The books that shaped America are slowly starting to disappear. Many of the previous social norms have fallen out of fashion and for this reason numerous books are starting to be banned. Blasphemy, racism, sex and violence are all ethical reasons why books should be censored. Despite being a worldwide best seller, The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger has been on the list of banned books since 1961 (( Belshazzar). Rye tells the short journey of the antihero Holden Caulfield, between the end of the autumn semester and the Christmas holidays (Salinger).The story begins when Holden is expelled from his school, Pency Prep, for failing most of his classes (Salinger). Holden knows he has to go home, so he tries to prolong the scolding he will receive from his parents for being expelled by venturing around Manhattan until it becomes necessary to return to his home (Salinger tells his story in the vulgarest way possible. Holden he recounts being offered a prostitute by an elevator operator when he asks, "Innarested a little tail t'night?" (Salinger 91 is also used throughout the book, e.g., "Are you a dirty stupid son of a bitch of a moron” (Salinger 44). Underage drinking is one of Holden's favorite pastimes, as evident in the quote: “I ordered a scotch and a soda and told him not to mix it – I said it fast as hell, because if you hem and haw, they think you're under twenty-one and won't sell you any intoxicating liquor” (Salinger 69). These three quotes express the precise justifications for banning books: sexually explicit content, offensive language, and use of drugs by minors (Association). Although many consider The Catcher in the Rye to be morally wrong, it should not… middle of paper… sometimes groups consider books to be immoral does not mean they should be pulled from shelves . Censorship is acceptable for young people, but there is an age when we all grow up and are able to handle books with explicit content. Works Cited Association, American Library. Information on banned and contested books. 10 11 2013 .—. Classics banned and contested. 10 11 2013. Baldassarro, R. Lupo. Awareness of Banned Books: “The Catcher in the Rye” by JD Salinger. 23 1 2011. 10 11 2013 .Madison, James. The United States Bill of Rights: First 10 Amendments to the Constitution. 15 12 1791. 10 11 2013 .Salinger, J.D. The Catcher in the Rye. Boston: Small, Brown, 1951.