Quote:
Originally Posted by anamardoll
In the same way, it's rather ludicrous that a book that deals frankly with losing one's virginity would be deemed not 'age-appropriate'. I'm pretty sure that losing one's virginity is -- for most people -- a major part of their late teens / early twenties.
I mean what "age" did "Twenty Boy Summer" or whatever weigh in at? 35?  |
From the looks of things, the main character is 16. It also appears to me, from the parts I've read about it, the main character is trying to more come to terms with death of someone, and her friend (sister of the dead person), is pushing her to lose her virginity, and then the two have to come to terms with things when it is found out the main character liked the brother. It appears to me more about death and relationships than sex. From the portions I've read (admittedly, I've not read it yet, just skimmed it. Its in my TBR list), the main character also seems hesitant about it. Yes, sex is a subject that gets brought up, and discussed through out the book, but at 16 if kids aren't having sex, they're at least talking about it. The behavior of the two main characters isn't abnormal, and so if you're going to hold back stories that show behavior your think isn't age appropriate when that is how many kids act at that age, well there is something wrong with that.
Quote:
Originally Posted by anamardoll
The Sierra-created Laura Bow 2 (DAGGER OF AMON RA!!) game was more explicit than that.
OK, raise your hand if you think the "age-appropriateness" is a smoke screen for "My Religion Doesn't Like It". I'm just curious. 
I am. 
Not that I'm disagreeing, but it's a fun fact that there are a lot of liberal pockets in the southern states, particularly in big cities and college towns. It's one of the reason why I find these "community standards" decisions noxious -- I do NOT believe that 100% of the community wanted this book removed, but rather I believe that the most vocal part of the community wanted it removed and the liberal members of the community has to choose when to fight their fights and when to withdraw.
(See also the people in the thread saying "Well, at least the kids will read it now..." That sort of thing. You can only join so many school boards in your free time, ya know?) |
From what I've seen, quite a few didn't agree with it. Ockler's website has had a lot of comments from Republic residents, most strongly against the actions. Various newspapers editorials and letters to the editor also seem to be largely against the schoolboard. Also make note of how 3 of the 7 board members weren't present for the vote. Who wants to bet those 3 were ones that didn't want to be voting for it, and piss people off (they do have to be elected by the people, you know), and at the same time not piss off the other board members.
What I find to be absolutely hilarious, is the teacher who issued the challenge for Republic's Schoolboard, doesn't work for Republic (He's a professor at Missouri State), and doesn't have children who attend Republic schools.