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Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Adults Are More Likely To Believe There Are Books That Should Be Banned Than Movies, Television Shows, or Video Games

Percentage who feel some books should be banned has increased 10 points since 2011; Three in ten Americans are more likely to read a book if it’s banned

08:00 AM EDT Jul 8, 2015 




NEW YORK, N.Y. – In just four years, the percentage of Americans who believe there are any books that should be banned has increased by more than half: 28% believe this to be the case today, vs. 18% in 2011.  One-fourth (24%) are unsure, which leaves nearly half of Americans convinced that no books should be banned completely (48%).
  • Politically speaking, Republicans are nearly twice as likely as Democrats or Independents to believe there are any books that should be banned completely (42% vs. 23% & 22%, respectively).  
  • In addition, adults who have completed high school or less  are more likely than those with higher levels of education to believe there are any books that should be banned (33%, vs. 25% some college, 24% college grad, 23% post grad).
These are some of the results of The Harris Poll® of 2,244 U.S. adults surveyed online and in English between March 11 and 16, 2015.
“The things they're doing and saying in films right now just shouldn't be allowed.”  ― Mae West
When asked to consider other types of media, adults are less likely to say there are any movies, television programs, or video games which should be banned completely. Only 16% of Americans each believe there are any movies or television programs that should be banned completely, and one fourth say the same about video games (24%).  In light of this, perhaps it’s not surprising that seven in ten adults believe a rating system (similar to that used for movies) should be applied to books (71%).
Similar to books, Republicans are more likely than Democrats or Independents to believe there’s ever a call for outright bans in each of these categories.
  • Movies: 24% Republicans vs. 15% Democrats & 12% Independents
  • Television: 23% Republicans vs. 16% Democrats & 12% Independents
  • Video games: 32% Republicans vs. 23% Democrats & 20% Independents
  • Read more...

 

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