0
Banned and Challenged Books
Banned books are censored literature and don’t have free access because they are considered to have content with political, religious or moral motivations that is considered offensive by society at large.
427 Questions
To fail to show up to a duel was considered very cowardly and unhonorable. Usually rumors of the person's failure to show would spread. Other people would look down on him and he would be ostracized.
Where were Alvin Schwartz's books challenged?
Alvin Schwartz's books "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark" were challenged in various school and library settings across the United States due to the graphic nature of the stories and the illustrations. Some challenges cited concerns about violence and inappropriate content for children.
Who banned Are You There God It's Me Margaret book?
Are You There God, It's Me Margaret was banned by a number of school libraries for being "sexually offensive and amoral". It was removed from Gilbert, Arizona elementary school libraries. In
Xenia, Ohio school libraries, the book was challenged because of "sex and anti-Christian behavior." It was also banned in Zimmerman, Minnesota but the ACLU was able to reverse the ban and allow students to check the book out if their parents give permission.
What is the significance to the opening and closing scene to The Old Man and the Sea?
The opening and closing scenes of "The Old Man and the Sea" bookend the story and emphasize the cyclical nature of life. The opening scene introduces the protagonist, Santiago, and sets the stage for the challenges he will face. The closing scene brings the story full circle, showing Santiago back on land but still grappling with his internal struggles, suggesting themes of resilience and the enduring human spirit.
What are the banned books in 'Witch and Wizard'?
Blueprints of Bruno Genet: Invention of Hugo Cabret
Margaret's Pem: Charlotte's Web
Pitcher in the wheat: Catcher in the Rye
Thunder Stealer: Lightning Thief
Ratter's Trip Down: Watership Down
Gary Blotter and the Guild of Rejects: Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix
Firegirl Saga: The Girl Who Played with Fire (I think)
Eldest Dragon: Eldest
What is the new method of fishing in The Old Man and the Sea?
In "The Old Man and the Sea," the new method of fishing employed by Santiago is to use a makeshift sail made from his own clothing to help him navigate the sea more efficiently and overcome the challenges posed by the marlin he is trying to catch. This method allows him to conserve his strength and stay focused on the task at hand.
Why were Mark Twain books banned?
Some schools have banned Twain's Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer because of his use of "ni--er" and terms like "Injun Joe", which many teachers are uncomfortable with. Twain, himself, was not a racist and used the word in a context that was appropriate for the setting of the stories.
Equally the book presents the view that people, black are white, are the same. This is difficult to accept in areas where segregation is still a viable opinion.
Works like his "Letters From the Earth" and "The War Prayer" presented a view of religion and patriotism that would be unacceptable to some.
In many cases the books were banned by complaints from folks who had never read them.
What is the summary for The Old Man and the Sea?
"The Old Man and the Sea" is about an old fisherman named Santiago who has had 84 days of bad luck at sea and been unable to catch anything. He even loses his helper over it because the boy's parents make him work for a more successful fisherman. On the 85 day Santiago goes out further and hooks a giant marlin that pulls him through the ocean for 2 days. On the 3rd day the fish tires and Santiago is finally able to pull it in and slays it with a harpoon. He is beat up from the fishing line but knows that this giant fish will bring him a great deal of money, even if the ones who eat it aren't worthy. The fish leaves blood trails in the water and sharks come to attack. Santiago tries to fight them off but is unable to and by the time he returns home he only has a skeleton left to show of the fish. He goes to bed. While he is asleep the townspeople see the skeleton and mistake it for a shark. The boy comes and is happy to find Santiago asleep in his bed. He brings him coffee and the paper. When Santiago awakens he and the boy agree to become partners again before Santiago falls back asleep and dreams his usual dreams of lions playing on the beach in Africa.
What type of books are banned in Saudi Arabia?
Books that are critical of the government, contain controversial religious content, or promote ideologies contrary to Islamic beliefs are typically banned in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, any books that are deemed to be morally or culturally offensive may also be prohibited.
Yes, the Color Purple has been banned from many schools within the United States. It has been banned most often for sexual content, violence, and racism.
What is the value of little black sambo 1901?
The value of a book like "Little Black Sambo" from 1901 can vary depending on its condition, rarity, and demand among collectors. However, due to its controversial and racially insensitive content, some editions may have limited value in today's market. It's best to consult with a reputable antique book dealer or appraiser for an accurate valuation.
