They're Coming for Your Children

 

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Drag queen story hour is a controversial event that has sparked debate among parents, educators, and community members. While proponents argue that it promotes diversity and inclusivity, there are valid concerns about its appropriateness for children, namely that children should not be exposed to this regardless of any reason brought forth for it acceptance.

First and foremost, drag queen story hour exposes children to adult themes and concepts that they may not be ready to understand. Drag queens often wear provocative clothing and perform in a sexually suggestive manner, which can be confusing and inappropriate for young minds. Children should be allowed to enjoy their innocence and not be exposed to adult content at such a young age.

Additionally, drag queen story hour blurs the lines between fantasy and reality, which can be confusing for children. In a time when children are already bombarded with images and messages from the media, it is important to provide them with a clear distinction between what is real and what is make-believe. Drag queen story hour blurs these lines and may lead to confusion and questions that are difficult for young children to understand and for parents to explain.

Furthermore, drag queen story hour may normalize behaviors that are not age-appropriate for children. Drag queens often parody gender stereotypes and perform in a way that challenges traditional notions of masculinity and femininity. It sends mixed messages to children who are still forming their own identities and understanding of the world around them.

Moreover, drag queen story hour may expose children to ideas and values that are contrary to their family's beliefs and values. Parents have the right to instill their own morals and beliefs in their children, and events like drag queen story hour may undermine these efforts by introducing conflicting messages and ideologies. Children should be able to learn and grow in an environment that aligns with their family's values and beliefs.

In addition, drag queen story hour may not be developmentally appropriate for young children. Young children are still in the process of understanding their place in the world. Events like drag queen story hour may introduce complex and mature themes that are beyond their cognitive and emotional capabilities, leading to confusion and distress.

Furthermore, drag queen story hour expose children to concepts of gender and sexuality that they are not yet ready to understand. Young children are still in the process of developing their own sense of self and may not have the cognitive ability to grasp the nuances of identity and sexual orientation. Drag queen story hour introduces these concepts in a confusing and overwhelming way that is not beneficial for young children, particularly when private areas are purposely exposed.

Moreover, drag queen story hour may introduce children to content that is not suitable for their age group. Drag queens often perform in adult-oriented venues and may use language or themes that are inappropriate for young children. Exposing children to this type of content at a young age can have negative consequences on their development and understanding of the world around them.

Additionally, drag queen story hour may create confusion and anxiety for children who are not familiar with drag culture. Drag queens often challenge traditional notions of gender and perform in a way that may be unfamiliar, unsettling and inappropriate for young children. Introducing children to this unfamiliar world without proper context or explanation may lead to fear, confusion, and anxiety which begs the question: why do parents bring their own children to these “events?”

Drag queen story hour does not promote the values of respect and tolerance that it claims to embody. While proponents argue that drag queen story hour promotes diversity and inclusivity, the event may actually undermine these values by exposing children to content that is divisive and disgusting. Children should be taught to respect others and embrace their own values in a way that is age-appropriate and respectful of their developing minds.

Why has this been normalized and why are libraries allowing these inappropriate displays in their facilities?  Libraries are public spaces that cater to diverse communities and age groups. In many cases, libraries serve as safe havens for families and children to engage in educational and recreational activities. Introducing drag queens into this environment may not align with the values and beliefs of all library patrons, especially those who may have religious or cultural reservations about gender identity and expression.

The concern with Drag Queen Story Hour is the potential for political agendas to infiltrate library programming. It is important to maintain a neutral and unbiased approach in library programming in order to uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and access to information for all. The inclusion of drag queens in storytelling events is viewed as a form of political activism that alienates many segments of the community. Additionally, the presence of drag queens in a library setting may blur the lines between entertainment and education. While storytelling is a valuable tool for promoting literacy and fostering a love of reading in children, the use of drag queens as storytellers may detract from the educational mission of libraries. It is important for libraries to focus on providing age-appropriate and culturally relevant programming that aligns with the academic and developmental needs of young audiences.

Drag Queen Story Hour may pose logistical challenges for libraries in terms of ensuring the safety and well-being of participants. There is the potential for security risks or unforeseen incidents to occur. Libraries must take precautions to protect the physical and emotional safety of all attendees, particularly children who may be more vulnerable to potential harm. This means additional protection resources are needed along with its financial cost, paid for by taxpayers at public libraries and donations at private libraries.

Drag Queen Story Hour In Stamford Draws Peaceful Protestors Read

Consider is the controversy and backlash surrounding Drag Queen Story Hour events. While libraries are supposed to promote intellectual freedom and diverse viewpoints, the inclusion of drag queens in storytelling events provoke strong reactions from members of the community. Libraries must weigh the potential benefits of hosting such programs against the risks of alienating patrons or attracting negative attention from the media, parents, patrons, community and other external groups.

Libraries must also prioritize the needs and interests of their core audiences – namely families and children. It is important to strike a balance between diverse points of view and maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere in library programming. This is the heart of their business and existence. Libraries are trusted institutions that serve as pillars of knowledge and learning in their communities. The decision to host Drag Queen Story Hour events compromise the credibility and integrity of libraries in the eyes of many patrons, particularly those who view drag queens as inappropriate role models for children.

Children should be able to enjoy stories and lessons in a safe and age-appropriate environment.