As parents, we all want our children to grow up happy and carefree for as long as possible. There is just something about the sparkle in their eyes that charms us all. However, in today’s world, children are exposed to things at a much younger age than we would like them to be. This was evident in a recent controversy at a Waukesha, Wisconsin elementary school.
The school was hosting its annual spring concert, and the theme of the event was “The World.” The concert was intended to spread the joy of newness and life, but like everything in this super-divisive world, it was not without controversy. One teacher chose to have her class sing “Rainbowland” by Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton, a catchy little country tune that supports the message of acceptance of the LGBTQ community. The administration said no, and the song was axed from the performance.
The controversy arose because some people believe that six-year-olds should not be taught anything about sexual orientation at school. Furthermore, why are they being used as performative activists to teach a moral lesson to society at a spring concert? Supporters of the teacher and the administration’s decision argue that the song could be perceived as controversial and goes against school policy. Controversial is defined as anything on which opposing points of view have been promulgated by responsible opinion, which may be the subject of intense public argument, disagreement, or disapproval. It may have political, social or personal impacts on students and/or the community, and it’s likely to arouse both support and opposition in the community.
In the end, it’s not about the controversy surrounding the song but about protecting the innocence of children. A song that talks about hurt, hate, judgment, and fear does not belong in a school concert, particularly one intended to spread happiness and jubilation. Children need to be protected from anything that takes away the simple magic of childhood. The rainbow, which is a symbol of hope, joy, and promise, should not be used to teach them something else. A rainbow is, after all, that beautiful, magical thing in the sky, probably created by unicorn flatulence, which may have a pot of gold at the end of it, if you believe in Leprechauns.
We need to let children be children for as long as they can be. Once they’re exposed to adult concepts and themes, that naïve sparkle in their eyes won’t be there as often. It’s our responsibility to protect their innocence and allow them to experience the simple magic of childhood. As parents and educators, we must remember that children are not political or social statements. They are innocent, impressionable, and deserving of unconditional love.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the song at the Waukesha, Wisconsin elementary school is just another example of how today’s world exposes children to things at a much younger age than we would like them to be. We need to let children be children for as long as possible and protect their innocence. A spring concert is intended to spread the joy of newness and life, and a song that talks about hurt and hate has no place in it. Let’s allow children to believe in the simple magic of childhood for as long as they possibly can.
