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Why is 'To Kill A Mockingbird' banned in parts of the US? Gavin Newsom's post sparks debate

Newsom said he wants to find out why certain states banned books, forgets 'To Kill a Mockingbird' was banned in Burbank

California Governor Gavin Newsom tried to score some points by mocking the Republicans' frenzy to ban books, but it ended up backfiring a bit on March 30, 2022. It didn't take long for eagle-eyed social media users to note that one of the books Newsom had, 'To Kill a Mockingbird', was in fact banned in Burbank, California as well. The city is just one of the many across the US that have banned the controversial book. 

As the culture wars between conservatives and liberals heat up, literature and art have become the first to be hit. In June 2021, the city of Tuscon, Arizona banned 'Mexican WhiteBoy' by award-winning author Matt de la Peña. In February 2022, an investigation in Texas found requests to remove 50 books from school libraries including classics like 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' and 'How to be an Antiracist'. Conservatives aren't alone though, even "woke liberals" have called for bans or notices on works like that of Dr. Seuss and Disney movies. 

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It's been almost impossible for politicians to not weigh in on the culture wars. This is why Newsom decided it would be a good idea to pose with 'Beloved', and tweet, "Reading some banned books to figure out what these states are so afraid of." It would've worked too, had he taken some time to learn 'To Kill a Mockingbird' was banned in Burbank as well.

Why is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' banned?

Harper Lee's 1960 novel has won a Pulitzer Prize, but not everyone is comfortable with the contents of the book. Since its debut, the novel has raised eyebrows for its use of racist language, and a plot centered on a rape allegation. For those unaware, the story centers on the defense of Tom Robinson, a Black man accused of raping a White woman. Robinson's attorney is Atticus Finch, a White man. 

Initially, the book was seen as a good way to teach children about race, since after all, that's the focus of the story. However, it's not been without controversy. In fact, challenges to the book go as far back as 1966, when Hanover County in Virginia removed the book from schools for its "immoral" nature. With its liberal use of the n-word, open depiction of racism, and 'White savior' complex, both the left and the right have found the book troublesome, but it's clearly conservatives who have been more triggered. 

In September 2020, the Burbank Unified School District decided to ban the book, joining decades-long efforts to wipe it from American schools. The banned book project called Lee's novel "one of the most frequently challenged books", and for good reason. In 2017, schools in Biloxi, Mississippi, banned the book. Then in 2018, it was Duluth, Minnesota. Then in January 2022, it was the Mukilteo School District in Washington. In February 2022, parents in Columbia County, Georiga, challenged the book's presence in school curriculums, but so far the district hasn't issued a blanket ban yet.

'More poorly staged than the Oscars'

Newsom's post naturally drew the ire of many who noticed the irony. "Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, staged a photo saying he was reading banned books to figure out what other states are afraid of Except one of the books is “To Kill a Mockingbird,” which was banned by the city of Burbank. In California. Absolutely beyond parody," one person tweeted. Another trolled, "You might want to Google “California schools To Kill a Mockingbird”."

"It's liberals trying to ban To Kill A Mockingbird, you weirdo. Talk to yo people!" one person retorted. Another said, "We read To Kill A Mockingbird in 5th grade. Maybe he was doing something else." Donald Trump's former lawyer Jenna Ellis trolled, "You’re admitting you haven’t read To Kill a Mockingbird or 1984 before now, and you’re starting with Toni Morrison?? This is more poorly staged than the Oscars."

"Seattle (a Democratic enclave) banned "To Kill a Mockingbird," moron. Also, this tactic didn't work too well in Virginia," one person slammed. One user tweeted, "BREAKING: Governor of California admits his state banned "To Kill A Mockingbird" without knowing what was so controversial about it."