As parents and educators, we have a responsibility to let children be children for as long as they can be. Kids are full of wonder, curiosity, and joy, and we should do everything we can to preserve that innocence and protect them from the harsh realities of the world.
Unfortunately, not all adults share this view, and a recent controversy at a Wisconsin elementary school highlights this problem. The school was hosting its annual spring concert, and while the theme was “The World,” one teacher had other ideas. Instead of choosing a happy, uplifting song, she decided to have her first-grade class sing “Rainbowland” by Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton.
The decision was met with resistance by the school administration, who deemed the song too controversial for young children. And while some may argue that the song’s message of acceptance for the LGBTQ community is a noble one, the fact remains that six-year-olds should not be taught about sexual orientation at school.
As parents and educators, our primary concern should be the well-being and education of our children, not using them as performative activists to teach a moral lesson to society. The lyrics of “Rainbowland” only reinforce this point, with lines like “All the hurt and the hate going on here” and “Brush the judgement and fear aside.” These are not the words of a song that should be sung at a spring concert intended to spread happiness and joy.
The controversy over “Rainbowland” has understandably created a backlash, with some accusing the school administration of bigotry and lacking support for the LGBTQ community. However, the school’s decision is in line with its policy of avoiding controversial topics that could be perceived as having political, social, or personal impacts on students and the community.
As adults, we need to remember that the simple things in life – like rainbows and unicorns – are magical and precious to children. We must do everything we can to protect their innocence for as long as we can. We should not take away their joy and wonder by forcing them to deal with adult issues and controversial topics before they are ready.
In conclusion, let us remember that our responsibility as parents and educators is to nurture and protect the innocence of our children. We should not subject them to adult issues or controversial topics before they are ready. We should let children be children for as long as they can be, and enjoy the magic and wonder of unicorns, rainbows, and other innocent joys of childhood.
