BannedBooks22

I thoroughly enjoyed the play; however, I think the main contributor to my fascination was the reality of the world today. It is very eerie reading a play about women ending as there are evident threats of a third world war. I have been seeing posts on social media and talking to my friends about the possibility of war and our, as women, place in it. I do not think a sex strike would make a difference, at least here in the United States. However, I did look at the situation between Russia and Ukraine differently, using Lysistrata’s logic of war being for money and a male ego contest. Act 2, scene 5 has the Spartan Herold come, and the Athenian men feel emasculated in Herold’s presence. They all measure up to his standards, and with great difficulty, Socrates is the one holding the “key” (78). In some sense, Putin has felt emasculated by Ukraine and has broken the peace treaty to regain some of his power. Putin’s reasoning that Ukraine needed to be cleansed of Nazis is absurd, as Presid...

  Lysistrata and Theatre  Aristophanes’ Lysistrata, an anti-war satire, contains vulgar and bawdy dialogue that is more amusing when performed. While reading this play, especially Huddleston’s version which includes more foul language than other translations, there is a possible sense of discomfort with the dialogue as well as the sexual themes. The phalluses that would be attached to their costumes create a personal sense of uneasiness. From a theatrical standpoint, they are a fun piece of the costume and are essential to the plot. Khanna’s take on visceral reactions can come into play here: the sense of discomfort can lead to conversation. This made me realize that I had to take a look at myself: why was I so uncomfortable with phallic images when all bodies should be celebrated?  Another topic that can cause discomfort while reading the play was Aristophanes’ depiction of women. At face value, he is creating strong women that are able to disband a war with a sex st...

  Faith Tyranski Dr. Ellis 28 Feb. 2022 Response to Lysistrata The silent hierarchy; the power dynamic between man and woman throughout Lysistrata             Throughout the entirety of the play, Aristophanes seemingly empowers women, thrusting them to the forefront of the way, without physically placing them on the battlefield, by utilizing them to work as the ‘mastermind’ which drives peace. Lysistrata, Lampito, and additional Athenian women finally develop power as the spearhead of the sex-strike, but also as a force of peace; nevertheless, although the women seem to come of power in these ways, I believe that Aristophanes play serves as a double-edged sword, where despite the women’s perception of holding the power, the silent gender-driven hierarchy continues to unbalance the power dynamic, in the favor of men, throughout Lysistrata.             When Ly...

                                                                                   Clowns of Lysistrata  Last class, we talked about the idea that this play is banned because it illustrates women taking initiative and participating in government. While this is true, I also noticed during the second half of Lysistrata that women are also making a fool out of men and making them look incredibly weak. I believe this is another “threat” that causes the play to be banned. The men in this play are becoming more ridiculous and laughable as the play continues. I especially saw this in Act Two, Scene Three in the interaction between Kinesias and Myrrhine. Kinesias’ foolishness is at an all time high as Myrrhine continues to tempt him.  My...

Where within I will not be discussing Lysistrata, but continuing the title convention was too good to pass up. I offer instead for anyone who reads these before class in preparation of the presentation to consider one idea: "clarity" in relation to Lysistrata by Huddleston. I am partaking in the Bridges program and what strikes me as fascinating is how difficult middle and high school is. It's easy for us to talk about a linear or exponential difficulty curve in school, and while that may be true of the subject material itself, in terms of actual comprehension this does not seem the case. Instead, I struggle to communicate basic ideas succinctly because the learners have not completely adapted to our method of communication yet. They are not underdeveloped in any way, but knowing what you know and knowing what you do not know is a difficult concept. It's difficult to get a student to tell me what they don't know, they just feel a dissatisfaction with the subject. ...

Going into Lysistrata, I was expecting more of the Shakespeare-esque type of play, thus I was pleasantly surprised by the true content it had to offer. Due to the vulgarity and more explicit exposition, I assumed that it was a modern play when reading the first few pages and I think the fact of it truly was written was what I found most surprising. Usually, when it comes to plays given to us by the Greeks, I would not typically associate any work such as this and it took me back how relevant and topical it was to today.  The line on the bottom of page 54, "What man among you can say that he gave birth to a nation? Miserable graybeards— the richer you get the less you pay," encapsulated a lot of the topics we addressed in class on Wednesday. Yes, this is definitely salacious and one would not expect to find it in most school libraries, that, ultimately, is not why it's banned. It handles more subtle social conflicts that some would rather not expose others to, such as we s...

