Society turns to the arts as a form of expression and a means to understand difficult issues. We use movies, songs, books and theater to sort out complex emotions and to teach valuable truths. Unfortunately, some of the most beneficial lessons come out of controversy. Society turns to censorship to protect innocent minds from “inappropriate subjects” or uncomfortable emotions.

Sometimes it is the subject matter itself that is controversial, such as the depiction of racism in "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain. It is unfortunate that a book that so eloquently represents how racism can be overcome by friendship is lambasted and shunned because it was an honest representation, racial slurs and all.

Other times, the debate does not stem from the content but from an “undesirable” trait in a main character.

The Harry Potter series, for example instructs children in loyalty, the power of friendship and how love can conquer evil, not the evils of witchcraft as many parents fear.

“The Assassins,” a musical by Steven Sondheim, uses humor to explore the workings of a murderous mind and help society explain and understand why such atrocities are committed. Perhaps, rather then trying to avoid offending a few, the masses could have learned a way to avoid such actions in the future.

Thankfully, we are becoming more open-minded and turning to these controversial offerings to learn from rather then turning aside in shame or fear. Libraries across the country sponsor “Banned Book” weeks, and teachers especially assign formerly banned titles to fully explore the issues at hand. And maybe, just maybe, we will advance to the point that we no longer feel it necessary to silence expression and halt the quest for understanding just to appear “politically correct."