A parent should have a say in what their kid reads and sees, but A) using this as an excuse to get rid of books that don't fit a particular world view is horrible, and B) by the time a kid is in school, they should be exposed to things that make people uncomfortable (age appropriate of course). Its how people learn and grow, and something that people, adults and children, should be encouraged to do. Somewhat related: This is another favorite quote of mine.But it's not just the books under fire now that worry me. It is the books that will never be written. The books that will never be read. And all due to the fear of censorship. As always, young readers will be the real losers.
A parent should have a say in what their kid reads and sees
-absolutely, they just shouldn't have ANY influence on what my child can and cannot see. But it's not just the books under fire now that worry me. It is the books that will never be written
-Some of the best art is created in spite of such opposition. It's my hope that the artists/writers have enough conviction to write what they must. Ideally, if it's good it will find an audience.
I was once listening to a pastor talk about watching movies with his kids. He advised parents always pre-screen movies, even G-rated ones, to be sure the children in the movie never disobey or disrespect their parents. He believed that, even if the parents are wrong, if he isolates his children from any negativity towards parents, he will remain in control.Book banning satisfies their need to feel in control of their children's lives.
Ugh, as a Christian raised in church, my parents had no respect for these kinds of people and neither do I. Sheltering is nothing more than fear and handicap. My parents had no problem playing Total Recall or Die Hard in front of me as a kid, and I turned out alright. Now this doesn't mean my son is going to be watching Salo as a toddler, but he won't be completely unaware of the world.