    The play, Lysistrata is nothing that I expected it to be when I heard that we were reading a play, but I really enjoyed it. Its wit, humor, and raunchiness leaves a lot of room for interpretation, especially after Scott brought up that it could be read as making fun of women I began to rethink the play in different ways. However, one aspect of the play which intrigued me was the sexuality and the women's choice to have a sex ban. In the second half of the book when the Korus women are having a discussion Lysistrata says, “It’s not the same. When a soldier finally returns—his hair grown white—he can still take a young wife. But a woman has only one summer. When she grows old no one has anything to say to her” (50). I pondered this thought and realized that men have the advantage in sexual nature. It is inherent to sex; a man’s pleasure is how a baby is created.       This quote reminded me of this because older men dating younger wome...

       The play Lysistrata presents a very interesting commentary on the presence of gender roles within society, especially during a time of conflict. While the play contains many vulgar scenes that could be inappropriate for young audiences, I believe that the play was banned because of the root of its ideas. In 1873, when society banned the play for the first time, the country was run primarily by males, and females had little authority. By allowing this play into the public, people would be exposed to a viewpoint completely different from the one in which they were living. As a result, the leader of society and those responsible for banning books deemed it as straying too far from the norm. The ideas presented in Lysistrata would show readers that a female-dominant world is possible, and this was a threat that leaders could not accept at the time. While it is easy to blame the banning of the play on its vulgarity, there truly is more behind the issue than is vis...

  Lysistrata caught me off guard. From the title and the general plot synopsis that my roommate gave me when I mentioned that we were going to be reading this play, I figured I was in for a more serious tale about men and women’s relationships in ancient Greece, especially exploring the power dynamics at play when women take control of their own bodies in a time when that was not accepted. Instead, I was greeted with a vulgar, comedic tale that did not really take any of those issues that seriously.  In general, I enjoyed Lysistrata . It took me off guard with its vulgarity, but it made for a very unique reading experience. Most of the jokes landed for me, even if I thought some were a little gross. My favorite jokes were those that felt like they came specifically from the translation to modern speech. One joke late in the play questioned why the characters were referring to Hercules as Hercules. Since they are Greek, they should have been calling him Heracles. The anachroni...

Lysistrata  pits men against women and violence against peace in a battle that felt as poignant to Aristophanes in Ancient Greece as it did to Will Huddleston in 2008. The play brings attention to the inequity in Athens using a satirical tone that makes the message accessible to a larger audience while simultaneously highlighting the power and pitfalls of presenting important issues through satire. Satire can be a powerful force to reveal the absurdity of commonly held beliefs and take the powerful people it critiques down a peg. Although I agree that “for its time” this play was a radical call for peace and equality in Ancient Greece, it begs the question: why did some plot lines not get removed in the more modern adaption?           When the women overtake the city, they are shown as flighty and flawed but still more capable of ending a war than the men are. However, this is not the call for “equality for all” that one might at fi...

As we discussed in class last week, the vulgarities in Lysistrata are not the true reason the play has been banned and so heavily monitored throughout history. Though it may not have been Aristophanes’ intention, he does paint a portrait of a world in which women protest and actually create social change. This is the revolutionary concept the patriarchy wants to keep from us. The final lines of Lysistrata, delivered by Kleonike directly to the audience, are: “You who spread warfare and hatred and fear,/ Lysistrata’s women will soon re-appear/ Some high and mighty, some wash and wear,/ Lysistrata’s women, they’re everywhere,” (94). These lines can and should be read as a threat. The play encourages women to be politically active and make a difference in their male-built and male-controlled societies. Its banning for this reason reminds me of how The Hate U Give is banned for encouraging youth activism or a similar concept. The people who have power are never going to want to give up t...

 I was hesitant going in to Lysistrata as I honestly am not a big fan of plays and musicals. From whatever reason, I don't really connect with the theater despite my love of music, books and movies. I gave the play a shot, and was met with a positive experience. Personally, I don't really find the humor very funny; I appreciate the translation's attempt to modernize the jokes, but it might just not be for me.  In addition to reading the play, I watched some of a live rendition of the play from 2009 on youtube. I definitely found that watching the play was a much different experience then reading it, however I would still say it dragged in parts. My problem with this may just be a problem I hold with theater in general as I don't enjoy the over exaggerated delivery and  body language that is common in theater.  I will, however say, that I'm blown away by the fact that the concept of this play originally came from Ancient Greece. Even excusing the modernization of thi...

 Over the past week, I discovered I was beginning to have a new favorite novel--The Hate U Give. This novel has a very strong narrator and point of view, adding to the empathy for the narrator, making it easier and easier to feel like you personally know the narrator. This novel also discusses a lot of heavy themes and important subjects, topics that have become more and more relevant today. And as I read through this novel, I continually asked myself… why would this novel be banned? It talks about drugs and violence, but the overall message of this novel is so important and grand that it should outweigh everything else.  I would like to focus on two aspects of this novel: the first being, dual identity and double-consciousness, and the second is freedom dreaming. Starr is fully a part of two different lives, her Garden-Heights life, and her Williamson Prep life. These two facets are completely different and contradictory, and the audience sees Starr struggle with balancing bo...

