Latest from the US: Chris reports, via Doc, that the boycott of the homeschoolblogger (with it's connections to child beaters the Pearls), has enlisted the support of at least 100 other bloggers.
Joanne at the Happy Homeschooler, in also making a stand, seems to offer a hint of an explanation as to why it has been difficult for US home schoolers to object to the ideas of the child beating proponents to date.
"As 'in the trenches' as I am in trying to counter the culture of adversity, I have attended homeschool conferences and passively accepted the pamphlets, the books, the flyers and the propaganda that advice abuse."
But great news: it looks as if the momentum behind the idea that child beating is unacceptable is gathering and that it should therefore become increasingly easy for US homeschoolers to denounce corporal punishment, even in those awkward moments when one normally feels that one should be doing one's utmost to fit in with the group, given that home schoolers can be few and far between.
A very good point raised on Doc's site is about Amazon. If people complained in enough numbers to Amazon, and asked them to consider exactly what they are supporting, perhaps they would reconsider advertising and selling books that recommend child abuse as a form of discipline?
ReplyDeleteD
Given that amazon is quite happy to stock books like Mein Kampf (sp?) can't think that they are going to have a problem stocking child rearing manuals.
ReplyDeleteYou might get them to put a warning on the page that the book is controversial, if they haven't done so already.
Jax,
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely right, of course!! Good commercial sense is undoubtedly their only concern. I don't know why I thought there might be a bit of doubt over that!!
However, out of curiosity I asked them for their position, which is as follows:
"As a retailer, our goal is to provide customers with the broadest
selection possible so they can find, discover, and buy any item
they might be seeking. That selection includes some items which
many people may find objectionable. Therefore, the items offered on
our web site represent a wide spectrum of opinions on a variety of
topics.
Amazon.com believes it is censorship not to sell certain titles
because we believe their message is objectionable. Therefore, we
will continue to make controversial works available in the United
States and everywhere else, except where they are prohibited by
law. We also allow readers, authors, and publishers to express
their views freely about these titles and other products we offer on
our web site. However, Amazon.com does not endorse any opinions
expressed by individual authors, musical artists, or filmmakers.
We value all feedback from our customers, and I thank you again for
taking the time to send us your comments about this issue. We hope
you will allow us to continue to serve you."
And, of course, they are good about allowing a forum for public criticism.
D
"except where they are prohibited by
ReplyDeletelaw"
Given that smacking is illegal in this country, isn't incitement to smacking? Worth taking up the legal point of view?
Unfortunately, I don't think smacking *is* illegal in the UK, unless something has happened in the last few years and I missed it! ...
ReplyDeleteYep, have found link from 2001.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1644120.stm
Very sad indeed. Atleast, important bodies such as the NSPCC thinks this is wrong. Will get there in the end, perhaps.
D
I think you missed it. Try this from 2004.
ReplyDeletehttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4175905.stm
I could be wrong, but smacking children repeatedly with a pipe is going to leave a mark, and is therefore illegal. Doesn't come under the heading of mild smacking I don't think.
Wow! Thanks so much - that's cheered me up. I can't believe I missed that!!
ReplyDeleteMaybe there is a case against Amazon then...
D