OK, everyone...how about a really controversial topic! ? ! ?
Has anyone had to deal with internet censorship and the rights of the students to
have access to information? Our county is systematically blocking site after
site...no, systematically is the wrong word. They block huge chunks, then if
someone questions it or shows a need to support the curriculum, they review the
site. It also seems that basically one or two people have control over this whole
situation.
Of course they claim that blocking pornography is the main objective; then it was
games. I understood flash games as we have limited bandwidth and games slow the
system down. Then it was game reviews. Next TV and movies. We try to get our kids
interested in projects by using relevant and current information. (How has "Reality
TV" made an impact on society?) ( Pretend you are in the market for a cell phone.
Make a list of your needs, wants, and determine your budget. Then research cell
phone companies to find the best plan for you. Explain.)
The "powers that be" claim that they will lose state and federal funding if they
don't have all these filters in place. But how specific is the legislative language
(not very). Of course they say that one site may link to other less appropriate
sites, but the kids know how to get around it all anyway. No one would think
anything about my buying a book on "The History of Marvel Comics", but the Marvel
site is blocked. You get the idea.
Isn't this just a form of censorship? How far will it go....and who will be held
responsible? Who is allowed (by society) to make these decisions for the rest of us?
Let me know what you think!
Cayla Armatti
Library Media Specialist
Lake Weir High School
Ocala, Florida (352) 671-4820, or 5-8971
cayla.armatti@marion.k12.fl.us
I'm reading Eye Contact by Cammie McGovern. How about you?
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