Something... and Half of Something

People are such (excuse my language) PUSSIES!! Ya, shelter your children so when they do get out on their own they will vote dumbocrat...

Allow me to throw my one and one half cents here. As a librarian (yes, that's my vocation), i just want to make two brief points. Firstly, the publisher's decision not to publish this book in the U.S. does not amount to a ban of the book. It's the publisher's right not to publish anything it wants to, and that's not censorship any more than any acquisitions librarian deciding not to purchase latest issue of Juggs for their public library. The book can still be obtained if you want to obtain it thru a multitude of channels.

Second, what ever happened to the concept of "age appropriate" material? Can't parents expect that books aimed at 2-6 year olds are free any kind of content that could be construed as innapropriate? I would ask this author- is it absolutely paramount for your art gallery to have these two pictures in it to tell your story? Im glad that when I read the Hungry Caterpillar or The Swan or any of the dozens of books I read during my early childhood, these books were unemcumbered by such content in children's books. I didn't have to inquire about adult anatomy and sex at such a young age. Kids of course will be ultimately be exposed to this content, but the author was probably trying to sneak some tawdry material into her book that really didn't need to be there. Yes, i know, you will think im whacked. Call me a prude. Call me a neanderthal fundamenatlist. I await your mockery. But whatever happened to childhood innocence? Im not talking about kids over 8, either. Im talking about pre-k children. And why are we looking to give sanction to anything European, especially in terms of cultural mores and norms?

Vince:

1. I have a total crush on all librarians, so there is no prejudice here.

2. I agree wholeheartedly with your concept of age-appropriate material.

3. We all know what porno is, even is we can't define it.

4. If I had a 4-year old child and they asked me about any of the photos listed, I would have no problem answering their questions.

5. You are not a prude. You are obviously a professional librarian, and it is NOT an easy job!

6. Whatever happened to childhood innocence? I love that statement, and I'm delighted I'm not the only person who feels it is a necessary stage in human development. Now can you tell me why the TV blabs about erectile dysfuntion, tampons, the latest bra technology and JIHAD 24/7 so every little tyke can warp their "fragile little mind?" Quote courtesy of Eric Cartmann.

Your point is valid and well made. No mockery awaits.

I, too, think the modern world has lost all class and dignity. You and I can happily share a cab ride across the River Styx when the ferryman tolls us for our two pennies.

Having admitted the above, I remain along Linda's side in thinking that such a children's book is entirely suitable in the modern world. There are far worse things a child could see.

Best regards.

...and, Yes, I am a complete suck-up.

I make no apologies for hounding Linda's site.

PS: What is a "troll?" I keep hearing about them, and I am beginning to think I am one of them. I'm 46 years old, but I'm not entirely up on the latest Internet terminology.

A troll is someone who posts messages on a website trying to start an argument or just to make misleading statements. For example on a pro-gun website you might see someone who says, "Do you know 65 thousand people each day are killed by guns?"

It is a difference of view, it is a purposely posted message to start an argument.

So much for "Schlong's Stories For Children" :(

Sheesh, only in the west!!! Most countries think nothing of nude children or a mother suckling her young in public, yet we comdemn something as innocent as this. What about exposing the children to extreme violence and explicit sex in the cinema or on television where the adults view it with the children present. It all comes back to parental approval and responsibility. This is sorta like the thinking of the Mutawa who knows what is best for the people. Methinks it was more to censure a non socialist agenda than moral turpitude.

Can't stop a budding author's zeal now can we? Sorry Rodger, I'd have read "Schlong's Stories For Children" :)