Are kindergartners too young to learn about tolerance and acceptance?

Tuesday night, the Unified School District in Alameda, a suburb near San Francisco and Oakland, adopted a new curriculum that addresses bullying, acceptance, and respect. While this doesn’t sound too controversial at first, some parents are enraged that this new curriculum includes a mandatory 45 minute discussion each year about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered issues. Kindergarten students will discuss teasing and its harms, as well as read the controversial children’s book, “And Tango Makes Three.” Fifth graders will discuss sexual orientation stereotypes.

Overall, parents voicing concerns seem to be upset over the mature topic being discussed, arguing that children are too young to learn about such adult issues. Additionally, parents are upset that they cannot choose to keep their children from participating. The school defends its new curriculum, stating that there has been an increase in young children using derogatory words such as “fag.” The school also states that this is a way to stop the schoolyard bullying before it starts.

Overall, this situation tackles that tricky issue of “protection.” Are parents correct in arguing that children need to be protected from discussing such mature issues? Is the school correct in arguing that children being bullied as a result of their own or their parents’ sexual orientation need protection from intolerant students? Can both parties be right?

While I live my life very conservatively, I am admittedly very liberal when it comes to protecting the rights and liberties of others. I also do not have children—and thus, my opinions could be different once I become a parent. That being said, I think it is never too soon to teach acceptance. School should be a welcoming place where all can learn. If students are being teased for any reason, the school needs to take action. Moreover, if young children are using such derogatory words and picking on others because of sexual orientation, then these taunting children do not need to be protected from such issues. They are obviously aware—now they just need to be educated.

"Bridgeport Mural Sparks Censorship Debate"

Recently a mural depicting Chicago Police Department cameras, a crucified Christ, a deer head, and skulls was painted over at the request of 11th Ward Alderman, James Balcer. Alderman Balcer stated he ordered the mural to be covered because he felt it was distasteful and feared the mural could be anti-police and possibly gang-related.

The mural’s artist, Gabriel Villa, began painting the mural two weeks ago. He was commissioned by the owners of the building as part of a local arts festival. Villa has stated the mural was not meant to be offensive, but was meant to spark conversation about surveillance in society.

Overall, this issue reminded me of the book challenges we have been discussing. This artist, like many controversial authors, used his talents to shed light on an important issue, government surveillance. Because some were afraid or unsure of what the message meant, the message was suppressed. Here the Alderman admitted he had no idea what the mural meant, but he was afraid it would cause a controversy.

Well, I don't know about you, but I don't want to live in a world without controversy. Sometimes controversies are needed to shed light on important issues, and fear of controversy is ultimately more damaging for our country than the controversies themselves.

Additionally, much like book challenges, I think the Alderman's actions actually did the exact opposite of what he had intended. He wanted to avoid controversy and discussion. Now, however, everyone is talking about this mural and debating the government's actions.

It looks like the artist succeeded in getting a dialogue started--- although it may be on different issue than he had originally intended.

For more information, see the Chicago Public Radio articles below:

Basic Summary of the issue and a picture of the mural-
http://www.wbez.org/Content.aspx?audioID=34276

Interview with Alderman Balcer-
http://apps.wbez.org/blog/?p=3623

Greetings!

Look's like I am one of the last people to get started on the blog for class...

Well, I am excited to start this class and to read everyone's postings!