As parents, we want our children to remain innocent and carefree for as long as possible. We want to protect them from the harsh realities of the world and allow them to bask in the wonder and magic of childhood. Unfortunately, in our super-divisive world, this can be easier said than done.
One recent controversy that highlights this issue occurred at a Waukesha, Wisconsin elementary school. The school was hosting its annual spring concert, and children were set to sing songs with the theme of “The World.” While many of the songs were innocent and uplifting, one teacher decided to have her first-grade class sing “Rainbowland” by Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton.
The administration at the school ultimately decided to cancel the performance of “Rainbowland” due to the song’s controversial nature. The song is about acceptance of the LGBTQ community, and the lyrics include phrases such as “brush the judgement and fear aside” and “all the hurt and hate going on here.”
While it’s important to teach children about inclusivity and acceptance, many argue that this is not an appropriate message for six-year-olds to be singing about at a school concert. Children should be allowed to be innocent and carefree, and they don’t need to be exposed to adult issues before their time.
It’s also worth noting that the LGBTQ community does not “own” the rainbow. While the rainbow has become a symbol for the community, it’s important not to assign too much weight to this symbol and to allow children to simply enjoy rainbows for what they are: a beautiful, magical occurrence in the sky.
As parents and educators, it’s our responsibility to protect children from the harsh realities of the world while also teaching them to be kind, compassionate, and inclusive individuals. We need to find a balance between teaching important life lessons and allowing children to be children for as long as possible.
In conclusion, it’s important to let children be children for as long as possible. We should protect them from the harsh realities of the world and allow them to enjoy the magic of childhood. While it’s important to teach children about important social issues, we need to be mindful of the messages we are sending and ensure that they are age-appropriate. Let’s allow our children to enjoy the simple magic of a rainbow for as long as possible, and protect their innocence for as long as we can.
