Texas Myth That Encyclopedia Britannica Is Banned, Debunked

Texas is following the example of Florida and banning plenty of books, including some notable classics. However, there are rumors that they are also banning Encyclopedia Britannica there. As it turns out though, this one is a myth and a myth that was just recently busted.

The claim is that "The entire Encyclopedia Britannica is banned in Texas because it contains a formula for making beer at home." It received mainstream attention when local Austin, Texas ABC affiliate, KVUE, reported on this myth as fact in March 2023.

However, despite the rumors of the Encyclopedia Britannica being banned in Texas strengthening as the state book bans increased due to the state's "culture war" initiative to stop "woke," the rumors actually may have started in 2006 from the Straight Dope Message Board.

A rumor started with this post; "I was just listening to Kojo Nnamdi on the radio and he stated that the entire Encyclopedia Britannica was banned in Texas because it contained a recipe for beer. Snopes was no help, and when I googled, I found a site where people claimed it was a crock, but no definitive cites."

However, a representative from the Britannica Group, which produces these books, wrote to Snopes that this is false, with Tom Panelas, a communication specialist for the Britannica Group, telling the outlet, "No, it's not true, and it never has been. It's just one of those urban myths that lives forever on the Internet."

It was determined that the claim may have originated in a 1996 issue of the satirical magazine Spy, which had an article that had a humorous survey of what the magazine's writers deemed the "most annoying states" in the country. This included the claim that "Encyclopedia Britannica is banned in Texas because it contains a formula for making beer at home."

Analysts Found Texas Banned More Books Than Any Other State, Even Florida

Despite the fact that the Encyclopedia being banned in Texas is a myth, the state is indeed notorious for book bannings. An analysis conducted by PEN America, a nonprofit organization that promotes free expression and human rights, found that the state banned the most books out of any state in the US.

According to Truthout, 22 districts across the Lone Star State have banned a total of 801 books between July 2021 and June 2022. The most banned books often deal with LGBTQ+ issues, women's rights issues, and even civil rights issues.

Which Books Are Actually Banned in Texas?

Texas' list of actually banned books raises eyebrows as it includes a lot of classics. PEN America compiled a list, which not just include titles tied to LGBTQ+ or racial issues or women's rights issues.

A graphic novel adaptation of Gules Verne's "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" has been banned in libraries at the Frisco Independent School District, which also banned the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series by George R.R. Martin, the novel series "Game of Thrones" is based on.

Neil Gaiman's "American Gods" and "Anansi Boys" have also been banned by the same school district, both are works celebrated around the world. Even a biography of former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt was banned, as are books by notable authors like Christopher Paolini and John Grisham. Texas also banned a lot of Japanese manga and Western comics.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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