Some good discussion on this blog about what is acceptable literature for high school students. Certainly some books might be "inappropriate" for say, 10th grade American literature class. The same book could be appropriate for senior literature. These are hard calls to make and depend on the level of maturity of a student, the ability and talents of the teacher.
The underlying point, though, stands. None of these books — Song of Solomon, Beloved, Black Boy etc.. are "PORN," as crudely labeled by Steve Abrams, and others. That's a simplistic, incendiary label, meant to characterize teachers and superintendents as corruptors of children.
That's a big stretch.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Well, I would argue that as parents we should have the right to decide what we want taught to our children -- not what YOU think is appropriate. If it is even questionable -- save it for college. It's that simple.
I believe it to be an extreme stretch beyond my imagination that Dr. Abrams is attempting to, "characterize teachers and superintendents as corruptors of children".
I suppose the political world is venomous, but truly invidious remarks.
Anonymous #2:
Are you serious? This is exactly what Steve Abrams espouses. He's said the equivalent numerous times publicly (who knows what he's said privately?).
Now, regarding the subject at hand, one man's "porn" has ALWAYS been another man's great literature. Salinger is now revered after having spent decades being reviled. The same can be said of Twain, Faulkner, Rushdi, McCarthy, and, yes, even Stephen King (I believe "The Stand" now ranks somewhere near 4th or 5th on the list of most read books of the 20th century).
Even I would not argue for copies of Playboy in a classroom, but, really..."Black Boy", and "Song of Solomon"? Are you kidding me.
Mr. Abrams SERIOUSLY needs to read. Really Read. Perhaps a little Ray Bradbury or George Orwell, would do the man a bit of good. I thought we'd progressed in this country (and especially Kansas) for goodness sake.
Post a Comment