Is Harry Potter Evil? Censorship and Book Banning in Schools
Thursday April 17, 2008
Censorship and banned books has long been a subject of controversy in schools. Everything from Huckleberry Finn to Harry Potter has been the subject of censorship in middle and high schools around the nation. The important questions that need to be answered include what needs to be censored, why and who decides.
Comments
When should things be censored? Never.
However, as teachers we have to aware of the sensitivity of students and parents. After an innocent remark or referenc,e all you need is one child going home and espousing, “You know what my teacher said today?” and you’re in trouble. Look up on the Internet the torment one teacher went through by focusing on how Mark Twain used the “n” word. Twain’s works are classics, but some parents might not care.
Parents are usually the final say in their child’s lives. Ergo, involve them more! Send notes home saying what you’re going to cover, what it contains, and why you are teaching it.
This may be a pain, but it a) sets up a line of communication between you and the parents, b) tells the students what is expected of them, and c) covers your @$#.
You may not agree with a parent’s decision, e.g. “Harry Potter” is evil, “Huckleberry Finn” is racist, or “Catcher in the Rye” is dirty, but parent’s have a right to be involved.
Kids will always say they can handle more mature material. They’ll say they see worse things on the Internet. Be careful. You’re not there to make a political statement; you’re there to teach. You, too, have to the right to teach to the best of your ability and the way you think is best. Just…CYA. We don’t want to lose you!
~Kevin D.
Relatively New Teacher
In an Old Body