FICTION | LIFE |CREATIVITY
Victory
Against all odds
Vincent Valentino stood tall on the podium to address the vagrant, vicious, and verbose attackers gathered in the Valleywood town hall to propose a ban on the book, Vanity, written by a famous local writer, Victoria Valdez. Violent protests had led to this meeting being convened, interrupting the mayor’s more serious agenda.
“Valleywood residents. Allow me to present my report as a high school teacher’s union representative.”
Verbal accusations continued as Vincent opened his laptop to click start.
“Dear Vanguards of the community, banning books does not solve any problems for the teachers, students, or concerned parents; rather, it complicates the development of society, both intellectually and democratically.
“Our valuable teachers love to have autonomy over the curriculum materials, and banning books takes that control away from them. A vengeful and misplaced agenda harms the students, as they must be challenged to face harsh and uncomfortable societal truths.”
“A vibrant community exists; it allows transparent and fair access to all points of view to nurture diversity and accommodate cultural differences amicably.”
Valerie Vicks, the mayor, interrupted the visceral tirade of some prominent members with her silky but firm tone. “Visibly upset. Are we? Mrs. Valentino, mom. Can we please keep a hushed silence in the hall until Vincent finishes his presentation?”
Vincent started speaking again. “The prominent reasons for censorship revolve around racist slurs, abusive language, and explicit sexual scenes deemed inappropriate for schoolchildren. Vital issues raised in the books might affect young minds. No one can deny that, but an outright ban is not the solution; these books can become prime examples of teachable opportunities.”
“Victoria Valdez uses objectionable language, offers a seething criticism of the institutions that perpetuate stereotypical behaviour and discusses embedded prejudices in a democratic society.”
Voluminous applause seemed deafening even to deaf ears; unbearable noise enveloped the silent onlookers, especially those who supported Victoria Valdez.
“Vehement opposition to the banning of this book is based on two reasons; first, high school classrooms are full of real people who face these issues in their daily lives, and second, it forces everyone involved to be aware of the psychological impact of prejudicial behavior on the hearts and minds of visible minorities.”
Valerie signaled Vincent to continue, as he paused to catch his breath.
“Vanity touches on the complicated topic of stereotyping, marginalizing, and categorizing people based on their color, gender, and sexual orientation. Valley wood teachers’ association supports this book and other controversial ones because, in a world where teenagers are already hidden away, frowned upon, and scolded for speaking up, books are the best affirmation of their perspectives. “
“Visible minorities are present in our schools, and this novel encapsulates their experiences so beautifully that it can build mutual trust and understanding. Val and Vera’s problems of establishing self-identity, sexual orientation, or dealing with financial insecurities due to their parents’ lack of decent jobs do not look fictional to many students.”
“Vicious attacks on the writer do not help the situation at all; it undermines our integrity as responsible citizens who can’t keep our personal biases in check and malign an innocent individual. Valleywood citizens are encouraged to read the book. Here. I’ve brought some copies with me,” and he passes them in the front row.
“Mrs. Valentino.” Vincent asks his mother, “would you like to admit how the novel resonated with your family’s struggle when they arrived here sixty years ago?”
“Valentinos were no…” Mrs. Valentino stopped herself and just nodded her head.
Vincent transferred his attention back to the script and said,
“Most poignant message in the book is how to fight against all odds. The main characters in the novel were not deterred by the negative elements hindering them from succeeding; rather, they tried harder to persevere, excel in their studies, and confidently showcase their talents. Therefore, the inclusion of the books like this in the curriculum would only enhance students’ learning experience and will not be inappropriate at all.”
“Valorizing hate in any shape or form breeds insecurity, frustration, and alienation. Valdez has done a tremendous job in this book by highlighting the system’s incompetence that ignores such issues. “
“Val and Vera were typical high schoolers; still, they did not get a fair chance of doing well due to a lack of understanding or, maybe, the ambivalence of the teachers and curriculum to address the issues faced by second-generation immigrants communities.
Vivid details and incidents in Vanity demonstrated how the protagonists were acknowledged by their minority status, or by alleged xenophobic identities and, worse, for their pre-determined criminality based on the skin of their color.”
“Valleywood students can gain a more nuanced perspective about the visible minorities who deal with issues of stigma, racial bigotry, and peer pressure living. Therefore, the book should be included in the high school curriculum in Valleywood, as it has a universal message of identity, love, and dreams.”
Vincent ended his presentation, and the proposal to ban Vanity was put to the vote by Valerie the same day, and the eight-member committee supported the Valley wood teachers’ association and allowed the book to be taught in the high school.
Epilogue: Mrs. Valentino resigned from the Valley wood school trustee board and did not talk to her son and daughter-in-law until the arrival of Victoria Valentino two years later.
© Fatima Imam (All Rights Reserved)
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