Thursday, August 28, 2008

Woman Willing to go to Jail Over 'Dangerous' Book

JoAn Karkos of Lewiston, Maine is willing to go to jail over a book she deemed ''dangerous,''as an act of civil disobedience. The book "It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex and Sexual Health," talks openly about puberty all teenagers face. According to msnbc.com, a judge ruled that Karkos had until 4 p.m. on Friday afternoon to return the book or be found in contempt of court. It is not clear why Karkos  felt the book was dangerous, but she obviously wanted it off the shelves of the library. Is it worth going to jail for something you believed in?

3 comments:

RHAM News said...

Interesting. I'm not quite clear... Did she take it out of a library and then not return it? Can you find out more about the book (amazon.com?)? Does OUR library at RHAM, RHAM Middle, or the town library have it?? How about a follow-up?

Yes, it can be worth going to jail for something you believe in. Many reporters have done just that for refusing to identify their confidential sources.

3/5 (for now). B

Brian F. said...

Good story. Perhaps you could also explore the constitutionality of stealing a book because it is "dangerous" - is that a violation of the First Amendment?

Anonymous said...

Nice Mariah, I thought it was interesting how a woman would be willing to go to jail just for a book. But I guess people believe strongly now. Good work nonetheless. :]