Random Thought About Banned Books.

So apparently it's banned books week and I got linked to this list of 2007's most challenged books as compiles by the American Library Association.

Two novels on that list really surprised me. The first being The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman. I knew there was some controversy regarding its thinly veiled anti-Catholic sentiment but it surprises me it was to the point where it made number 4. I mean that's just...weird. (For the record I haven't read those books. I started reading the first one but didn't like it).

The other novel was The Color Purple by Alice Walker. I suppose, thinking about it, that oughtn't shock me at all, but I studied that novel in high school. It was one of my set texts for my English Literature A-Level. I mean, in 2000 this was on the British National Curriculum. It was a set text on one of the major national exam board's papers (Welsh Joint Education Committee, for info).

I guess it was a bit of a surprise - even though I should have known better - to realise that that book probably wouldn't get taught in American high schools. I still find the conservative aspect of the US catches me off-guard, even though I know it's there. Because my own experience of Americanness via my mother and the people I know and love and the places I've lived and stayed, are all like...the opposite of that.

But the States is nothing if not divided these days.

Also I received my Federal Ballot by email yesterday. I AM ALL VOTED UP, BABY.

Vidlet Project Crazy Notions: vote?

So, I've sent my seventh vidlet off for betaing which means it's time to start thinking about my next one. The challenge is 'microscopic', which I'm having a rough time with. I don't want to do it about the unborn flipper baby because kiki_miserychic already did that and did it really well. So, my main idea is doing a final four video, like, the difference between the final four and everyone else is microscopic, but everyone thinks it's so big.

HOWEVER, it's proving really difficult to find a song I'm excited about doing for them, let alone one I can also cut down reasonably easily.

So far my options are:

( Clicky if you want actual details before voting. Note that this is not actually required. RADIO BUTTONS YAY! )

[Poll #1271687]