Why scary stories to tell in the dark was banned?
"Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark" has been banned in some schools and libraries due to its disturbing content, including graphic imagery and themes that may be deemed inappropriate for children. Some parents and educators believe the book is too scary or violent for young readers.
Why was The Lovely Bones banned from some schools?
It was banned due to sexual assault-rape-murder and religion.
Why was The Beautiful and Damned challenged or banned?
"The Beautiful and Damned" by F. Scott Fitzgerald has been challenged or banned due to its explicit content, including references to sex, alcohol abuse, and moral decay. Some critics have also raised concerns about its portrayal of destructive relationships and superficial lifestyles.
What is the Meaning of the word chashme baddoor?
"Chashme Baddoor" is a Hindi term that means "far-sighted." It is commonly used to describe someone with good vision or the ability to see things clearly - both literally and metaphorically.
Why have books been inappropriatley banned in the past?
Because those in authority believed the contents of the books were detrimental to readers and/or the society in which they lived. Usually this meant that books the establishment felt were too violent, sexually graphic, or promoted behavior or political views that were out of the mainstream. This is exactly why the framers of the US Constitution included freedom of speech (including the written word) in the Bill of Rights. The opinion of one adult should not prohibit another adult from expressing his or her views on any subject or for others to be able to know that opinion.
Why was the book The Chocolate War banned?
The book "The Chocolate War" has been banned in some schools due to its strong language, sexual content, and themes of violence and nonconformity. Some parents and educators have found these elements unsuitable for young readers.
What does Santiago think of the portuguese man of war in The Old Man and the Sea?
In The Old Man and the Sea, Santiago the fisherman views the Portuguese man-of-war as a beautiful but dangerous creature of the sea. He respects its ability to survive in the harsh ocean environment, but also recognizes the threat it poses with its venomous tentacles.
Is The Mystical City of God Venerable Maria Agreda a banned book?
No, it is not.
From the writings of Tim Duff of Daily Catholic and the other sources mentioned below (see references), it was believed to be banned because of the following:
1) The entire basis of the attack - and this cannot be emphasized enough - was a faulty French translation published about 1678 (Carrico, 87, 90; Fr. George J. Blatter, Conception, xvii).
2) The primary attackers, it seems, were heretics, especially Jansenists (Carrico, 88; Blatter, ibid.) and Gallicans (Blatter, ibid.). The Sorbonne, it must be stated, was the veritable cradle of both of these heresies. The Jansenists, who have always tried to minimize devotion to Our Lady, were especially irked by the magnificent defense of the Immaculate Conception, still hotly debated at that time, in The City of God. The Gallicans, who sought to undermine the power of the Pope in favor of temporal authority, were likewise incensed by the defense of the primacy of the Roman Pontiff. (Venerable Mary of Agreda herself during her lifetime repeatedly petitioned the Pope to define ex cathedra the Immaculate Conception and Papal Infallibility, both of which were solemnly defined some two hundred years later. No wonder her major attackers were Gallicans and Jansenists!) More specifically, the three foremost attackers were: Dr. Louis Elias du Pin, "called by Pope Clement XI 'Nequioris doctrinae hominem,' 'A man of pernicious doctrines'" (Blatter, Conception, xvii); Dr. Hideux, who "turned out to be a rabid and fanatical Jansenist, cut off from the Church as a heretic" (ibid.); and Dr. Amort, known as the "most formidable adversary of Mary d'Agreda" (Boullan, 322), who led a Sorbonne censure of The City of God in 1696 (years after the book had been approved by the Church, as we shall see), yet who later, according to Pope Benedict XIV, acknowledged the censure to be "without foundation and of no value" (ibid.). Why "without foundation"? Because it was based on a faulty translation!
3) The censor whose criticisms led to the condemnation by Rome was biased against The City of God, and the Tribunal was unaware of this bias (Carrico, 87). Blatter even calls this a "sectarian attemption" utilizing "Gallican courtiers" (Conception, xvii-xviii), a charge for which here is much evidence.
