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Lesson Plans


Re: censorship

[ Thread ][ Subject ][ Author ][ Date ]
Judith Auslander (judith)
Sat, 25 Oct 1997 17:28:30 -0700

I think that you can do just as you stated, make rules for YOUR
classroom. If you do not approve of the use of gang related symbols or
witchcraft, then that should be your rules. I believe that kids want
guidelines and will test you as far as possible to see if you have
guidelines. If a student has a really good reason for using such
symbols, I'd be willing to listen to their reason as to why, discuss it
with peers, and than let them know the answer. I would not allow myself
to be put on the spot at all. You will come across parents who will
find any use of symbols (magical or otherwise) as offensive. It's up to
you to set the guidelines for your classroom and have a practiced speech
as to why these are your classroom rules so that any parent or student
who questions you will receive a prompt, logical answer. When put on
the spot we often feel at a lost for words. Judith
Fran Marze wrote:

> This is, I feel, an important thread. This is something we always
> wrestle
> with.I hope we can generate a lot of discussion on this very major
> discussion. Some questions that have come up are students who want to
> use
> witchcraft symbols and say it is a religion. I hope many people will
> think
> about this issue and respond.
>
> On Wed, 22 Oct 1997 Lishughes wrote:
>
> > I am reviewing censorship issues in art education. I am a graduate
> student
> > at the University of Arizona and a middle school art teacher. I
> would
> > appreciate any responses related to censorship issues in your school
> at any
> > level. Do you have a policy or "rules" for visual images that may
> or may not
> > be expressed in your class? How do you know the latest "gang"
> related
> > symbols and if students are expressing these to get a response from
> you or
> > your peers? How do you know satenism is behind their visual
> thinking, if
> > they tell you it is only a dirt bike symbol? I want to establish
> art making
> > "rules" is my classroom from research in this area. Any
> information,
> > opinions or situations concerning this issue would really be helpful
> to me as
> > a teacher and a researcher. I believe that my students should be
> able to
> > express with freedom and interest. I'm just not sure with how much
> in a
> > public school environment.
> > Many thanks to every response.......................Lisa email-
> > Lishughes
> >