The discussions are raging on whether to ban, censor or simply steer away from books that contain socially unacceptable images or content. I like to come late to public debates so that I can weigh many opinions before forming my own.
If you know me, you know my love for all the many cultures of the world. During "Storytelling" in college, my classmates asked why all my stories were from different cultures - I hadn't realized. I'd simply been sharing many of my favorites. "Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters" might not be a common story, but it's definitely one worth reading and sharing.
We are all, at least in part, a product of our native culture. I was blessed with a childhood rich in appreciation of all the world and other countries had to offer while learning to love classic American histories and tall tales also.
I was nonplussed, at first, to hear that books by Seuss, Laura Ingalls Wilder and others were being censored, pulled from sales and even banned in some areas. As my teachers taught since I was very young, I researched and looked back at copies I own or could locate to discern why they were considered offensive. While Critics have a point, I've resolved to keep these books in my collection.
If you're my age, you might remember a Dr. Quinn episode called "The Library". The people of the town are offended by scandalous content in the books she donated for a library to the point they hold a book burning. Dr. Mike responds by handing the reverend a book containing "offensive" content - The Bible.
Rather than pretending the offending content in books never existed, I'll seek to understand and explain the offensive attitudes and social situations that made them acceptable in their time. When I reach for a Seuss book for story time, I've always been more likely to select "Hop on Pop" or "My Many Colored Days". In my private reading or with slightly older audiences, I can appreciate stories with content that must be chewed with higher critical thinking rather than swallowed whole - much like all media (TV, news, films, included) should be.
However, I won't be retiring my Little House on the Prairie books any more than society will be getting rid of old westerns. Instead, I will rejoice in my American culture while sharing favorites such as "Jingle Dancer" by Cynthia Leitich Smith; "Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain" by Verna Aardema; "The Legend of the Bluebonnet" by Tomie dePaola and so many others.
History is a lesson we must learn from. I love learning about all the many cultures that make up America. I am sad when too many prove intolerant and hateful toward differences, or else display childish misunderstanding. But I try not to be offended by those who hurt out of ignorance or misunderstanding. I've been offended by others' perception of my traditions and culture. I've surely also offended others unwittingly through my own ignorance or misunderstanding. I don't call on any others to agree with my stance. I merely ask for patience and education if I have miss-stepped or misspoken. I don't want my history edited; I want my future more honest, more loving, more understanding and definitely more inclusive.
God Bless ~ Pollyanna
Some great resources on the subject:
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