posted March 26, 2023 11:02 AM            

This month:
- the song Rainbowland by @DollyParton & @MileyCyrus
- Michelangelo's David
- Musicals: The Addams Family & Spelling Bee
- film about Ruby Bridges
- Drag and donuts
- ⬆️ books! (The Bible!)
- authors!

posted March 26, 2023 12:20 PM            

Firstly, it should go without saying that "banned" is an intentionally deceiving accusations designed to inspire fear, outrage, and further divide us. Obviously, the film isn't banned, any Floridian may view it, any adult may allow their child to view it. School administrators routinely approve or disapprove school curriculums, textbooks, etc.

Here's the link the twitter post references:
http://theweeklychallenger.com/film-ruby-bridges-banned-in-a-pinellas-county-school/

So we learn here that a viewing of the Ruby Bridges documentary was planned, in honor of Black History Month, for an elementary school class. Permission slips were sent home, all but one was signed, one child opted out, the viewing proceeded as planned. This was followed by, as the report describes, an "effective lesson."

And then the plot thickens. Again, from the referenced article ....

Apparently, someone contacted the school administration to protest the showing. However, as fate would have it, the film had already been shown, followed by an effective lesson. Nonetheless, a district administrator allegedly directed the school to remove the film and never show it again.

Please note "allegedly"

The article's author begins by admitting his astonishment that the "rumor" could be true. He sets out to investigate. By article ends, the "alleged" banning, and who might have instigated it, remains unconfirmed.

Now whether the Ruby Bridges story is appropriate for an elementary class is a fair question imo. I would say no. A 9 year is simply not capable of grasping its historical context and ongoing outcome. Would be a requirement for the highschool students though.

Maybe also worth mentioning that the article kicks off by citing, "the controversy surrounding Toni Morrison’s book, “The Bluest Eye,”. A quite good short novel, (do please read if you haven't, teasel) but inappropriate for elementary or middle school children as it depicts child rape. Upper highschool students? Sure. I might save my personal fav Morrison, Beloved, for uni level.

Sometimes it not a question of what, but when. Post modern, progressive child development theories have abandoned that notion in favor of a childhood denying, everything everywhere all at once approach. Initially this manifested in the push for early academics which not coincidentally coincided with the advent of two earner households and daycares. Ofc this has progressed beyond mere academics to a government led cultural socialization of the youngest children eg DEI, CRT, diversity classes, sex ed classes etc.