Quote:
Originally Posted by ardeegee
To sum up-- people have the right to read really offensive books-- unless I find them really offensive. Then, they are really offensive in a special way and must be banned. This can not turn around against me, because my offenedness is uniquely offended.
The answer to bad speech is more speech. |
No, I was pointing out that this experience shows that most people are capable of observing the critical distinctions between types of "offense," and can thus make good value judgments without causing injustice.
Obviously, many people cannot see such distinctions. Those people are are the reason good kids suffer the
injustices from mindless zero-tolerance policies.
A lot of people require the crutch of zero tolerance policies over trusting people to evaluate the situation in context and decide upon the just and proper response.
I don't expect all of them to get it, but I still hope some will.
By the way, I reserved comment on your saying you think this book should be required reading for children. I hope, if you have or know children, you will avoid actually doing that. You have no reason to trust my word on anything, but you should seek the advice of someone who has some background in the area.
I too believe education is the best weapon, but there are materials out there that do an excellent, age-appropriate job of it, without advocating it. Books like this are not among that group.