Controversy? - Diary of a Part-Time Indian

[Matthew]

Part of the reason I picked this book is because it was in the news lately for being banned at a school in Idaho. While reading it, do you think it is worth the controversy? Is it okay to be required reading in school, or do you think there was something to having it removed from the curriculum?

No judgment here - feel free to openly share your opinion! And, be sure to respect others - even if you don't agree.

[Kandice]

I think banning this book is like saying the Atlanta Braves should not be called that because it's racist. We are who we are, and as long as we accept that and treat each other as fellow human beings, what difference does it make?

In other words, a tempest in a teacup as far as I am concerned.

[Matthew]

Kandice - it looks like you are addressing the fact that it has Indian in the name of the book (let me know if I am not interpreting you correctly). I just went back to the article and here was the line about why it was banned:

"Some parents of incoming freshmen at Antioch High School want an assigned summer reading book pulled from the school's shelves and the curriculum because it uses foul, racist language and describes sexual acts."

So - if it was the name of the book you were referring to, it appears that was not part of the issue that led to its banning.

But, I agree - if the name of the book is part of the issue, that seems kind of ridiculous!

[Kandice]

I attended a book group that discussed banned books at my local library and this was on the list, but the only reason they mentioned was the title and the fact that the main character was discussing his “indian-ness” for lack of a better word. I had no idea there were other reasons!

You would be surprised (or maybe not!) At some of the books we discussed and the supposed reasons for banning them. Most we discussed were aimed at young adults or children so the reasons excuses geared toward protecting children. From what?!?! The world they will soon be living in without their parents stewardship?

Sorry, didn’t mean to rant, but it was a very, very frustrating meeting. This subject could be fodder for pages and pages of posts, BTW. :)

[Matthew]

After reading the book - I think I can tell which parts were referenced in the controversy. However, I don't think they are any worse than some of the other books I have seen for Young Adults. Now, I was reading Stephen King when I was 12 and I ended up well adjusted (I think!).

I guess what is most important is the parents being involved in the student's education (which they should be anyway) and be ready to answer any questions they may have. Perhaps there was a father uncomfortable with the fact that he had to explain sex to his kid earlier than expected because they read this book in school! (I have little kids - I will say I am glad that day is still far in the future for me!)

So, in summary - I can see what generated the controversy, and I cannot say for sure at what age I would be comfortable with my kids reading it, but it really is much tamer than a lot of other books I have read recently aimed at the same age group.

In reminds me of a quote I heard recently: If they made a real movie and about real high school kids, high school kids wouldn't be allowed to watch it!

[Katelyn]

I have to admit that I can understand parents' hesitation with it being an "assigned" reading book. I think a good compromise would be to have other options so that parents can choose one they feel is more appropriate. I enjoyed the book a lot, but even for me some of the language was a bit crude. It's not that I don't understand that that is what is out there in the "real world" per se, but it's not something that is a part of my real world, because I consciously choose to not watch/read things that are like that. It's fine if someone else feels totally comfortable with it, but for me (and I know many others out there), some of the dialogue was a bit uncomfortable.

[Matthew]

Katelyn - great input. I am truthfully open to both sides of this discussion. I don't care for censorship, but I understand when parents are concerned about content.

I was a theatre major in college, and I had a class where we spent a lot of time discussing the difference between nudity and nakedness; nudity being essential to the art/story while nakedness would just be unnecessary/shock value. I suppose that could apply here: what is essential and what seems unnecessary.

Shortly after I read this book I discussed it with a librarian at my local library. She thought the banning of it is silly as it is no worse than what teenagers see everyday, and that it is actually content that they can relate to.

I go back to my statement from a few posts earlier - I think the key is for parents to be aware of what their kids are reading and take an active interest in disussing it with them.

[Kandice]

I have never censored my children’s reading, but I have always read whatever they are reading. As a result they genuinely seek out reading material that interests them as opposed to some of their friends that choose this or that for shock value.

If you aren’t going to censor I feel you need to not only be available for discussion and explanation, but you also need to be aware of pro-active. Read and watch what your kids read and watch. If you don’t, how can you discuss it?

[Katelyn]

I completely agree with being open and reading along with your kids to talk about what they are reading. I even agree that books bring up some of these issues in a way that feels safe for kids and allows them to talk about things they may be feeling/thinking through a third party (the characters in the story).

I also don't know that I believe in censorship. I do think in a school setting it is important to make choices available. While many parents would be completely fine with the choice, I can see why some parents would be uncomfortable and why they should be given another option.

