The Anarchist Cookbook by William Powell first appeared on shelves in 1971, it has since been the target of ongoing attempts to have it banned or removed from circulation, even by Powell himself. It is sometimes cited as a pinnacle moment in Counter-Culture, a step-by-step instruction manual on the manufacture of explosives, improvised telecommunications and drugs. Possession of the book in the UK has been used as grounds for charges of ‘Possession of Terrorist Information’ under the Anti-Terrorist Act and (although few prossecution based soley upon it’s possesion have gained any ground) the book has, in fact, been linked to numerous terrorist attacks since its publication. But should it be banned?
On the one hand, the Authorities are concerned that a title such as this allows untrained individuals access to knowledge of dangerous substances that pose risk to life, health and property, both their own and others. If it’s removal from circulation saves a number of persons from accidentally blowing themselves to bits or overdosing on contaminated drugs then that’s good, right?
On the other hand the Authorities have a grounded fear that this book, in the hands of an educated and forward thinking populace, equips people with the means and knowledge to fund and defend themselves against Totalitarian Aggression and Exploitation by the Ruling Classes. Can’t be handing the oiks tools with with to educate and defend themselves, can they?
But what’s the right answer? *Is* there a right answer? Only if you ask the right question.
Missouri State Sen. Bill Eigel burning boxes of ‘Woke Pornographic Books’ at a Republican Rally in Charles County
The rise of book burning in Right-Wing Christian America and across the globe is something that should concern us all. Many things can be deemed ‘dangerous’, Explosives, Guns, Cars, Travel to Certain Countries, but, with the proper Education, Preperation and Moral Foundation an informed individual can then make a choice as to whether they wish to engage with these things in a way that is both productive and relatively safe. Personally I abhore the philosophy around the creation and continued development of guns and weapons but, as a gamer and as a younger person I can shoot and have shot (both target and clay pigeon). I take some pride in my marksmanship and am constantly fascinated by the science and innovation of ballistic technologies all the while disagreeing strenously with the philosophy, bigger weapons don’t make you safer.
Certain regimes have come to the conclusion that certain ideals are dangerous and constitute a threat to their way of life, Socialism, Activism, Different Religions and People who are LGBTQ+ are somehow a ‘threat to us’. Of course their definition of ‘us’ is a very narrow one indeed centred on race, class, income and religion. And so they attack these populations by ‘othering’ them, creating an ‘Us vs Them’ situation of scapegoating and fear but, that tactic cannot stand in the face of Knowledge. If the wider population get to learn more about these people, get to feel sympathy for them and their struggles either through fiction, biographical accounts or even coming to understand their culture by reading their own literature or scripture, then they might see all the similarities, rather than the spurious accusations of the State or Church. So comes the purge, you can’t learn about people if there is no material to learn from. Any TV shows or Movies with representation are picketed and protested, educational materials/literature in schools are met with calls to censor and books currently in circulation are burned. Ignorance is the weapon of Totalitarianism, you can’t feel for you ‘enemy’ if you don’t know them.
Historical Book-burnings from 600BC to Present
So what about titles like The Anarchist Cookbook, Mein Kampf, Harry Potter? What about titles that espouse hate, segregation and superiority? Well, much like a gun, they’re not dangerous until in the hands of a human being and, even then, if that person can see the danger and appretiates the harm they can do then these works can serve as a warning. Books aren’t dangerous, weaponised ignorance is. Fascism thrives in the dark. If we forget, the world grows darker. Shining a light, via education and understanding is our way forward, our opposition is understanding the circumstances that create the Fear that empowers Fascism, Inequality and Hatred and combatting that.
So, for continued Reading, here’s the link to the Banned Book Week Website, including the list of the most challenged books of 2022 (Spoiler: Most of them are LGBTQ+ Positive). The Honorary Chair this year is reading advocate and actor Levar Burton and good luck to everyone involved in raising the perception and understanding of this issue.
David Cart-Writer 