Student Question
Why was The Kite Runner banned?
Quick answer:
The Kite Runner has been banned in some American schools due to its graphic content, including scenes of sexual abuse, violence, and offensive language. The novel's depiction of the Taliban and the complex dynamics between Pashtuns and Hazaras also offend some readers. Additionally, concerns about characters' anti-Semitic views and drug abuse, as well as perceptions of negativity toward Afghan culture, contribute to its controversial status.
Khaled Hosseini's 2003 novel has been challenged and banned in some American schools. The reasons for disallowing it to be read and discussed by students include the following:
- There is a scene in which a boy is violently beaten and raped.
- There is sexual abuse of a boy by a man.
- The depiction of the Taliban is offensive to some people.
- Some find language used in the book to be offensive.
- There are other acts of violence, including killings.
- The depiction of the dynamics of the relationship between the Pashtuns and Hazaras offends some people.
- One of the characters is openly anti-Semitic and a drug abuser.
- Some believe that the book perpetuates feelings of negativity toward Afghan culture in general from those who have never experienced it for themselves.
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