Tennessee School Districts Remove Multiple Manga Series From Libraries
A wave of manga bans continues to sweep across the United States, with Tennessee becoming the latest battleground. Wilson County Schools and Rutherford County Schools, both districts in Tennessee, have pulled hundreds of manga titles from school libraries following community complaints. The list includes popular shonen titles like
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes,
and
Attack on Titan.
The Manga Ban
The ban, declared on November 11th, stems from concerns over content deemed “pornographic” and containing “nudity, sexual excitement, sexual conduct, excess violence, or sadomasochistic abuse.” Rutherford School Board member Caleb Tidwell, a staunch supporter of the measure, stated that “the vast majority of attendees at our meetings were in support of removal.” He further emphasized that these books “break the law” and that attempts to keep them in schools demonstrate “a poor understanding of the law or deflection of duty.”
The banned titles number nearly four hundred, raising concerns about censorship and the accessibility of diverse narratives in education.
A full list of the banned manga in Rutherford County includes:
-
Jujutsu Kaisen
-
Case Closed
-
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
-
Bungo Stray Dogs
-
Fist of The North Star
-
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes
-
Vampire Knight
-
Parasyte
-
Rosario+
-
Attack on Titan
-
Tokyo Ghoul
-
The Promised Neverland
-
Blue Exorcist
-
Durarara
-
Bloom Intro You
-
Soul Eater
-
Akira
-
The Seven Deadly Sins
-
Inuyasha
-
Black Butler
-
Hunter x Hunter
-
Alice 19th
-
Air Gear
The Free Speech Center Responds
Ken Paulson, Director of the Free Speech Center, released a statement condemning the ban. He emphasized that “Never in the history of America has the Supreme Court or any federal court concluded that a book was obscene because it had excessive violence, and the books banned in Rutherford County are not porn. And the notion that they are somehow written to capture the same audience as something like
Hustler
magazine is nonsense.”
The banned manga titles are currently under a 60-day review period before a final decision on their permanent removal. While some manga could potentially return to Tennessee school libraries, the situation highlights the ongoing debate surrounding censorship and intellectual freedom in educational contexts.
Are there any potential cultural biases at play in the selection of manga titles for banning?
## Tennessee Manga Ban Sparks Controversy
**Interviewer:** We’re here today to discuss the recent wave of manga bans sweeping across the US, with Tennessee becoming one of the latest focal points. Joining us is Dr. Emily Carter, a Professor of Media Studies at [University Name] with expertise in censorship and youth literature. Dr. Carter, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** Can you shed some light on the situation in Tennessee?
**Dr. Carter:** Certainly. As [1](https://comicbook.com/anime/news/manga-anime-ban-jujutsu-kaisen-my-hero-academia/) reports, Wilson County Schools and Rutherford County Schools have removed hundreds of manga titles from their libraries, including popular series like *Jujutsu Kaisen*, *My Hero Academia: Vigilantes*, and *Attack on Titan*. This follows complaints from the community expressing concerns about content deemed “pornographic” and containing ”nudity, sexual excitement, sexual conduct, excess violence, or sadomasochistic abuse”.
**Interviewer:** That’s a broad range of concerns. What are your thoughts on the justification for these bans?
**Dr. Carter:** This is where things get complex. While protecting children is paramount, the application of these standards can be problematic. Manga, like any art form, explores a wide range of themes and tones. Labeling entire genres as inherently inappropriate risks oversimplifying complex narratives and neglecting the valuable discussions they can stimulate about social issues, relationships, and morality.
**Interviewer:** We’ve seen similar debates surrounding graphic novels and comic books in the past. Do you see this as part of a larger trend?
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely. This is part of a recurring pattern of attempts to control access to information and limit the diversity of perspectives presented in educational settings. While parental involvement is crucial, it’s important to differentiate between legitimate concerns and attempts to impose personal beliefs on an entire community.
**Interviewer:** Some argue that manga specifically is targeted due to its Japanese origins. Do you see any truth to this perspective?
**Dr. Carter:** It’s a valid concern. We’ve seen instances where cultural differences and misunderstanding contribute to censorship. It’s crucial to approach cultural products with sensitivity and respect, seeking to understand their context rather than immediately resorting to bans.
**Interviewer:** What are the potential consequences of these bans beyond simply restricting access to books?
**Dr. Carter:** The implications are far-reaching. Censorship can stifle critical thinking, limit opportunities for intellectual growth, and create an environment of fear and self-censorship. It sends a dangerous message that certain voices and perspectives are not welcome, ultimately harming the educational experience for all students.
**Interviewer**: Dr. Carter, thank you for sharing your insights.
**Dr. Carter:** It was my pleasure.