Books are being banned. Films are being banned. The Ruby Bridges film in a Florida school was pulled after just one parent complained that it might teach kids that “white people hate black people.”
So what do we do about this?
As far as non-white media being banned, if this comes up in your city or town, white folks need to get involved and start complaining. If your school system or local media outlet like public libraries are being targeted to ban certain types of media, then you need to submit official complaints that focus on:
- Why is my child not getting access to diverse information?
- Why is my child not getting access to all American history?
- Why is my child not getting access to LGBTQ media?
- Why is my child not getting access to media by people of color?
- Why is my child not reading about only white male authors?
Fill out the complaint form and use the reason as racism and representation.
If the right-wing parents can complain so can we. When they incentivize parents to get into schools to be mentors, coaches, and mental health counselors, we will also do that. We will go in and provide safe spaces for kids. We will make all kids feel seen, heard, and safe.
Republican politicians make laws as if they apply to them only. But what they don’t realize is these laws apply to everyone. Everyone who wants diversity. Everyone who wants inclusion. Everyone who wants equity.
Now go out and complain.