In today’s society, it seems that children are being forced to grow up faster and faster. Parents, teachers, and society as a whole should be doing everything they can to let children be children for as long as possible. This is especially important because the moment children are forced to deal with adult issues, that sweet sparkle that charms most children’s eyes will be gone forever.
This topic became particularly poignant after 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.” Some of the songs that were to be performed included classics like “Here Comes the Sun” and “What a Wonderful World.” However, one teacher had a different idea. A first-grade teacher chose to have her class sing “Rainbowland” by Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton, a catchy little country ditty that supports the message of acceptance in the LGBTQ community.
The administration of the school ultimately decided to nix the song from the performance due to concerns that it was controversial and could be perceived as going against school policy. While some have criticized the move as bigoted and non-supportive of LGBTQ students, one must consider why 6-year-olds are being taught about sexual orientation at school.
Upon reading the lyrics of the song, it becomes clear that certain words and themes are not appropriate for a school concert, particularly one that is intended to spread happiness and joy. Words like “all the hurt and the hate going on here” and “brush the judgement and fear aside” are not topics that children should be singing about. These are heavy themes that don’t need a context for a first-grader to understand. In fact, they are simply bad words that have no place in a first-grade classroom.
Furthermore, we must consider the innocence of childhood and the need to let children be children for as long as they can. There are certain things that children simply don’t need to know. They should be allowed to enjoy the simple magic of a rainbow, without being taught that it is a symbol of something more. The LGBTQ community may have adopted the rainbow as a symbol, but that doesn’t mean that everyone else has to give up the pure and innocent joy that comes with seeing a rainbow in the sky.
In conclusion, it is important for parents, teachers, and society as a whole to do everything they can to let children be children for as long as possible. This means protecting their innocence and shielding them from topics and issues that they are simply too young to understand. While acceptance and inclusion are noble goals, they must be presented in an appropriate manner that does not compromise the purity of childhood. After all, life will take away the magic of rainbows soon enough. It is up to us to make sure that children can enjoy the simple joys of childhood while they still can.
