Banning Inspiration: The Creative Toll of Book Censorship

Intro: Jackson Browne recently made the front page of The New York Times Arts section—not for his latest work, but for an iconic song he began writing at age 16. What drew me in to the story was how this teenager was inspired to write such a complex and timeless song by two profound books of their time. In 1965, a young Browne sat at his parents' kitchen table and began crafting These Days, drawing inspiration from writers like James Baldwin and Jack Kerouac. In crafting that song, Browne explored deep themes of personal freedom, societal expectations, and existential reflection—all at a young age.

On a personal note, For Everyman, the album that features These Days, has always been a touchstone. As one of my "Desert Island" albums, its songs remind me how literature, music, and art are intertwined, shaping our perspectives and giving voice to complex emotions. But now, as debates over public policy on book banning intensify across the United States, one has to wonder: What if 16-year-old Jackson Browne hadn't had access to those books?

Thesis: The relentless wave of book banning (Banned Books Week 2024 (Sept 22-28), which often targets titles like Baldwin's The Fire Next Time and Kerouac's On the Road—both of which inspired Browne's creativity on These Days—threatens our teens' intellectual and emotional growth. By restricting access to diverse and relevant literature, we stifle the creativity, empathy, and critical thinking that we, as a society, are responsible for nurturing in this and in future generations (concepts I discussed in "New Pluralism").

Plato's Warning: Over 2,400 years ago, Plato warned in The Republic about the power of storytelling in shape young minds. His concern, known as mimesis, was that young people could be led astray by imitating immoral behavior depicted in literature. Plato's fears mirror those of modern censors who claim that controversial books negatively influence youth. However, just as Browne found inspiration in Baldwin and Kerouac, our Jackson Brownes of today need access to literature that challenges them to think critically and engage with the world's complexities. Restricting access to books like The Fire Next Time and On the Road isn't about protecting emerging minds; it limits their intellectual and emotional development.

Legislative Threats: The dangers of these bans are not hypothetical it lives in public policy. Legislation in states like Utah, South Carolina, and Tennessee aims to limit students' access to books that tackle sensitive themes such as race, identity, and social justice. Supporters of these laws claim they are shielding children from inappropriate content. Still, looking at the issue from a broader standpoint, they risk depriving young people of vital tools for understanding societal injustice. When Baldwin wrote The Fire Next Time, he offered a lens through which readers—especially teenagers—could confront America's racial history. If young Jackson Browne hadn't been able to access Baldwin's work, his own creative output might have been far different. Today, banning such literature jeopardizes the possibility of nurturing future artists, thinkers, college students, and leaders who will need these stories to challenge norms and drive change.

The Importance of Freedom in Literature: Kerouac's On the Road, another critical influence for Browne, explores the pursuit of freedom and rebellion against societal norms—themes essential for adolescent development. While some argue that such topics are too mature for young readers, it's precisely these unconventional ideas that spark critical thinking and creative exploration. When I reflect on the role that For Everyman has played in shaping my appreciation for music, art, and literature, I'm reminded of how essential it is for young people to have access to works that challenge societal conventions. Browne's These Days would likely not exist without the literary influence of Baldwin and Kerouac. Banning such works robs young creatives of the opportunity to draw from these deep wells of artistic inspiration.

"To Be Sure": To be sure, not all literature is appropriate for every age group, and there is a legitimate need for parents and educators (I’m not sure how this dynamic is triggered) to make informed decisions about what materials are available to students. However, blanket bans on books that address critical themes like race and personal freedom do more harm than good. Limiting access to these titles’ risks stunting intellectual and emotional growth, depriving society's emerging talent of the tools they need to navigate a complex world.

Conclusion: Jackson Browne's These Days has endured for nearly six decades, touching the lives of all of us who have dropped the needle on that vinyl.

• But what if Browne had never encountered Baldwin or Kerouac?
• What if those books had been banned from his Fullerton, CA Sunny Hills High School library?

For me, the answer is chilling: We may never have heard These Days or countless other songs that followed. The broader question is: What future Jackson Brownes are we silencing today through book bans? Public policy makers, educators and citizenry must recognize the importance of artistic and literary freedom in shaping creative, empathetic individuals. Let's foster and enable environments where our students are encouraged to explore the world, reflect on their own critical thinking, and create—not limit them (-:

Lyrics – These Days*
Well, I've been out walking
I don't do that much talking these days
These days
These days I seem to think a lot
About the things that I forgot to do for you
And all the times I had the chance to
And I had a lover
But it's so hard to risk another, these days
These days
Now, if I seem to be afraid
To live the life that I have made in song
Well, it's just that I've been losin' for so long
Well, I'll keep on movin', movin' on
Things are bound to be improving these days
One of these days
These days I'll sit on corner stones
And count the time in quarter tones to ten, my friend
Don't confront me with my failures
I had not forgotten them

*Source: Musixmatch Songwriters: Jackson Browne These Days lyrics © Swallow Turn Music, Open Window Music, Open Window Publishing