Anime vs. Libraries...

Yesterday I was browsing the library catalog looking for anime movies. It was very disappointing to see how little there is in our library system. I just don't get it. For some reason my system has been self-censoring in regards to anime. Is it a bias towards cartoons? We have plenty of Disney, Pixar, etc. so that can't be it. Lack of demand? I know that is not it from the number of requests I hear. No, I think it speaks to a larger issue.

We have a unique view on sex and violence in this country. Not just in general, but how it is depicted. It is ok to make movies like Saw and Hostel which are very graphic in their depictions. But make a animated movie that depict the same things? No thank you. Especially when the characters are drawn in an exaggerated childlike way. Which is common in Japanese anime. Are we afraid that since it is animated it will only appeal to children? Or create sexual or violent fantasies towards children? In my library system we have a no censorship policy. That means anyone with a valid library card can check out any material we own. No questions asked. So any 5 year old can walk up to the circulation desk and check out Saw, Hostel, or any other R-rated movie and we will let them. In fact we are not allowed to say a word against it. So why can't we have anime on the shelf for them to check out. More important what about adults who would like to check them out?

To make it even worse we have most of these anime movies as graphic novels. On the shelf for anyone to check out. So it is ok to look at these images as long as they are in print form? What is the difference between print and visual media? One form is acceptable and the other is not? As part of our policy we tell parents who question items on our shelves that it is the parents responsibility to monitor what their children check out. We provide materials to anyone who walks in the door regardless of age, race, religion, etc. without exception.

Now we do limit what is in the library. We do not offer X-rated or NC-17 movies. Nor do we offer Playboy, Hustler or other similar magazines. So we have always self-censored. Which again amazes me in a way. It seems to be a print vs. visual media thing. Has anyone checked out what we have in book form? Next time in the library browse the romance section. Or better yet the Urban Fiction section if your library has one. Talk about graphic sexual depictions. Those books leave nothing to the imagination. Yet, they are acceptable. And any teen or younger can check them out without question. Why? For one thing there is a strong demand for those books. And for movies such as Saw and Hostel. Demand from customers who vote. Working in a public library I know how important voters are for funding. We don't want to alienate these people! Maybe if we could generate more interest in anime among voters? Obviously these are my opinions and that is fine be me...