free speech despite my disgust for such actions. However, teaching and celebrating book burning is a rejection of the very essence of learning.
What is truly chilling is the Orwellian call for children to burn books in order to be a more “inclusive country.”
Update: The Conseil Scolaire Catholique (CSC) Providence has issued a statement of regret but notably does not state any intention to fire or sanction those responsible for this heinous act.
I thought long and hard about this development and found I have little to say here as its all already been said so many times before. Who needs to be told book burning is evil? I’m honestly left a bit bewildered by how it would happen, especially in a university or scholastic environment. After all the very first book burnings in Germany were also by schools. University students around Germany at more than 30 colleges and universities burned tens of thousands of books. It started there, in the colleges and universities.
So what else is there to say?
How it can happen I don’t know, but it is a great evil that we never would have tolerated in America or Canada, until now.
What the hell, are we doing?
“Fahrenheit 451” by Bradbury and Richard Condon’s “Manchurean Candidate” — sure wish we could find somebody to channel those two authors for their opinions on these horros?
Thanks, Prof. Turley.
I want to the record to show that I vehemently oppose ANY source of information- be it books, newspapers or cable programs- being treated like trash either by literally burning it or figuratively by calling it “fake.”
Book burning is only bad when done by evil Nazis but ok when done by those fighting for a more inclusive society.
Just waiting for some s@@tlib to justify this with a straight face.
antonio
Sigh. Book burning.
The destruction of statues.
Removal of classic literature and art from curriculum.
Black lists.
Racially segregated graduations.
Burning churches.
Fools don’t hang on to freedom.
I agree completely. This nation was founded under Judeo-Christian principles a nation founded as a Christian nation that allows all religions freedom to practice three faith. Unless ww turn around and fast and honor our Constitution we are going down.
Ruth warns:
“I agree completely. This nation was founded under Judeo-Christian principles a nation founded as a Christian nation that allows all religions freedom to practice three faith. Unless ww turn around and fast and honor our Constitution we are going down.”
Then what? Armageddon?