Banning literature and the rise of anti-intellectualism

I woke up the other day with some rage-worthy news. I don't like being angry, but sometimes life makes you. Whether you like it or not. I won't say which country I'm from, but my government must be at one of the most all time lowest state in history right now. And in amidst so many disappointing news, there was one where I felt like it was the tip of the cake: There were instances of burning books and an ongoing discussions about a banned book list. 

I mean, seriously?

It's so infuriating, for my country's people are already illitirate, but take away the resources and we plunge into a further state of ignorant submission to a corrupt government. I already am frustrated with the state of things. People are far too lazy to read or even think to the point of making fun of those who do. And worst of all, they're proud of it! They're all "what's the point of learning that much when you could have everything you want via loans or just get married and have kids earlier in life!" Like.. are you begging to be in worse state than you are in right now? It feels like madness, to be honest. It's a paradox of wanting to help people who don't want help. Looking at world news right now, is the entire earth on "Fuck Around and Find Out" mode right now?

And then whenever people actually do want to read, there's another conundrum: The books are too damn expensive. In what world is a book worth 10 meals? Or even more! And god forbid someone questions the quality of those books available. It's all those YA novels (no hate to the good ones) that promote utter nonsense: Toxic relationships, crime syndicates, underaged marriage, and all that. And if people want good books that are imported: Well sorry, it's worth 300 meals, at least! 

And another conundrum: the discourse on whether or not pirated books are ethical! I'd say education and literacy shouldn't be on a price tag, and authors regardless should be given an ethical pay not depending on sales, but how impossible, right? 

It just feels like my government is so terrified of people getting smarter. How evil could you be to hinder someone's- and an entire group of people's chances at getting a better life?

That's just me. How's the education and literature at your perspective countries, if anyone's reading. What do you think of this situation?