4) Cardinal Aquaviva said: "The prohibition (of the books) came out from the Sacred Tribunal without its having before it, the writings of the venerable authoress either in the original or in authentic copy" (Carrico, 87). This is almost the same as the Diary of St. Faustina, apostle of Divine Mercy which was once also banned. Thus one could argue it was not The City of God which was prohibited but the false French translation of it.
"Spain and Portugal were scandalized at the treatment accorded the books" (Carrico, 89). King Charles II and his Queen Ludovica wrote numerous letters to Innocent XI, himself fervently devoted to Our Lady. At this crucial juncture, Blessed Innocent did something totally unpredictable -- he read The City of God for himself!
The result shall ever redound to the glory of God, the honor of our Immaculate Queen, the salvation of souls, and his own glory. Three months after the prohibition, he suspended the sentence, i.e., delayed the execution of the sentence until the matter could be further studied. The suspension was given by way of a letter written to King Charles II dated November 9, 1681: "In negotio librorum sanctimonialis Marine a Jesu de Agreda supersedendum duximus quamvis sacrae hujus inquisitionis ratio et stylus aliter suaderunt" (Boullan, 318). "Regarding the cause of the books of the nun, Mary de Agreda, we have decided to suspend sentence...even though the procedure and practice of this Sacred Inquisition would counsel otherwise... Given at Rome from St. Mary Major, under the Ring of the Fisherman, November 9,1681, the sixth year of Our Pontificate" (Carrico, 90).
Simply put, this meant The City of God could be read by all the faithful until the contrary was commanded.
Curiously, the article in the 1907 Catholic Encyclopedia twice says the suspension was "for Spain only" (Vol. I, 229, 230). Yet Blessed Innocent did not say this - the prohibition was for the whole Church, as was the suspension. This is proven by an event referred to by Blatter (Conception, xxi) and described in detail by Boullan (318-319). In 1713, the Bishop of Ceneda, Italy, objected to the publication of The City of God in his diocese. On September 26, 1713, the Holy Office in Rome published the following decree (Boullan, 319): "In the Congregation held September 19, 1713, when were present their Eminences, Cardinals Acciaioli, Spada, Ferrari, Fabroni, and Ottobani, it was decreed, that the letter of the Inquisitor de (Ceneda) must be withdrawn, and that the suspensory decree has the force of law throughout the Universal Church."
Blatter (Conception, xxi) states Blessed Innocent XI also issued a breve on July 3, 1686, "permitting the publication and reading of the 'Ciudad de Dios.'"
The first Pope officially to take notice of "Ciudad de Dios" [Mystical City of God] was Pope Innocent XI, who on July 3, 1686, in response to a series of virulent attacks and machinations of some members of the Sorbonne, known to be Jansenists, issued a breve permitting the publication and reading of the "Ciudad de Dios."
Blessed Innocent's successor, Alexander VIII, "expressly authorized (The City of God) to be -- read, 'oraculo vivae vocis'" (Boullan, 319), i.e., he stated this orally. This fact is noted by Blatter (Transfixion, xv) and the exact words are given in Carrico (90). Remember - this is a verbatim quote from the original document in the Archives of the Congregation of Rites (English translation in Carrico): "Hos libros posse ab omnibus impune legi:" = "These books may be read by everybody with impunity."
In the 1907 Catholic Encyclopedia, it is stated that Alexander VIII refused to approve the book (Vol. 1230). More on this later. Finally, what is perhaps the greatest possible official Church approbation of private revelation was given. The cause for Venerable Mary's beatification having been introduced, a council was named to minutely and officially - in the name of the Church - examine The City of God to determine whether anything in it (i.e. errors in faith or morals) could hinder her beatification and canonization. I quote Boullan (319), who himself quotes the official document: "...Finally, under Pope Benedict XIII, the Sacred Congregation of Rites passed the following decree: "It is ordered that the cause of the above-mentioned servant of God shall be continued before the holy Congregation of Rites without further examination of the 'Cite Mystique,' and these books can be retained and read.March 14,1729.' This decree is signed by Pope Benedict XIII."
The favorable decision of His Holiness is not surprising since he himself was a great devotee of The City of God, for "when he was archbishop of Benevent, (he) used these revelations as material for a series of sermons on the Blessed Virgin" (Blatter, Conception, xxi).
Moreover, two decrees of the Sacred Congregation of Rites, signed by Popes Benedict XIV and Clement XIV, "officially declare that The City of God was not only originally written but also composed exclusively" by Venerable Mary (Blatter, Transfixion, xv; cf. Boullan, 324).
