Disturbed by book decision
Dear Editor,
Last week’s decision to ban The Chocolate War is both disheartening and disturbing. I was under the impression that teachers and administrators made curriculum decisions, not angry parents.
To the best of my knowledge, Mr. Kerwin is neither a teacher nor a literary critic. While he has the right to express his concerns about what his child is reading in English class, he has no right to deny every tenth grader the right to read and learn from this book.
Perhaps we should invite a member of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals to decide the material taught in Ag class, or have several religious leaders sit in on science classes to make sure critical thinking isn’t offending anyone’s religious beliefs . While we’re at it, let’s pile all the books from the library out on the lawn and burn them, since there are many that someone will find offensive.
The Chocolate War—like the real world—isn’t all sunshine and lollipops. It deals with themes like individualism and the effects of bullying, and it doesn’t have a happy ending.
In a class of one’s peers is an ideal forum to constructively discuss these serious issues. Students can improve both their reading and their communication skills--skills that will play a vital role in their success later in life. The Chocolate War doesn’t promote bullying and obscenity any more than To Kill A Mockingbird promotes racism or Romeo and Juliet promotes suicide.
The real bullying lies in the banning of this book from the classroom, an act that is doubly offensive because it is being made under the guise of moral superiority. The teacher offered an alternative to The Chocolate War, and it was refused by the angry mob desperate to “protect” our children. I have a suggestion for parents that are concerned about their children giving in to peer pressure and making poor choices: stop wasting time trying to ban books and make an effort to have a sit-down meal with your kids every day.
Talk to them. Show them you know the difference between right and wrong by being a positive role model. In the blink of an eye, a high school sophomore is going to be an adult that is old enough to vote, buy cigarettes, or join the military. Mom and dad won’t always be around to hold hands, monitor television shows, and enforce curfews. Let the school do its part to prepare kids for the long road ahead.
It’s disappointing that the school administration could only muster half-hearted support for a teacher that was standing up for the best interests of her students and her profession. Instead of censorship, the school district should enforce its own policy: no bullying allowed.
Sincerely, Ryan Ramsey, 117 S. Park St., Osceola, IA 50213
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