Children are a special part of our society that need to be nurtured and protected at all costs. They are the future of our nation and deserve every chance to live a happy and carefree life. Unfortunately, in today’s world, we are exposing them to adult themes and ideas at a younger age, which is a cause for concern. We need to let children be children for as long as they can be, because the moment they have to deal with adult stuff, that naive sparkle that charms most kids’ eyes won’t be there as often.
This issue came to the forefront recently in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where an elementary school hosted its annual spring concert. The concert was meant to spread joy and happiness through the performances of adorable children singing songs that celebrate the world. However, one teacher made a controversial choice when she chose to have her first-grade class sing “Rainbowland” by Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton.
The song is a catchy little country ditty that promotes the acceptance of the LGBTQ community. While the message is worthy of support, the question arises as to why 6-year-olds are being taught about sexual orientation in school. Why are they being used as performative activists to teach a moral lesson to society at a spring concert? Such themes are better taught in a more appropriate setting and by parents or guardians who can provide proper guidance and context.
The lyrics of the song, “All the hurt and the hate going on here,” “Brush the judgement and fear aside,” are quite strong for the age group involved. Children singing about hurt and hate at a school concert that is intended to spread the joy of newness and life and which is a happy occasion for both children and their family members is not appropriate. These words are not contextual and do not need to be spoken at such a young age.
Due to the nature of the song, the administration decided not to let the class sing it. However, this decision caused a massive backlash, with many accusing the school of being bigoted and non-supportive of LGBTQ students. The school’s policy states that anything that is controversial or can be the subject of intense public argument, disagreement, or disapproval goes against their policy. The song falls right under this description, making it unsuitable for the occasion.
The LGBTQ community does not own the rainbow. It has been adopted as a symbol of the community, which is a lovely thing. However, taking away that innocent image of a rainbow from children and making it mean something more is unnecessary. There are many songs about rainbows that have nothing to do with this topic. Kermit the Frog’s “Rainbow Connection” is just one example.
We need to let children believe in the simple magic of a rainbow for as long as they possibly can. Don’t take it away from them. Life will do that itself, unfortunately, in due time. Let children be children and enjoy the simple pleasures that life offers. By keeping them away from adult themes until they are old enough to comprehend them, we are doing them a service.
In conclusion, children are a special part of society that deserve protection and nurturing. They need to be allowed to enjoy their childhood and the simple pleasures that life offers for as long as possible. Adults should refrain from exposing them to adult themes until they are old enough to comprehend them. This way, we can protect their naive sparkle that charms most kids’ eyes and help them become better-adjusted adults.
