Studies of book bans and recent events involving musician Macklemore illustrate how attempts to silence content can inadvertently amplify its reach.
Key facts
- •Library circulation for banned books rose by an average of 12% in the six months following a ban.
- •The number of unique attempts to ban books in U.S. libraries rose from 729 in 2021 to 1,269 in 2022.
- •Macklemore gained over 1.6 million Instagram followers after being removed from Ed Sheeran's tour.
- •More than 4 million books were published in the U.S. in 2025, creating a highly competitive marketplace where obscurity is a primary challenge for authors.
- •Research shows that social media attention is a critical factor in whether a banned book experiences a surge in circulation.
Recent efforts to suppress content, including the removal of rapper Macklemore from Ed Sheeran's tour and the rise of book bans in U.S. schools, have frequently resulted in increased public interest. Research indicates that such attempts to silence or bury information often trigger the 'Streisand effect,' where the act of censorship draws significant attention to the targeted subject, ultimately boosting its visibility and popularity.
By the numbers
Impact of Censorship on Book Circulation
A study analyzing library circulation records from January 2021 to June 2022 across 38 U.S. states found that book bans led to a 12% average increase in circulation for targeted titles over the following six months. This effect was most pronounced for books by lesser-known authors, and each additional school district ban added approximately 2% to a book's circulation. Notably, the rise in demand occurred even in states where no bans were implemented, suggesting that social media coverage and national news attention played a key role in driving interest.
The Case of Macklemore's Tour Removal
Following a September 4, 2026, performance where Macklemore expressed support for Palestinians, he was removed from Ed Sheeran's tour. According to an Instagram post by the rapper, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft pressured Sheeran and other venue owners to drop him. The resulting media coverage led to a surge in interest, with Macklemore gaining over 1.6 million Instagram followers and seeing a spike in song streams, while other opening acts withdrew from the tour in solidarity.
Timeline
- 2021The American Library Association reported 729 unique attempts to ban books.
- January 2021 to June 2022Researchers analyzed library circulation records across 38 U.S. states.
- 2022The number of unique attempts to ban books grew to 1,269.
- Sept. 4, 2026Macklemore performed a pro-Palestinian protest song at MetLife Stadium.
- Sept. 14, 2026Macklemore detailed his removal from the tour in an Instagram post.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Phys.org.
