The historical context of Gone with the Wind is an important factor to consider when discussing why it has been banned in some places. Published in 1936, the novel was written during a time period when racism was still prevalent and institutionalized throughout many parts of the United States. As such, the depiction of African Americans in Gone with the Wind is highly problematic, as they are portrayed as subservient, lazy, and even comical characters who become part of a romanticized vision of the antebellum South.
This highly problematic representation of African Americans can be further seen through other characters in the novel. For example, Mammy—a slave who is loyal to Scarlett O’Hara—is depicted as a loyal servant who is more devoted to her white mistress than she is to herself or her own people. Furthermore, Rhett Butler’s comment about “proud darkies” further perpetuates stereotypes about African Americans that are both false and offensive.
Given these issues with racism and stereotypes that are presented within Gone With The Wind, it should not come as a surprise that many schools have chosen to ban this book from their libraries or curriculums. This banning can then be seen as an effort to avoid perpetuating any hurtful or inaccurate messages about race that could be taken away by students after reading this book.
