Here's how Beatty explains it:
* Fear of Offending: He argues that books contained too many controversial ideas that could offend different groups. To avoid conflict and keep society "harmonious," books were deemed too risky.
* Diversity of Opinions: Different groups had different perspectives and beliefs, making it impossible to please everyone with a single text. This led to the "dumbing down" of literature to appeal to the lowest common denominator.
* Simplification for Mass Appeal: Beatty claims that books were simplified to avoid complex arguments and challenging ideas. This ultimately resulted in a society that valued entertainment over education and critical thinking.
However, it's important to note:
* Beatty's perspective is biased. He is a representative of the oppressive regime in the novel, and his reasoning is a justification for censorship.
* The actual impact of minority groups on the banning of books is complex and nuanced. In real-world situations, book bans often stem from a variety of factors, including religious, political, and social anxieties.
Beatty's view is a cautionary tale about how the fear of offending or upsetting different groups can lead to the suppression of knowledge and freedom of expression. The novel ultimately questions whether censorship is a legitimate solution to societal conflicts.