Insights

The reversal of the ban on The Hate U Give provides insight into how online social activism can reshape the narrative regarding banned books in the modern age. Specifically, the cultural and technical conditions in which the novel was produced allowed the author to develop a direct relationship with her audience. This indicates that authors and their readers can use social media platforms collaborate to protect a valuable text from being banned due to its controversial nature. The ban on this novel and the reaction that it inspired is similar to Alan Liu’s proposition regarding the new media encounter, where some narratives can reverse others (Liu 2007). In the case of The Hate U Give, social media, through the new media encounter, was used to reverse the narrative that labelled the novel as inappropriate for young adults. Liu argues that narratives of new media encounters channel significant changes in the socio-cultural order. Similarly, the use of social media to challenge the ban on The Hate U Give reflects related online movements like #BlackLivesMatter that aim to reshape the American socio-cultural order in a way that promotes equality despite racial differences. Overall, The Hate U Give was produced in specific cultural conditions, where popular movements that call for racial equality intersect with the rise of online activism. With a plot that directly mirrors this reality, the novel became highly valuable for readers. Thus, The Hate U Give provides relevant insight into the modern media encounter, where online social activism allows ordinary citizens to challenge and change decisions made regarding the censorship of materials that tell important stories.