In a world that is increasingly divisive, it is more important than ever to let children be children. The innocence and wonder that charm most kids’ eyes need to be preserved as long as possible, as they will inevitably be challenged by the complexities of adulthood. This has been brought to the fore by a recent controversy at a Waukesha, Wisconsin, elementary school, where a teacher’s decision to have her class sing “Rainbowland” by Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton at the annual spring concert was met with resistance from the school administration.
The song, while catchy and supportive of the LGBTQ community, is not appropriate for six-year-olds. The lyrics refer to “all the hurt and the hate going on here” and encourage listeners to “brush the judgement and fear aside.” These are difficult concepts for children to understand, and they have no place at a spring concert that is intended to spread joy and happiness.
The school administration was correct to cancel the performance of “Rainbowland” due to its controversial nature. The school’s policy defines controversial as anything “on which opposing points of view have been promulgated by responsible opinion; which may be the subject of intense public argument, disagreement or disapproval; which may have political, social or personal impacts on students and/or the community; and which is likely to arouse both support and opposition in the community.” Given the ongoing debate around LGBTQ rights and the nature of the song’s message, it is considered controversial and therefore does not conform to school policy.
While some have criticized the school’s decision as bigoted and non-supportive of LGBTQ students, this misses the point. The school is not opposed to the message of “Rainbowland” or any other song that promotes inclusion and acceptance. Rather, it is a matter of appropriateness and sensitivity to the fact that young children should not be taught about sexual orientation at such a young age.
Children need to be allowed to be children for as long as possible. They should not be expected to carry the weight of societal issues or be used as tools for performative activism. The innocence and wonder that they embody should be cherished and preserved. We should not take away the joy that a simple rainbow can bring to a child’s life by politicizing it or attaching societal significance to it.
In conclusion, it is vital that we protect the naivety of childhood for as long as possible. Children should not be subjected to adult issues, particularly when those issues are divisive and challenging to understand. The controversy at the Wisconsin elementary school highlights the need for sensitivity and appropriateness when it comes to choosing songs for school concerts. We should allow our children the simple pleasures of childhood, such as rainbows, and let them experience the magic of the world around them without the burden of adult issues.
