Alabama Republican, Gerald Allen, has proposed the removal of any books from the public school libraries that are written by gay authors - even targeting Shakespeare!
He says that being gay is "an unacceptable lifestyle" and he's not censoring but "protecting the hearts and souls and minds of our children."
So.....So.....SO......what the heck?! I can't believe in this day and age there could be someone, an actual lawmaker, that is so shortsighted and close minded as to try something like this. Being a gay writer has no effect whatsoever on an authors validity or talent. Some of the best people in our world, past and present, are gay - Elton John, Ellen, Leonardo DaVinici, John Milton, Gertrude Stein, Andy Warhol - the list goes on and on. Censoring books based on an author's sexuality is ridiculous. In my opinion it's the same as saying "we're going to take all books off the shelves written by authors who like Coke better than Pepsi." Stupid.
I think what really gets me is that I have no tolerance for judgemental people. I can't stand it when someone claims to be "educated" and speaks out under the guise of what's right for our children or our world and then proceeds to slander masses of people based on a personal, private lifestyle choice. It's the same as racial prejudice, gender stereotyping, and societal classes. I have friends who are gay. I have friends who are black. I have friends who are poor. I have friends who are male and friends who are female. Do I care? No! What I care about is that we are all good people who enjoy each other's company and confidences. Aren't those the things that SHOULD matter?
Just like when choosing a book to put on a public school bookshelf - shouldn't we be thinking about more important things like "Is this an engaging subject for struggling readers? Is there a lesson that can be learned from the story? Does this give some insight into the past or the future of our country or world? Is the level appropriate for the readers it's targeting?" Instead of wasting our time trying to rid the world of anything that isn't considered "normal" why don't we spend our time trying to help this generation, especially in America, of children become better readers so that they can become intelligent, well-informed adults.
Allen - if you're out there - put your position of power to good use. Because right now, you're wasting our time.
Read one of our reviews of a book about a gay author?
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2 comments:
Do you really think Ellen is one of "the best people in our world"? Wow!
Response to Stewart-
Don't you?! Not only is she funny and original, she does a lot for the greater good. I mean, we can't all be envious of people with money and the people with money can't be totally altruistic. At least she tries.
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