The Catcher in the Rye is NOT the Champion of the Classroom

            It seems that as the years go on, society becomes more and more susceptible and understanding of inappropriate behavior. The 21st century brings Mars exploration and stem cell research, but also scantily clad celebrities and the use of profanity in the media and in everyday life. This is inevitable, yes, seemingly unavoidable; but there should be at least one place that is unscathed and protected from the vulgarity of the world. This place should be the classroom, where children come to gain knowledge on a level playing field and in a safe and pure environment. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger portrays many problems in society and the confusion and angst of a complicated youth, Holden. No one is arguing that this novel shouldn't be read by mature people to gain intellectual insight. But, the problem is, with the book's profanity, religious and sexual nuances, and the main character's defiant example, it degrades the upright moral credo of high school and should not be part of the curriculum. .
             The Catcher in the Rye is narrated in an easy, unfussy train of thought containing a great deal of profane language inappropriate for school. Although one may argue that profanity is an accepted part of adult life, it shouldn't be an accepted part of high school life, and it isn't. It is against school rules to utter and write profane words, which means they are not suitable in a school setting. So, considering these regulations, how is it suitable to read them on every page of a seemingly high school - appropriate work of literature? This book contradicts school policy. Furthermore, since it is part of the curriculum, students are urged to read it; if just one student gets into something they didn't bargain for when reading "damn" on the first page, and becomes offended and uncomfortable, that student is cheated out of his or her right to an untainted education. It seems that Holden tries to protect the innocence of children by rubbing out vulgar phrases written in his sister's school and in the museum, but he plants it in the minds of students nationwide.