The Little Red Schoolbook

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The Little Red Schoolbook is a controversial book first published in Denmark in 1969 by Danish authors Søren Hansen and Jesper Jensen. The book was intended as a guide for schoolchildren, providing information on a variety of topics including sex education, drugs, and youth rights. It was translated into multiple languages and published in several countries, often facing censorship and legal challenges due to its explicit content.

Content

The book is divided into sections that cover different aspects of a young person's life. These sections include:

• Sex education: This section provides detailed information about sexual intercourse, contraception, and masturbation. It aims to demystify sex and promote a healthy understanding of sexual relationships.
• Drugs: This part of the book discusses various types of drugs, their effects, and the potential risks associated with their use. It encourages informed decision-making and harm reduction.
• Youth rights: This section addresses the rights of young people in society, including their rights within the education system and their rights to free speech and assembly.

Controversy

Upon its release, The Little Red Schoolbook faced significant backlash from various authorities and conservative groups. In several countries, the book was banned or heavily censored. Critics argued that the book's explicit content was inappropriate for children and could encourage rebellious behavior.

In the United Kingdom, the book was the subject of an obscenity trial in 1971. The publishers were prosecuted under the Obscene Publications Act 1959, but the case ultimately brought more attention to the book and its controversial content.

Legacy

Despite the controversy, The Little Red Schoolbook has been recognized for its progressive approach to youth education. It challenged traditional norms and encouraged young people to think critically about the information they receive from authorities. The book remains a significant cultural artifact from the late 1960s and early 1970s, reflecting the era's social and political upheavals.

See also

• Sex education
• Youth rights
• Obscenity
• Counterculture of the 1960s