In the novel, the banning of books was the result of two reasons. One reason was that books were already becoming less and less popular in society. Another reason why the books were too contradictory and caused upset among minorities. Officer Beatty told Montag, “Black people don't like Little Black Sambo. Burn it. White people don't feel good about Uncle Tom's Cabin. Burn it. Has anyone written a book about tobacco and lung cancer? Do the cigarette guys cry? Serenity, Montag. Peace, Montag,” (Bradbury 57). When Agent Beatty said this to Montag, he was explaining that the only way to maintain world peace was to burn books that questioned the peace.