Words of wisdom from a long-time Language Arts teacher:
"We reviewed the banned book lists each year and had lengthy and, often, heated discussions. It was some of the most rewarding moments in my teaching experience. Never underestimate the ability of students to cut through the veiled reasoning for censorship...I found students talked openly about values, consequences. They were never put off by language. Good grief, they heard worse on television. Many felt insulted that adults felt they had to "guard" them from evil. They saw right through that. We argued and laughed and the students learned that they were as capable at reviewing books as many published reviewers."
I'm curious as to the age of the students that they saw through parents trying to "guard them from evil." As a parent, my kids have nothing to "see through." I'm transparent: "I don't like you to see/ listen to certain things because I feel they are inappropriate for you." This is my job as a parent.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, teenagers are often drawn to rebel, and this can been seen as opportunity to discuss these topics.
I think there is a very important distinction between parents saying "no" to their kids at various ages and the government deciding what kids can and cannot see and read.