Children are the purest form of innocence, and their charm and sparkle is something that makes them special. As adults, we have a responsibility to ensure that we protect and nurture this innocence, allowing children to be children for as long as possible. Unfortunately, all too often, children are exposed to adult topics and themes far too early in life, stripping them of their childlike wonder and joy.
Recently, a controversy has erupted at a Waukesha, Wisconsin elementary school, where a first-grade teacher had chosen to have her class sing “Rainbowland” by Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton at the school’s annual spring concert. The song is about acceptance of the LGBTQ community, and while the teacher chose it with good intentions, the administration vetoed it, citing potential controversy.
This decision has led to a significant backlash, with many accusing the administration of bigotry and a lack of support for LGBTQ students. However, the reality is that it’s not appropriate to introduce sexual orientation to young children and use them as performative activists to teach a moral lesson to society at a school concert.
The lyrics of the song are also problematic for younger children, with phrases like, “All the hurt and the hate going on here,” and “Brush the judgement and fear aside.” These words are not appropriate for a school concert intended to spread joy and happiness, and they need to be avoided.
Raising awareness and promoting acceptance of the LGBTQ community is an important cause, but it should not be done through inappropriate songs and exposure to adult topics at an early age. Children should be allowed to remain children for as long as possible, enjoying their childhood and the simple magic of the world around them.
As adults, it’s our responsibility to protect and preserve this magic, allowing children to enjoy their childhood without fear or concern for adult issues. Naivete and innocence are virtues that we should cherish and protect, allowing children to learn and grow at their own pace, without being overwhelmed by adult themes and issues.
So let’s let children be children, and leave them to enjoy the simple joys of life, like rainbows and unicorns, for as long as they can. We may not be able to preserve their childlike wonder and innocence forever, but we can do our best to ensure that they have access to it for as long as possible.