FURTHER PAPAL APPROBATIONS
To round out this discussion of papal approbation of The City of God, mention shall be made of four additional Popes whose views I have found. First is Clement IX. the story is interesting: Venerable Mary was first elected Abbess of her convent at the age of 25, and thereafter every three years (except once) until her death. At each election a special dispensation was required, and the nuns of her convent, who wished to elect her, had to apply each time to the Apostolic Nuncio, Venerable Mary each time pleading with him not to grant it since she felt herself unworthy. The only Nuncio to accede to her pleas and refuse the dispensation was Msgr. Rospigliose - later Clement IX, who became a "great defender of Agreda's writings" (Carrico, 98, fn. 32), though not officially.
Clement XI prohibited The City of God from being placed on the Index (Boullan, 4) and in two decrees of June 5,1705, and September 26,1713, declared it could be read by all the faithful (Blatter, Transfixion, xv). - Lastly, two Popes in our century have given the Apostolic Blessing to readers and promoters of The City of God.
In 1900 a devout lay woman sought to spread the "science of the saints" by publishing some verbatim extracts from The City of God. She informed Pope Leo XIII of the project, and the great Pontiff not only gave her the Apostolic Blessing, but amazingly, allowed her book to be "printed by the presses of the Sacred Congregation of the Propaganda in Rome"! A few months later it was observed by a Canadian diocesan journal:"The reserve which is ordinarily maintained on the subject of revelations really no longer has any reason to exist in relation to The Mystical City, since His Holiness Leo XIII has been so good as gladly to encourage the project of spreading among the faithful the science of the saints which is contained in that heavenly life of the Mother of God."
Finally, His Holiness Pius XI on April 29,1929, told the publisher of The City of God in a private address:
"You have done a great work in honor of the Mother of God. She will never permit herself to be outdone in generosity and will know how to reward a thousandfold. We grant the Apostolic Benediction to all readers and promoters of The City of God."
Read also the whole story at:
http://www.dailycatholic.org/issue/05Jun/jun17tim.htm
The process of canonization of Mary of Agreda was promoted by the Spanish bishops and other eminent men of the Church soon after her death in 1666. It has resulted so far in securing her the title of Venerabilis, thus clearing the way to her beatification, for which, let us hope, God will soon raise a promoter among the many pious and eminent men who hold in esteem her writings and have learned of her holy life and of the miracles wrought at her tomb.
The Redemptorist Fathers published a new German translation in 1885, which was approved and highly recommended by the Bishop of Ratisbon in the following terms:
"We take pleasure in giving our episcopal approbation to the annotated translation of the Spanish original "Ciudad de Dios" of Mary of Jesus and recommend this book, which will surely edify all readers and be the occasion of great spiritual blessings."
Ratisbon, September 29, 1885
+Ignatius, Bishop of Ratisbon.
Notable is the high recommendation of the Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg, Apost. Legate, Primate of Germany, etc.
"According to the decrees of Pope Innocent XI and Clement XI the book known as 'Ciudad de Dios' written by the Venerable Servant of God, Maria de Jesus, may be read by all the faithful."
"A number of episcopal approbations, the recommendations of four renowned universities, namely, of Toulouse, Salamanca, Alcala and Louvain, and of prominent members of different orders, coincide in extolling the above-named work. The learned and pious Cardinal D'Aguirre says that he considers all the studies of fifty years of his previous life as of small consequence in comparison with the doctrines he found in this book, which in all things are in harmony with the Holy Scriptures, the Holy Fathers and Councils of the Church. The Venerable Superior-General of St. Sulpice, Abbe Emery, adds: "Only since I read the revelations of Mary of Agreda do I properly know Jesus and His Holy Mother."
"We therefore do not hesitate - in granting our episcopal approbation to - "Ciudads de Dios" - and wish to recommend it to the faithful and especially to our clergy."
+Franz Albert,
Archbishop.
Archiepiscopal Chancery, Salzburg.
September 12, 1885.
A more recent official approbation of "Ciudad de Dios" is from the Bishop of Tarazona, prefacing the new edition of 1911 - 1912.