As I was reading Nikki Grimes’ Bronx Masquerade, I could not figure out why this book was banned. While I am vehemently against the idea of banning books as a whole, usually I can at least identify why some parties want to censor certain stories. I understand why The Color Purple was banned by conservative forces for its depiction of sexual assault and homosexuality even if I believe that those things have no right to be censored by interest groups with no connection to those experiences. Bronx Masquerade perplexed me, however, as most of its more mature themes are in the background. It did not linger on some of these heavy topics in a way that I thought could lend some to censor it. The bulk of the story explores the writings of Mr. Ward’s students. While many have tragic backgrounds that deal with heavy topics, they are all referenced and referred to in the past tense. None of these darker ideas are lingered on or shown in the present like in The Color Purple. For example, one of the...

         On monday we discussed the Bronx Masquerade and how it fits in with our list of Banned Books, and I'd say the final third of the book has left me feeling even more frustrated with the banning of this book. This morning I saw an article talking about how anything related to LGBTQ issues has been banned from schools in Florida and it reminded me of our conversation about why censorship of important topics is bad. It angers me to see important issues that affect so many people's lives being barred from getting proper attention in schools. If we do not talk about the important topics that divide us, how will the younger generation understand these issues?          I mentioned last class how I feel that a lot of parents don't really understand what the point of education is. I knew so many kids in high school who hated history and English because they didn't understand why it was important to r...

It's all we can do each and every day. Live in the present, present ourselves. Even though it's a verb and a noun it means the same thing, right? As much as we can learn from the past and plan for the future We only live now we can only give now. History reeks of the trappings of before, will bind us if we give it belief it doesn't deserve. It's not freeing, it's just true that we only work in the present. The difference between Zurara and Reynolds  is that the former constructed structures, impervious to change rooted behind those of us in the present. We can't change what has happened. But Reynolds points and says "we can demolish these structures now " insofar as we can see them. We can change what is happening. The past is dead, long live the present Here now. What I'm doing. I'm reading, aren't I? I'm giving myself a piece of myself to you only alive when I present it,  in the present.  Otherwise it's dead words on dead paper o...

Central throughout the stories of eighteen Bronx-based students is the need for belonging. Each student feels their differences will not be accepted by their classmates, only to learn that their differences make them similar. As humans are innately social beings, this need to belong is one of the most studied psychological phenomena. Each student juggles the internal crisis between wanting to fit in with their classmates and wanting to be their authentic selves or fear of being scorned again. Many of the stories, in my opinion, were cliche. The idea that the tall girl does not like basketball or the jock can like school has been told countless times. However, some stories accurately and emotionally capture this intense fear of social ostracism.  One such story that I would argue gives a different and more controversial perspective is Sheila’s. I had a visceral reaction to her wanting to change her name to a more “Africana” one and imitating the students of color at her school, as...

     The Bronx Masquerade by Niki Grimes not only discusses the power of poetry and spoken word poetry but also shares the poetry that the students write. Grimes allows her readers to hear the student's thoughts and hardships and see how they express these thoughts through poetry; Grimes indeed shows the power of poetry.      Grimes begins this novel with one student, Wesley Boone, handing in a poem instead of an essay, and the teacher responds with, "Great poem, but I still expect to see an essay from you. I'll give you another week" (Grimes, 4). Grimes is introducing the theme of giving a voice to the voiceless, a theme that stays evident and prominent throughout the novel. At first, Mr.Ward somewhat dismisses the poem Wesley wrote, but when Mr. Ward learns that another student, Tyrone Bittings, also has a poem to share, Ward soon realizes the power of poetry. Open Mic Fridays allow Mr. Ward to give a voice to these voiceless, minority, struggling studen...

    In Bronx Masquerade the characters are first urged to write and make poetry through their lesson and teaching on the Harlem renaissance. In class on Tuesday, we discussed the importance of this movement and its impact on Mr.Ward's class. Especially within this idea of representation. Many of the students in Mr.Ward's class felt inspired by the black artists that they learned about and used that energy to fuel their creative force and create something truly wonderful.     I argued in class on Tuesday that the Harlem Renaissance was the first time Black art was really appreciated without the undertones of suffering. I am realizing that this is an unfair claim. Black art has always been appreciated. Black art has always been celebrated regardless of suffering. Additionally, many of the leaders of the Harlem renaissance did still address issues like race, politics, and socio-economic inequalities within their art. In fact many notable leaders like Langston Hughes and...

