In a surprising turn of events, concerned parents have recently ignited a fervent campaign to have the popular manga series “Assassination Classroom” removed from school libraries. The manga, known for its depictions of violence, has stirred up a heated debate reminiscent of previous controversies surrounding the impact of media on real-world violence.
Assasination Classroom plot: the story revolves around a group of outcast students known as Class 3-E. Their mission, assigned by the Japanese government, is to save the Earth from destruction. The unique twist lies in their target: Koro-sensei, their alien homeroom teacher at a junior high school. The students are challenged to assassinate Koro-sensei before the end of the academic year, with the added incentive of a substantial ¥10 billion reward for the successful student.
The presence of Assassination Classroom in certain school libraries has sparked concerns among parents, particularly regarding its suitability for middle school students. Gifford Middle School in Florida has responded by removing three books from the series that feature scenes of students using guns within a classroom setting.
Similarly, the Elmbrook School District in Wisconsin has taken steps to restrict access to the e-book version of the series in its library. Another incident involves a concerned mother at Markham Intermediate School, who opted to have Yusei Matsui’s popular manga removed from the library shelves after her daughter borrowed the books. Citing recent school shootings and the presence of sensitive content and profanities, she expressed worries about the availability of books in other schools.
While in Florida, an organization has joined the cause, arguing that the manga’s violent and sexually explicit content is inappropriate for middle school students. Additionally, the challenges against Assassination Classroom extend, as similar concerns have been voiced in North Carolina, with critics arguing that the depiction of students using guns against their teacher is unsuitable for students.
Statements From the Parents
Kristen Huber, representing Citizens Defending Freedom’s National Communications, voiced concerns over the inclusion of violent content and explicit sexual material in school libraries. In an interview with Fox News, Huber emphasized “We should all be able to agree that violence toward teachers and explicit sexual content is not something that schools should be glorifying or promoting, especially on taxpayer dollars.”
A parent whose child attends Elmbrook Schools shared their frustration with Fox, “Repeatedly parents are being told that public school employees know what’s best for their children, we keep finding alarming materials and public schools defend them.”
In 2019, a concerned mother of a student at Markham Intermediate School in Staten Island, NY raised objections to the series due to its depictions of classroom violence. As a result of her complaint, the manga was removed from the library shelves. The mother, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed to silive.com her dissatisfaction with the presence of the series in the library, stating, “My biggest thing was is it should have never been in that library, and I would love to know how it got there and who thought it was a good idea to do that.”
Read more: How NOT to Summon a Demon Lord Season 2 Banned in Australia
Debate Over ‘Assassination Classroom’ Sparks Discussion on Media
The presence of the manga series: Assassination Classroom in American school libraries has ignited a heated controversy, giving rise to differing viewpoints from anime enthusiasts, critics, and concerned parents. This debate has brought forth significant questions regarding the impact of media on impressionable audiences and has prompted discussions on the responsibilities of educators and the boundaries of creative expression.
The ongoing debate about Assassination Classroom highlights the selection and censorship of educational materials. Supporters assert a balanced approach that considers artistic expression and the preferences of the intended audience while protecting students.
Critics simplistically link the manga to school shootings, but there is no evidence supporting a direct connection. Banning the manga fails to address core issues and ignores the complex factors behind school violence. Instead, advocates propose fostering open dialogue and guiding young readers to make informed choices.
Here’s a YouTube video featuring Joey Bizinger providing an in-depth review and personal perspective on the issue surrounding Assassination Classroom:
In the digital age, advocates argue against strict restrictions on manga access, promoting dialogue and critical thinking. Banning the manga overlooks the series’ themes of respect and valuing teachers.
A balanced approach, open-mindedness, and comprehensive discussions are necessary. Amidst the controversy, some parents do acknowledge the enjoyable aspects of Assassination Classroom and compare it favorably to other manga series.
Read more: What Is Japan’s Most Banned Anime?
