It had occurred to Pecola some time ago that if her eyes, those eyes that held the pictures, and knew the sights—if those eyes of hers were different, that is to say, beautiful, she herself would be different…Pretty eyes. Pretty blue eyes. Big blue pretty eyes.
-The Bluest Eye
Why This Story Deserves To Be Heard
Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye is a profound and heartbreaking exploration of race, identity, and beauty in America. Through the story of Pecola Breedlove, a young Black girl who yearns for blue eyes to escape the pain of societal rejection, Morrison confronts the devastating effects of systemic racism, colorism, and generational trauma. This masterpiece is not only beautifully written but also deeply thought-provoking, challenging readers to reflect on the constructs of beauty and the impact they have on marginalized communities. Banned and challenged for its unflinching honesty, The Bluest Eye remains an essential read—an enduring testament to the power of literature to shine a light on uncomfortable truths and inspire critical conversations.
Since its publication, The Bluest Eye has consistently landed on the American Library Association’s list of most challenged books. Reasons cited have included, “sexually explicit material,” “lots of graphic descriptions and lots of disturbing language,” and “an underlying socialist-communist agenda.” One complaint simply called it a “bad book.”
BANNED: The Bluest Eye | American Experience | Official Site | PBS
The Ethical Echo 
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