Was this ever going to be suitable for a primary school?

[R1Geezer]

Even if Gay references where to be removed how could this ever be suitable for young children?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/...gland-humber-14013982

[Kromovaracun]

"seeing that you are in such a good mood for answering a question why not go back to the thread the other day when i asked you a question. "

Sorry, I didn't see you do it - must've stopped checking the thread.

There's one there now if you're interested in it.

[jno]

Kromovaracun, my concern is with parental rights rather than gay rights here. (Perhaps that reflects my viewpoint as a parent rather than yours as a gay? Well, it takes all sorts.) As I said earlier, I think parents do have a right to bring up children as they choose, even if it's in ways I disagree with. Teaching children something I disagree with doesn't necessarily qualify as abuse.

As far as homosexuality goes, it seems from the lyrics quoted that it's not just a passing mention but that it's an Issue. I could be wrong, I haven't read the script. If so, I think it's one parents have the right to reserve for discussion at home (I'm still talking about seven-year-olds here, old enough to understand that a topic is being raised but not to understand *why* it's an issue).

[Kromovaracun]

"Perhaps that reflects my viewpoint as a parent rather than yours as a gay? Well, it takes all sorts."

I'd really really like to think this doesn't factor into it, but alas you're right it probably does on some level.

"As I said earlier, I think parents do have a right to bring up children as they choose, even if it's in ways I disagree with."

See, I'm not sure they do. Your children are not your property, and the values you raise them on have a strong impact on society. Referring to extremes again just to be illustrative, I'm really not sure I believe that white supremacists, religious fanatics or the like actually have the right to raise their children as they please. It's not only callous and abusive toward a child, but it's extremely damaging to society. If individuals themselves are sincerely persuaded by the merits of such ideas, then that's a different matter - but realistically a child raised in it might not have the same level of freedom, and the rights of the child come before the rights of a parent.

Now, please please don't think I'm drawing a parallel with what the parents are doing in this case. In this particular case, I don't think the parents involved are necessarily being homophobic (so the wider issue of parents rights is only loosely related). But I do think they're being unreasonable. Particularly considering the script had already been edited seriously - and they appear to have previously agreed to it, so far as I can tell. Not to mention the fact that their children had been working on the project for over a year, and all the money that had been sunk into it. Neither did the school in the early stages suggest an older year group fill the role if they were concerned about the references made in the play.

[jno]

no, your children are not your property, but they're your responsibility. I'm pleased to see parents taking responsibility; this doesn't happen often enough.

Having said all that, I'm not clear whether parents complained, or just the school on their behalf. Given that the school is in loco parentis, my argument applies equally to it; but it would be interesting to know just how many parents did indeed object to the show.

[Ankou]

i do not think it is unreasonable of me to not want my 4 year old being involved with a play that uses such language. plenty of time in later years to understand the real world and what goes on.

they willgrow up, but i want them to be children first.

[Kromovaracun]

What exactly would you (or these parents) be seeking to protect their children from? I don't really understand how the concept of homosexuality (if it's presented in the same non-sexual way in which heterosexuality is, of course) is a particularly 'adult' or complicated concept. I'm not asking to be rhetorical - I genuinely don't understand.

[Ankou]

perhaps because you are trying to paint a picture of homophobia.

[ummmm]

It's an opera.....will 4 year olds, or even 7 year olds, be actually listening?

I know my kids wouldn't have....They'd be sitting back stage yawning and pulling funny faces.

[DrFilth]

ummmm think you will find some of these kids were in the play

>> Bay Primary School in Bridlington has pulled 300 pupils from the project.<<

[Ankou]

true umm, i think i pretty much said that it would be dull in my first post.

not saying i would refuse to let them take part, just that it wouldn't be unreasonable of me not to.

[Kromovaracun]

"perhaps because you are trying to paint a picture of homophobia. "

I've said very clearly that I don't think this is a case of homophobia. But I do think it's one of people being unreasonable. I'm not trying to put words in your mouth.