Ariana Grande, Gabrielle Union and Guillermo del Toro are among the 175 Hollywood creatives to sign a letter denouncing book bans in schools across the nation.Photo:Trae Patton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty; Ivan Apfel/Getty; Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty
Trae Patton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty; Ivan Apfel/Getty; Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty
Ariana Grande,Gabrielle Union, andGuillermo del Toroare among 175 Hollywood creatives who have signed an open letter published on Tuesday denouncing the recent trend to ban books in schools across the nation.
“We cannot stress enough how these censorious efforts will not end with book bans,” the letter reads, perTHR. “It’s only a matter of time before regressive, suppressive ideologues will shift their focus toward other forms of art and entertainment, to further their attacks and efforts to scapegoat marginalized communities, particularly BIPOC and LGBTQ+ folks.”
“It’s embarrassing that we are banning books in this country, in this culture, in this day and age. And it’s dangerous that a handful of individuals are deciding that any book with Black and queer people is divisive,” Burton added. “We are calling on everyone to join us in raising their voices to uphold artistic freedom, embrace multicultural history and put a stop once and for all to book bans.”
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Padma Lakshmiwrote in her own statement, “We cannot shield our children from our history, as my generation was. Deciding what books are in school libraries is the job of librarians, not politicians who want to continue to whitewash the country.”
“By speaking out, I can defend freedom of expression, promote representation and inclusivity, support education and understanding, counter prejudice and discrimination, and empower young readers to embrace their identities and fight for their rights,” addedJazz Jenningsin her own statement.
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“Banning books takes away resources from kids who are trying to find themselves and discover the world,” wroteEmma Robertsand Karah Preiss, co-founders of the online reading communityBelletrist. “We all need to speak out to fight these bans because politicians cannot be allowed to stifle our growth, creativity or identities.”
Idina Menzeland her sisterCara Mentzelurged: “It’s on all of us to support all kids against book bans. We must come together and continue to advocate for children of all backgrounds, races, genders and sexual orientations so they know they are loved, valued and that we will stop at nothing to protect their rights.”
PerTHR, other signatories includeMark Ruffalo,Billy Porter,Chelsea Handler,Constance Wu,John Leguizamo,Christie Brinkley,Busy Philipps,Andy Cohen,Sarah Paulson,Sharon Stone,Judd Apatow,Alyssa Milano,Zooey Deschanel,Patton Oswalt,Natasha Lyonne,Margaret Cho,Ava Max,Ron Perlman,Bill Nye, poetAmanda Gorman, and authorsMargaret AtwoodandJudy Blume.
source: people.com
