Picking up where I left off with reasons to open a lending library: Modern works* written for children push political correctness, deliberately and blatantly. They seek to stir the hearts and minds of young people to tolerance. While there is absolutely no reason to demean a person, there is no reason to deliberately point out every possible conflict. It leads people to search for what is wrong, not what is right.
It is becoming more and more difficult to distinguish what people 'believe' in the books that they put out. Wanting everyone to 'get along' and 'love one another' is a great idea but the way to do that isn't to point out every little thing that is, or could have been, wrong. Neither is the way to let everyone do what they want and no one can be offended.
We have to understand where people come from. We have to understand the past. We have to understand the past in the context of the past. Not in today's context because that warps the past; we cannot change the past. It was what it was. We must learn from it but we cannot change it.
That is what some books written today are attempting to do: Change the past. The injustices of every little slight are brought to light with a spot light. Even when no such conflict was present at the time. It is an issue today and so writers are injecting it into the past.
Interestingly, I find that when this happens, instead of creating a more peaceful world, it creates division and strife. How so? It makes children constantly on the look out for something wrong with others' behaviors. It creates distrust of others. It is the opposite of what the writers are supposedly trying to do.
Some older books will have words or phrases that are taboo in today's society. There are accounts of clashes between one group or another with language that we don't want our kids to say, or even think about another group. We want to shelter our children but also foster a mindset to think positively about others. Don't we?
But on the flip side, those who have strongly held beliefs as to what is Biblically right and wrong find the push for acceptance of the wrong to be 'taboo'. Those who do what is Biblically wrong are hailed as heroes in the writings today advocating tolerance. Oftentimes those who stand up for their Biblical beliefs are hailed as oppressive and discriminating. They are not tolerated.
Why the difference? But more important perhaps is: Why not include both of these kinds of writings in libraries? People can figure these things out.
That is why.
But I believe that people, every person, has the right to have access to such books. Since the public libraries stock their shelves with the modern writings, a lending library that contains the older materials {that the other libraries often toss out} will be of benefit to people.
*This is not to say that all modern writings are geared this way but it is an increasing trend that I do not foresee changing soon.
It is becoming more and more difficult to distinguish what people 'believe' in the books that they put out. Wanting everyone to 'get along' and 'love one another' is a great idea but the way to do that isn't to point out every little thing that is, or could have been, wrong. Neither is the way to let everyone do what they want and no one can be offended.
We have to understand where people come from. We have to understand the past. We have to understand the past in the context of the past. Not in today's context because that warps the past; we cannot change the past. It was what it was. We must learn from it but we cannot change it.
That is what some books written today are attempting to do: Change the past. The injustices of every little slight are brought to light with a spot light. Even when no such conflict was present at the time. It is an issue today and so writers are injecting it into the past.
Interestingly, I find that when this happens, instead of creating a more peaceful world, it creates division and strife. How so? It makes children constantly on the look out for something wrong with others' behaviors. It creates distrust of others. It is the opposite of what the writers are supposedly trying to do.
Some older books will have words or phrases that are taboo in today's society. There are accounts of clashes between one group or another with language that we don't want our kids to say, or even think about another group. We want to shelter our children but also foster a mindset to think positively about others. Don't we?
But on the flip side, those who have strongly held beliefs as to what is Biblically right and wrong find the push for acceptance of the wrong to be 'taboo'. Those who do what is Biblically wrong are hailed as heroes in the writings today advocating tolerance. Oftentimes those who stand up for their Biblical beliefs are hailed as oppressive and discriminating. They are not tolerated.
Why the difference? But more important perhaps is: Why not include both of these kinds of writings in libraries? People can figure these things out.
Edwards: Why the big secret? People are smart. They can handle it.
Kay: A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky dangerous animals and you know it. Fifteen hundred years ago everybody knew the Earth was the center of the universe. Five hundred years ago, everybody knew the Earth was flat, and fifteen minutes ago, you knew that humans were alone on this planet. Imagine what you'll know tomorrow. {Men In Black}
That is why.
But I believe that people, every person, has the right to have access to such books. Since the public libraries stock their shelves with the modern writings, a lending library that contains the older materials {that the other libraries often toss out} will be of benefit to people.
*This is not to say that all modern writings are geared this way but it is an increasing trend that I do not foresee changing soon.
I read both your posts on this and I love them. You are so right. We need access to the older books. Our children also need them.
ReplyDeleteVery well done!
Thank you, Mrs. White! Yes, children of today and tomorrow need these books to be available to them.
DeleteI appreciate you taking the time to comment on this.