"We, Dr. James Ozoidi y Udave, by the grace of God and of the Apostolic See, Bishop of Tarazona, Administrator Apostolic of the Diocese of Tudela, etc., etc.
Having charged the priest Don Eduardo Royo, chaplain and confessor at the convent of the Immaculate Conception of Agreda, carefully and exactly to compare the manuscript which is to serve as copy for the printing of the new edition of the "City of God" now about to be published by the religious the above-named convent, with the authenticated autograph manuscript of that work there preserved, - and having ascertained by a personal revision of a great part of the manuscript that the said priest has diligently and faithfully fulfilled this charge imposed upon him by us:
We now therefore certify that this present edition of 'Ciudad de Dios,' with the exception of a few more orthographic modifications, is entirely conformable to the autograph of that work as composed and written by the Venerable Mother Mary of Jesus of Agreda.
Tarazona, April 7, 1911.
[Diocesan Seal] +James, Bishop of Tarazona.
Finally follows the official approbation of the Right Reverend Bishop of the Fort Wayne Diocese, where this English translation is published.
Rome City, Ind., Aug. 24, 1912.
The Rev. George J. Blatter,
Dear Rev. Father:
My imprimatur is herewith granted to your English translation of the work entitled 'Ciudad de Dios.' Wishing you every blessing, I remain,
Devotedly in Domino,
+H.J. Alerding, Bishop of Fort Wayne.
WHY THEY SAY ITS STILL "CONDEMNED"?
Despite the approval of the Church as shown above, why do so many today believe The City of God is "condemned" by the Catholic Church? I believe that there are three main reasons.
The first is the belief that Innocent XI's original prohibition is still valid, or has only been lifted for Spain. Certainly a fundamental reason so many believe this is the article in the 1907 Catholic Encyclopedia (CE) already quoted. I have long wondered why so many traditional priests hold the opinions they do regarding The City of God - the fact that the 1907 CE is used by so many as a reference may be a major reason. I shall summarize the main errors of this article, found in Volume I, pp. 229-230, and written by T.J. Campbell, S.J., Associate Editor of The Messenger, New York.
1) The primary error is the twice-repeated statement that Innocent XI's suspension was for Spain only. As amply proven above, this statement is simply false. (Besides, the idea that a book could be condemned everywhere in the Church except Spain seems ludicrous in itself - what! does the air in Spain possess special immunizing properties?)
2) A second, and no less important, error states that Alexander VIII did not issue an approval of the book, but only "confirmed the Brief of his predecessor" (confusing in itself since Innocent's brief suspended sentence for the whole Church).
3) No mention is made of any other Pope having spoken on the subject, whereas no less than four others officially, and four more "unofficially," have approved the book. All this leads the reader to believe the book is still condemned (outside Spain, that is!), which is exactly what so many traditional priests believe.
4) The only University opinion cited was that of the Sorbonne, yet this heresy-riddled faculty (later suppressed) was the only one in Europe which dared issue a "condemnation," and this fully fifteen years after Innocent XI allowed the books to be read! The faculties of "Madrid, Alcala, Salamanca, Toulouse and Louvain" (among others) all vied in holy competition to see which could heap the highest praises on the book.
5) Also unmentioned is the approval of "practically all the religious orders" (cf. Blatter's list in Coronation, xii) and the imprimaturs of so many bishops that it has been said no book except Holy Scriptures has so many!
With all the objective evidence showing Church approval of the work, and since ignorance or lack of reference materials are unplausible excuses for the editors of this massive 16-volume work, to level the charge of bias does not seem altogether unfair. An interesting anecdote, related to me by two traditional priests, may shed some light on the subject: I have been told that when St. Pius X was presented Volume I of the 1907 set (ironically, the very one containing the article on Venerable Mary), he threw it on the floor!
A second possible reason why so many believe The City of God is prohibited is that they have confused the Church's judgment of these writings with the cause for the beatification of Venerable Mary. The two are entirely different processes. It is true that on April 27, 1778, Pope Pius VI placed a perpetual silence on the cause of Venerable Mary, and that on March 16, 1886, Pope Leo XIII decided not to change this decree (Carrico, 82) This, however, was "because, according to a decree of Pope Urban VIII, all the manuscripts of Venerable Mary of Jesus must be submitted for a minute examination" (ibid., my emphasis). This has absolutely nothing to do with The City of God, which already had been submitted for such an examination and fully approved, as noted above.