I also don't know that I always agree with the idea that we expose ourselves to viewing or reading things because they are "real." There are a lot of things that happen in real life that I still choose not to view or read, because it is damaging to me. While I understand that rape is real--viewing or reading an explicit rape scene is damaging to me and not something that I would want to view or have my kids view. I know that some people feel differently, but that's how I feel. I'm also extremely sensitive to violence--so watching some movies or reading some books is just not healthy for me. I understand there's a line because it is important to understand what is happening to help and feel empathy. For instance, I watched the "Boy in the Striped Pajamas" and would feel comfortable with children watching it (at a certain age) because it is not explicit but you definitely understand the implications and what people went through during the Holocaust. However, I may not be comfortable watching or having children watch other, more explicit movies.

I hope that makes sense. I understand that the content in this book wasn't extremely violent or as explicit as the examples I have given, but for the sake of argument, I can understand why some parents wouldn't want their high school children to read this and should be given another option. I don't think it needs to be banned--but mandatory reading assignment? I also don't agree with that.

[Matthew]

Great discussion here - I appreciate all the viewpoints.

Katelyn - I will say that as an advanced warning for this group, I do not usually check the specifics on whether or not there is explicit content. I do check the synopsis and read reviews looking for titles that appear as though they will appeal to a wide audience. So, if we happen to have a selection that has content makes you uncomfortable, I apologize in advance, but I wouldn't expect that to be the norm.

[Kandice]

I completely agree with you that just because something is “real” or “realistic” doesn’t make it acceptable, but I strongly feel that is an individual choice, NOT a censorship issue.

I am uncomfortable watching certain types of inappropriate humor. I recently attended a panel about the television show Children’s Hospital, not because I was interested, but because I wanted a better seat for the event taking place later! Anyway, I had a hard time staying in my seat! It was so inappropriate and uncomfortable to watch. I would never choose to watch the show myself, but at the same time, I feel it should be available to those that DO want to watch.

I think that schools should always offer parents the option of objecting to reading material and choosing something more to their “tastes” in the same way parents are allowed to opt their children out of sex ed. I don’t think it helps the child, but I think that choice is up to that child’s parents, NOT the school.

[Katelyn]

Don't worry Matthew--I always look up books before reading and try to decide for myself what I can handle and what I can't! No worries :) Choose whatever books you want!

Kandice--completely agree! I definitely think that the option should be available--especially if the teacher thinks it is valuable to students. I agree in comparing it to the sex ed issue--some parents would prefer to tackle those subjects at home, or some parents would like to completely ignore the issue (not a good choice for their children developmentally, but their choice nonetheless). Those parents should be allowed that opportunity. A lot of parents don't care or even want their children to have that education at school, so having it available is good too.

Thanks for the fun conversation guys! :)

[Kandice]

I love this kind of conversation! It's why I joined GR.

[Richard]

I joined this group because of this being the book at the time. I teach high school literature and thought this novel might appeal to many of my students. I agree with many on here that with a text like this, a parent should have options. In fact, that is exactly how I would approach if I use in a classroom. The scenes that the controversy is clearly about, while graphic, are extremely tame compared to many of movies/tv shows/music that is produced and marketed to teens and young adults. Maybe I missed them, but I don't remember Sherman actually describing sexual acts and/or drug/alcohol use. He references it, but doesn't describe it. The worst part (and to me it's not an issue) is the language.

It all comes down to how it is approached by teachers, parents, students, and anyone else connected to a teen's reading choices.

Then again, in a society where someone is looking to make a controversy over something, I'm not surprised that this rubbed someone the wrong way somewhere. After all, Twilight, Narnia, Harry Potter, Huck Finn, Fahrenheit 451, Animal Farm, etc. have been challenged and often banned in many areas.

[Matthew]

Richard mentions that he joined this group because this was the book of the month and he was interested in how his students might relate to it. One thing I wonder, whether you enjoyed it or not, is does this book make sense as a school read or not. I suppose any book could be used for a school English course, but some just feel like a better fit than others.

So, everyone: does this book make sense to you as a school reading choice?

[Richard]

I teach high school freshmen and I don't think they could handle this. The maturity is not there. I think in an 11th/12th class it could work. Although, as I try to brainstorm other "coming of age" stories, they all have some level of vulgarity, sexual or drug reference, or something else controversial. I do think there are better quality stories. I think is one I would hold back as a suggested further reading.