Atwood Satirizes Alberta Library Directive After Handmaid's Tale Flagged
The Spin
Left narrative
Alberta’s book ban is the largest censorship drive of its kind in Canada, reaching far beyond graphic content to silence LGBTQ+ voices and diverse perspectives. By invoking vague language about “explicit sexual content,” the order swept up acclaimed works like The Handmaid’s Tale, whose depictions of sexual violence expose abuse rather than glorify it. When politicians dictate what children may read instead of leaving choices to educators and librarians, they cross a dangerous line that threatens freedom of expression and learning.
Right narrative
This controversy stems from Edmonton Public’s deliberate effort to manufacture outrage by far exceeding what the province actually requested. The government asked school boards to pull just four graphic novels showing children in sexual acts — content so explicit it can’t be broadcast on TV. Rather than comply with this reasonable step to shield students from pornography, Edmonton Public deliberately added 200 acclaimed works to the list, reframing a child-protection measure as a free speech crisis in order to score political points.
Public Figures
© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.15.2