What is the controversy surrounding the book "Catcher in the Rye"?

Question

Why is it on so many banned reading lists at schools?

Answer 1

The Catcher in the Rye has been shrouded in controversy since its publication. Reasons for banning have been the use of offensive language, premarital sex, alcohol abuse, and prostitution.

Mark David Chapman, murderer of musician John Lennon, was carrying the book when he was arrested immediately after the murder and referred to it in his statement to police shortly thereafter.[4] John Hinckley, Jr., who attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan in 1981, was also reported to have been obsessed with the book. [5]

Criticts see Holden as a disturbing influence on youths they consider to be "social outcasts." Holden is portrayed as a juvenile who rejects and is rejected by many peers and individuals. Critics hold that people like Chapman and Hinckley come to relate themselves to Holden, the person that nobody understands and that can't understand anybody else.

Thirty years after its first publication in 1951, The Catcher in the Rye was both the most banned book in America as well as the second most taught book in public schools. [citation needed]

It was number 13 on the American Library Association's list of most frequently challenged books from 1990-2000.[2] It was one of the ten most challenged books in 2005.[3]

Answer 2

The "Catcher in the Rye" is controversial because of bad language, teenage angst, and sex. Also, Mark David Chapman supposedly had a copy of the book on his person when he was arrested for killing John Lennon and he referred to the book when he gave a statement to the police-- And the man who attempted to kill President Reagan was said to have been obsessed with the book. Apparently certain people believe these men (and many troubled youths) related to the main character, Holden Caulfield, in a way that was disturbing. I personally appreciate the fact that Salinger didn't hold back anything when he wrote "The Catcher in the Rye," because that is what a good writer should be like. I don't think people should use a book, a character from the book, etc. to help justify something they have done wrong. Books like that are a form of entertainment and nothing more. Actually, it has been my favorite book since our class had to read it in 11th grade, 15 years ago. I have read it many times since then and it has never affected me negatively.

Answer 3

Really? It was one of the books we studied when I was at school. What philistines banned it?

Answer 4

It is controversial for use in schools because it discusses sex and uses profanity.

Answer 5

Really? I don't know why. I haven't heard of that. I just read it in November.