Keep Your hands Off My Books
Titles on library shelves are being challenged for their material aimed explicitly at "pornographic" content, claiming to be inappropriate for younger readers.
"We will remove all forms of sexual, racial, political, and gender indoctrination from our schools," according to Wetheparents.org, an organization fixing to, among other things, eliminate books that introduce sexual content or conflict with sexuality and gender identity norms. While the parent who has brought these titles to the School Board is not directly affiliated with Wetheparents, the organization did endorse the removal of these books.
The challenging of these titles has been justified by said organization, claiming that the concepts these books introduce negatively affects children's lives.
Reading this, I have one question: what injurious tolls will your child be introduced to when learning about imperative information? When I was younger, I found it challenging to comprehend that some individuals don't feel comfortable in their own skin, but that did not make me dislike or disapprove of them. My lack of understanding did not fuel hate; it brought curiosity. As a young individual, I wanted to learn more, as most children do. I continue to wonder if the individuals claiming these pieces are "pornographic” are genuinely uncomfortable about their student reading the material, or simply driven to hate that which they refuse to accept.
Taking books away won't resolve these issues. Avoiding topics of sexuality and LGBTQ+ will not halt students’ quest for information or originality; students will find a way to indulge in their interests–and they will be interested in topics their parents may not be. As these topics become increasingly deliberated, individuals are becoming more aware and comfortable with how they feel internally, corroborating the idea that this information shouldn't be removed.
As a 17-year-old High school senior, I have enough self-control to pick up a book, read the brief on the back, and put the book down if I find the topic displeasing or uncomfortable. So what is stopping any other student from doing the same? I do not believe a parent should have the opportunity to determine which child can indulge in or learn from in a public school district.
One of the challenged titles, Crank, by Ellen Hopkins, is a verse novel that includes sex, drug abuse, and the mental tolls of being a teenager. I read it cover-to-cover, and it was one of my favorite books I've ever checked out from our library.
"The monster-fueled inferno built thigh to belly button/Adams's mouth moved lower, inch by trembling inch/I was ready to do it, oh so ready, right that very instant," (page 163) from Crank by Ellen Hopkins. Reading this, you may have the idea that extracting this content from the reaches of high schoolers would be beneficial.
"You were a summer gift, one I'll always treasure/You were a dream I never wanted to wake up from/You opened my eyes to things I'll never really see/You're the best thing that will ever happen to me,” (page 203) This excerpt, drastically different from the previous quote, shows the relationship between the two characters and how it is beyond lust. The sexuality and intimacy depicted by this “pornographic” paragraph contributes immensely to the story of these characters’ relationship. I would not have received the same impression from this book had it excluded these sections.
This book takes the reader through different stages of high school relationships–both the detrimental and positive aspects. This book was educational, and could also potentially dissuade readers from committing the activities the story’s characters participate in. These books are not an instruction manual: they are a warning of what could happen in real life.
This leads to my next point: "More than half of U.S. teenagers have had sex by age 18," according to a report made and published by the CDC. Teens at my high school are having sex. Why is reading and talking about it still taboo?
Our parents were raised around the idea that sex shouldn't be spoken about, as it was strictly known as a reproductive process. Nevertheless, we should not be removing books which include topics that a majority of high school students have already indulged in or experienced. Along with this, if we are restricting access to books, why not limit screen time? The internet will bring much more pornographic material, including visuals, with easier accessibility than books ever can.
"Our purpose is only to respect the preferences of our our students and their families so that students, families, and public schools may operate in harmony," according to wetheparents.org. This argument is transparently counter-intuitive. We The Parents would like to maintain harmony and respect the preferences of students and families, but which students or families are they referring to? I was raised to challenge ideas–I was encouraged to read books about controversial topics and have difficult conversations.
They also say, "We will fight to remove all forms of woke politics (i.e. sexual, racial, political, and gender indoctrination) for our schools.” These feelings are driven by personal beliefs, and it is not okay to parent all children as if they’re yours. The SJPS district already has a policy in place allowing parents to restrict specific books for their children: if you feel that it disrupts the harmony of your home, by all means, tell your child no. But do not tell me no.
"We will never contradict the moral guidance of the parent," according to the We The Parents Pledge. Yet, this statement contradicts itself, as many parents' ideologies live far from this. Additionally, over 85 percent of surveyed SJHS students are against the removal of these titles.
Overall, I feel the actions, and existence, of this organization are detrimental to the growth of our community and school. This is not the first time I've been exposed to this type of content, and it won't be the last–for any high schooler. I can handle the content; in all probability, your children can too. Don't project your stigma and ignorance onto your children for the sole purpose of quelling your discomfort or voicing hate. While I can understand some of these topics being too mature for certain readers, it is unacceptable to presume that all teenagers cannot handle it. If a parent believes that their child should not be indulging in something, they have every right to stop them. With that being said: Keep your hands off my books.