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We had four tickets for the high school production of To Kill a Mockingbird for tomorrow night. I just got this email;
Dear Shorewood Parents and Guardians,
The Shorewood Drama production of To Kill a Mockingbird has been cancelled for all three nights of production (October 11,12, and 13). Due to concerns regarding potential protests related to the production, we’ve concluded that the safest option is to cancel the play. The District should have done more outreach to dialogue about the sensitivity of this performance with the Shorewood and greater Milwaukee community. Moving forward, the District will continue to encourage staff and students to engage in meaningful performances surrounding contemporary issues with the appropriate amount of outreach and dialogue.
I know it's a very strong story that we had prepared our children for (as best we could) but is it really something to protest? As much as I am appalled at the use of the N word I would be o.k. if the play either omitted the word or stayed as true to the book as possible because racism is really the crux of the story. I'm not sure if that was the issue or not. Perhaps in light of #Metoo they're concerned with the rape allegation?
I can't find any additional info so I have no idea what the protesters were concerned about. Or who the protesters were.
Any thoughts? Would you be offended at high schoolers performing this play?
Would you take your children to see it?
And before this turns into a "liberals ruin everything" rant, can we just stick to the merits of this story in particular?
Update: I found this on the drama department website;
To Kill a Mockingbird, which takes place in Alabama in the 1930’s, reflects a difficult and ugly time in American history. Thematic issues of racism and segregation are prevalent. To accurately and honestly complete the narrative, the “n-word” will be used in the production. The fact that our society still struggles to truly embrace racial equality symbolizes that our work is not yet done and that Harper Lee’s Mockingbird is as relevant in 2018 as it was in 1960, when the story was published. Our fidelity to the production of this play from the 1930’s does not condone the use of the “n-word,” in any context, for example in music lyrics, friendly banter, or discussions today.
Sorry to read that it was canceled. I know the book has been banned many times before, and from what I recall, it's usually over the N-word. And I think parents/teachers can explain to high schoolers why that word is in the book but still is not an appropriate word to use to refer to a person.
No I wouldn't be offended and I think it would be OK for HS kids to see it or act in it, as long as they understand the ideas and themes presented.
I went to to a Christian school back when the Moral Majority wanted to ban Huck Finn. We read that book in my English class and watched Mockingbird, and talked about them. We also watched Psycho.
I don't get the protesting. Sorry it was canceled.
The merits of this story show that liberals ruin everything, even a play that for its time, was liberal. Just think, all those girls named 'Scout' will feel compelled to change their name, or face THE MOB.
It is sad that people feel the need to ruin things like this do to potential violent protest. It is a form of tyranny, and censorship. The book, movie, and the play's message is one of non-prejudice due to race. I can't see anyone being upset with that message.
I wonder who was planning to protest, and why? Not that it matters - what matters is that a work of art, and a lot of hard work by a bunch of kids, has been negated.
I read the book in English class in 8th grade. We'd all heard the N word, but as I recall, very few of us knew what rape was. Both topics were well covered, and the discussion well moderated, by our teacher.
How can kids learn if this book and its messages are buried in the sand?
I wonder who was planning to protest, and why? Not that it matters - what matters is that a work of art, and a lot of hard work by a bunch of kids, has been negated.
I read the book in English class in 8th grade. We'd all heard the N word, but as I recall, very few of us knew what rape was. Both topics were well covered, and the discussion well moderated, by our teacher.
How can kids learn if this book and its messages are buried in the sand?
Location: New Albany, Indiana (Greater Louisville)
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I used to vote 100% Democrat but will be voting straight ticket GOP this election. Today's Democrats are dangerous people who will stop at nothing to silence anyone or anything they disagree with. Reminds me of the sheep in Animal Farm who drowned out any dialog with screams of 'Four legs good two legs bad".
Location: Somewhere gray and damp, close to the West Coast
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Well, there's always the "Banned in Boston" effect. When a theater in Georgia was pressured to stop running "Gone With The Wind", I just HAD to go and read the book for the first time. Great book. I learned a LOT! Now I guess I'll have to go read "To Kill A Mockingbird". Good deal, as I was just wondering what to read next.
I used to vote 100% Democrat but will be voting straight ticket GOP this election. Today's Democrats are dangerous people who will stop at nothing to silence anyone or anything they disagree with. Reminds me of the sheep in Animal Farm who drowned out any dialog with screams of 'Four legs good two legs bad".
Run along now. I'm sure you're well aware that Shorewood is the most liberal area in the Milwaukee metro.
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I know the book has been banned many times before, and from what I recall, it's usually over the N-word. And I think parents/teachers can explain to high schoolers why that word is in the book but still is not an appropriate word to use to refer to a person.
