I Have a Conspiracy Theory

I’m in Buenos Aires for the month of August because I decided that if I’m going to be depressed, I might as well be depressed AND glamorous. Each day I’ve spent down here has returned a little of my self to me.

And since I’ve had time to think, I’ve finally been able to connect the dots on a conspiracy theory I’ve been privately formulating for the last year.

Okay, so the book bans… I don’t think they’re about books at all. My conspiracy theory is that fascists actually don’t give a hoot about “inappropriate” content in books; they’re attacking libraries and librarians because libraries are vital spaces that foster community. And fascists fear community. It’s a scheme to shut down public libraries.

What’s happening is not a culture war. Rather, it’s a concerted effort to destroy public institutions that are pillars of a healthy democracy. I wouldn’t be surprised if, at some point in the next few years, we find out most of those “concerned” parents and community members crying bloody murder at school board meetings are paid actors funded by think tanks. (Okay, maybe that part is a bit much. But it’s MY conspiracy theory and I can do whatever I want.)

The point is that fascists don’t just want to remove copies of The Bluest Eye from our public libraries; they want to remove public libraries from our democracy. Fascists don’t just want to remove AP African American studies classes from public schools; they want to remove public schools from our democracy.

And I’m worried that many of us are expending a great deal of time, money and energy in defense of specific books or lesson plans rather than fighting to defend the public institutions themselves.

That’s my conspiracy theory. You’re welcome. Stay safe out there.