The third reason is one I have often heard - that The City of God is "on the Index" of forbidden books. Here again the 1907 CE chimes in with discordant information. "(Venerable Mary's) works had been put on the Index, but when the Franciscans protested they were accorded satisfaction by being assured that it was a trick of the printer ('supercheria'), as no condemnation appeared there" (Vol 1,230). Could someone kindly unravel this distorted statement for me? Why do they say her works "had been put on the Index" only to state they in fact had not? And what is meant by a "trick"? The fact is that such "tricks" have been used against The City of God from day one by the powers of hell afraid of being crushed anew by the virtues they knew would be practiced by faithful imitators of Our Lady's virtues detailed therein. Besides, as we have seen, Clement XI "prohibited its being placed on the Index" (Boullan, 4).
REFERENCES:
The first is Abbe J.A. Boullan, doctor in theology, who extracted his book, The Admirable Life of the Glorious Patriarch St. Joseph (New York: Sadlier, 1860), from the City of God. Two appendices to this book are: "Life of Venerable Mary of Jesus, of Agreda" (pp. 241-314), and "Historical Notice of the Mystical City of God" (pp. 315-324). The former is a precise abridgement of the beautiful life of Venerable Mary written by her contemporary biographer, Most Rev. Joseph Zimenez Samaniego, who was also her Provincial in the Franciscan order and later Bishop of Placenza. The latter is a concise summary of a three-year theological study of the status which The City of God holds in the Church in which he utilizes primarily the "acts of the process for the canonization" of Venerable Mary which are documents, as he states, "of unexceptionable authority" (Boullan, 316).
The second source is James A. Carrico's book, Life of Venerable Mary of Agreda (Stockbridge, Mass.: Marian Press), also taken from Bishop Samaniego's biography. In this book (pp. 85-91), Very Reverend Peter Mary Rookey, O.S.M., Consultor General of the Servite Order, summarizes his research of the original handwritten manuscript, The Cause for the Beatification of the Venerable Mary of Jesus de Agreda, dated 1773, found to this day (hopefully) in the Archives of the Congregation of Rites. The third source is none other than the English translation of The Mystical City of God by Rev. George J. Blatter. Rev. Blatter, who spent ten years translating the original Spanish into English, and perturbed by the continued attacks against The City of God, devotes a section at the beginning of each of the four volumes in defense of the book, stating the decisions of the Popes on the subject (ex. Conception, xxi), as well as statements of various cardinals, bishops, theologians, and heads of religious orders and universities, who all seem to seek to outdo one another in heaping the highest praises on this book.
The Old Man and the Sea sea as a Characters?
The Old Man, Santiago could really be viewed as either a protagonist or antagonist. Protagonist is the obvious choice. We see everything through his eyes, and he is a wise experienced fisherman. He is a character we like. However, he could be viewed as an antagonist in the way that he loves the fish and respects it, and yet wants to kill it. He is determined to harm such a noble and beautiful creature that we wonder if he really is the good guy. It is possible that the ending is a result of his being greedy, but as he said he is a fisherman and it is his job to kill the fish. Can we really hold him responsible for this?
Where have Harry Potter books been banned?
None. The banning of books is a violation of the Free Speech amendment of the US Constitution.
The series has seen, however, localized banning. They have been banned in church related schools and programs, they put out banned book lists and encourage the townsfolk to follow, parents are encouraged to ban them from households. Since Free Speech does protect the books on a public, state and national level, the more disturbing act in this attempt to keep kids from reading them are local book burnings that are held all over the place, usually in small rural communities.
The Old Man and the Sea-Describe ways in which Santiago demonstrates his fishing skill?
In the Ernest Hemingway story, an old man went fishing for a big swordfish in a small boat. He caught it, but most of the swordfish was eaten by sharks on the way home. It's kinda like Herman Melville's Moby Dick (where Ahab went after a sperm whale and it killed him). It's about seeking a goal, and when you achieve your goal, often you find out that your victory wasn't worth the effort.
What year was the book always running banned?
"Always Running" by Luis J. Rodriguez was not officially banned in a specific year. However, the book has faced challenges and censorship attempts by various school districts and community groups over the years due to its frank depiction of sensitive topics.
