The Magic of Childhood: Letting Children Be Children
In today’s society, it can often feel like children are growing up too quickly. With the constant bombardment of adult issues and societal pressures, it’s important to let children be children for as long as they can. One recent controversy at a Waukesha, Wisconsin, elementary school highlights the importance of preserving the innocence of childhood.
The school’s annual spring concert, with a theme of “The World,” had several songs scheduled to be performed, including “Here Comes the Sun” and “What a Wonderful World.” However, one first-grade teacher chose to have her class sing “Rainbowland” by Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton, a catchy country tune about acceptance of the LGBTQ community. The administration ultimately decided to cancel the performance of the song, citing its potential to be perceived as controversial and go against school policy.
The controversy surrounding the cancellation of “Rainbowland” raises important questions about the appropriate age for children to start learning about adult issues, such as sexual orientation. Why are 6-year-olds being taught about these topics in a performative manner at a school concert? The lyrics of the song reference “all the hurt and the hate going on here” and the need to “brush the judgement and fear aside.” These are weighty topics that do not belong at a concert intended to spread joy and happiness.
While the cancellation of the song received backlash, it’s important to remember that children need to be protected from the harsh realities of the world for as long as possible. Childhood is a magical and precious time, where children can experience the wonder of the world around them without being burdened by the complexities of adult life. It’s important to let children be children, to protect their innocence and preserve their natural curiosity about the world.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the “Rainbowland” performance at a Wisconsin elementary school highlights the need to protect the magic of childhood. Letting children be children for as long as possible is crucial to their development and wellbeing, and it’s important to resist the push to introduce adult issues and pressures too early. Childhood is a precious time, and we must do everything in our power to preserve it.
