Trouble ahead . . .

Two views.

I just read a pair of interesting emails a colleague of mine received from two parents.

One is adamantly opposed to Kaffir Boy. They find the subject matter objectionable. They do not believe the censored copy is appropriate either. In fact, they are going to take their concerns to the school board to see if the book can be withdrawn.

The other email stated how the mother was sorry that her daughter did not get to finish the book and that both the mother and father were going to get their own copy not only for their daughter to finish but also to read for themselves.

Of course, I am biased here, but it seems to me that one seems to think they can make not a decision for what their son or daughter should read but what all students should read.

Now you could easily argue that we do the same thing. Since we chose this text as part of our curriculum, are we not decided what all students should read.

Yes and no.

Yes we chose it because we are experts in this field. No we are not forcing all kids to read it because every kid not only has a choice at a censored copy but also at selecting another text entirely.

I liken it to this – say I go to the doctor. I may disagree with his prognosis. I have every right to a second opinion. However, just because I disagree with his prognosis, it does not mean that I try to get him fired or impede others from others seeing him.

Or I loathe hunting. So I do not hunt. I will discourage my son/daughter from hunting. However, I do not have the right to try and impose this view on others who hunt.

Either way, it looks like we have a fight on our hands.

Should the papers and news be alerted? Banned books are big news.

Should I contact other teachers to see how they have dealt with this issue?

Should we contact parents who love the book and find it powerful and moving?

How should we best try to combat this?

Will the board back us?