        After reading a few chapters of “Stamped” by Jason Reynolds, I could not help but think about how this should be the way our history books are written. I thought to myself, “what’s the problem with learning about history in an assertive and energetic way?” If Reynolds’ writing style was in my history books growing up, I would have paid more attention to history. I loved the idea of history and I even thought about majoring in it for a few weeks. But sitting in the library reading page after page of the same monochromatic tone that’s been in every history textbook proved to be underwhelming. I decided not to study history and instead became interested in the English major because I had always loved English. But, before making a final decision I thought it was best to try taking an upper-level English course to see how I liked it. In my first upper level English class, U.S. and Caribbean Literature, I quickly learned that there was so much history involved...

Upon hearing from eighteen different voices in a highschool classroom, one observation stood out to  me most. When Wesley catches Sheila trying to walk like Porscha, he pulls her aside and tells her to be  herself– which just so happens to be one of the main messages of the book. He, quite profoundly, says to  her, “‘you want to hang with brothas and sistas, it ain’t no big thing. Just don’t try to be them… Soon as  you get out of here, you’re going to go to a college or get a job where everybody else is as blond and blue- eyed as you. They walk like you and talk like you. What’re you going to do, then? Change yourself  back?’” (135). From this excerpt, at least two conclusions can be drawn: 1. Mr. Ward’s implementation of  Open Mike Fridays allowed this group of students, a majority of them black or brown, to be their  authentic selves in a professional setting, which is a chance they most likely will not have again, and 2.  You may fit in, but...

Poetry functions as a creative outlet for those who have experienced trauma; and readers are able to relate to these anecdotes and poems about suffering and traumatic events. The English class in Bronx Masquerade use writing as a form of escape, allowing them to purge their emotions onto a piece of paper. Three of the most memorable stories were those of Chankara Troupe, Gloria Martinez, and Amy Moskowitz. Chankara shares her story of the violence she suffered when she told a boy to stop touching her: “Now I’ve got this ugly tattoo on my cheek. I thought about skipping school today, but I hate to miss English” (Grimes 14). It is clear that she values English class because it is a way to express to the class what she is going through when reading her poem “Bruised Love.” She has faced violence that people reading could relate to, whether it is with a romantic partner, a friend, or even a family member.  Another character, Gloria, recently had a baby and makes grocery lists in class,...

Bronx Masquerade and Stamped Anna O'Shea February 8, 2022 As I was reading Jason Reynold’s excerpt from   Stamped   I was in awe in the kind of retelling and different narration of history that he was giving. I felt like a lot of the human condition and nature of history that he was discussing resonated with the book,   Bronx Masquerade . While I was reading the last portion of   Bronx Masquerade , I was tying together many of the themes, one of which loomed large to me, the idea of fitting in or “being cool.” What does it even mean to be either of those things? I am not exactly sure.   The character, Sheila particularly amazed me within these two realms, she went through such depths to fit in and be cool that she ended up being extremely offensive in her acts that fell into cultural appropriation. As she explained and attempts to justify some of these actions, she says, “Everybody around me is dark and ethnic. Which is in, by the way. Look at all the supermodel...

  I have a  Freedom  Dream. In the past two weeks, we have focused on the idea of Freedom Dreaming, which I identify as still believing and growing despite the hardships and difficulties one has faced . A Letter From Birmingham Jail  shows an excellent example of Freedom Dreaming; as Martin Luther King is in jail, he is still dreaming, hoping, and more importantly, creating a ripple effect. Similar to Cecile in  The Color Purple,  Dr. Martin Luther King is never simply given freedom. He must ask for it. Cecile goes through life in an abusive household and isn’t free from her abusive relationship until she ups and runs from them.  A Letter From Birmingham Jail  states, “We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed” (King,2). We this battle of oppression and freedom with both King and Cecilie, they aren’t given freedom. They have to be brave enough to fight for and ...

  Central to both Kolvenbach and King are the pleas for people to recognize oppression and actively help instrument societal growth. Kolvenbach states, "personal involvement with innocent suffering, with the injustice others suffer, is the catalyst for solidarity which then gives rise to intellectual inquiry and moral reflection" (34). Kolvenbach urges Jesuit educators to incorporate empathy into education to create "whole" persons. His statement perfectly articulates why books such as  The Color Purple  should remain off the banned books list.  The Color Purple  gifts a new world perspective, allowing students to think about society more broadly and with less self-interest. The audience gets the experience of a poor, uneducated, Black, lesbian woman in the early nineteen hundreds. Hopefully, students recognize similar structures of oppression still alive in society today and are inspired to stand in solidarity with those victims. Unfortunately, people tend to t...