Nature and Nurture

[This is a response to Mark Franek’s op-ed on a library not allowing a book that uses the word “scrotum”]

I could not agree with you more, author. I find it ridiculous that over-emotional parents try to protect their youngin’s by banning literature that could easily upgrade and progress their knowledge of the written language. I agree with Andrew when he says this opens the gateway to censorship, which I feel is very hard to define these days. The FCC is left with tons of criticism when they don’t do “enough,” but when they do “enough” viewers are left wanting more spice and life in what they’re watching. To censor is a difficult task, and for that reason i believe parents, or guardians, should administer their own censoring for their child. If you don’t want your son watching an MTV show broadcasted from Spring Break in Cancun where contestants do provocative things in underwear, then don’t let him. I know this is difficult to control when your child’s in school, so i would recommend you choose the school wisely, or better yet, educate your child wisely. If a child is taught to not repeat certain words, or taught the definitions of those words before they hear them in a funny context, they will most likely handle the situation of discovering the taboo word with more maturity. These kids don’t need their libraries limited, they need their minds expanded.

There were a few things that came across a bit vague. For instance, why will the new Harry Potter book be debated. I think the Odysseus example is a valid one though. These kids will be exposed to controversial literature as long as they sit at a desk, or on a beanbag depending on the class demeanor, and listen to a teacher, so they might as well learn to deal with it at a young age. The Kite Runner was the most controversial book my school has asked me to read to date, and it is essential to my knowledge and understanding of english. My opinions on certain things have changed and evolved after reading such a book, and i think controversy can only help a mind grow. With adversity comes growth.

The opening really grabs the reader with the “scrotum” reference. I think all Opeds should open with a line or two that makes the reader think about the topic, without actually thinking about the topic. Another set of lines i enjoyed read, “This little spat is more than a tempest in a teapot. It is an example of at least 2 dangerous trends in American education. The first is the silly notion that single words or phrases are so potentially harmful that even having them in the library will damage the psyche of children.” I like the phrase “tempest in a teapot” and probably always will. It gives a great analogy. The part that says words aren’t as strong as they’re portrayed is another good idea. Actions speak louder than words, and teachings speak possibly louder than both of these. Teach your kids well PEOPLE!

This article does a good job at showing an issue that touches home. I think most kids our age have had experiences with their “annoying” parent(s) covering their eyes during a “dirty” part of a movie, or lowering the volume of their voice as they discuss a vulgar story with a friend in the kitchen. Censorship is no foreign subject to kids and i think this oped shares the same opinion as me in that children should be allowed to read freely.