From: Donna <druchunas>
Date: Sun, 26 Jun 2005 13:05:03 -0700 (PDT)

Jim & All,

I wasn't going to answer this because I'm not sure this topic belongs in this discussion group, but it's been bothering me all day so I'll say my piece and go back into lurkdom again.

From: "James Elliott"

Jim said: "The jury is still out on that. No scientific study has determined one way or the other, for each study that says one way, three more come out that show just the opposite. Science is not infallable, as we are finding out every day."

I agree, the beauty of science is that as we learn, observe, and study more and more, we grow and expand our minds to accept the new knowledge we discover.

However, I was not speaking about scientific studies but from personal experience. I am a heterosexual woman. I have never been sexually attracted to another woman. I could no more decide to become a lesbian than I could decide to become Hispanic. I suppose bisexual people do have a choice in that they are attracted to both men and women. But even so, does anyone really have any choice about who they fall in love with? I don't think so. That's why it's called "falling"...

Jim said, "our small town, YA's (and younger) actually have been requesting MORE books like the "Left Behind: the Kids" series. We really do have to match our collection to our community, while not eliminating
'controversial' material, "

I agree completely. I am in no way endorsing any type of censorship. I was just answering the question regarding what I personally find to be offensive in books, which is proselytization (sp).

This topic seems to be about "what books do different people find offensive" and "what should be done about it." Well, nothing should be done about it. I don't even think parents should censor their own children?s
(especially teens) reading if that means forbidding them to read certain books. I wish all parents were able to have open discussions with their children about what they read.
  Several people in this discussion have talked about books giving children a way to learn about experiences and people outside their small spheres. I think this is a wonderful perspective. Unfortunately, many people are afraid to expose themselves and their children to ideas outside of their comfort zone.

  Well, this is a wonderful, inspiring, and educational discussion, but I'll be going back to lurking again since I have several big deadlines coming up in the next two weeks.

Donna Druchunas
Received on Sun 26 Jun 2005 03:05:03 PM CDT