Fahrenheit 451 When Fiction Becomes a Reality

Fahrenheit 451 is a 1953 dystopian novel by American writer Ray Bradbury often regarded as one of his best works. The novel presents a future American society where books are outlawed. The firemen burn any found—the Temperature at which the book paper catches fire. The novel has been subjugated to many interpretations focusing on the historical role of book burning in suppressing dissenting ideas for change. In a 1956 radio interview, the author wrote Fahrenheit 451 because of the concerns during the McCarthy era, which was threatening the books to burn in the United States. In later years, the book would be described as a commentary on mass media and reducing interest in reading and literature.

So what is happening with Fahrenheit 451? Well, Spotsylvania School Boards order libraries to remove sexually explicit books. The Spotsylvania County School board directed its staff to remove the books containing sexually explicit content from the library shelves. This issue came about after a parent raised concerns at the School Boards meeting on Monday about books being available through the Riverbend Highschool's digital library app. The Board also requested a report by Next week on how books are selected for inclusion in digital and hard copy library collections at the different schools. ​​ The mother said during public comments that she was initially alarmed by "LGBTQIA" fiction that she said was immediately made available upon accessing the library app. After doing more research, she discovered a book in the collection that she found more upsetting. The book "33 Snowfish" by Adam Rapp concerns three homeless teenagers attempting to escape from pasts, including sexual abuse, prostitution, and drug addiction. The review recommends the book for ages 15 and up.

Darnell Sims, director of teaching and learning for the school division, said Riverbend High School Principal Troy Wright and school librarians have been looking into the parents' concerns since they were raised with the school last week. So how does this Relate to Fahrenheit 451? Well, the School board members in Virginia are recommending that they just burn the book, and It is not just that it is about suppressing information to have the capability to manipulate people. Fahrenheit takes a stance against censorship amongst people, and now that seems to be the case today. What seemed to be fiction is turning into a morbid nightmare.