myliblog: Uncle Bobby's Wedding - 0 views
jaslarue.blogspot.com/...uncle-bobbys-wedding.html
gay marriage usf readings argument persuasion rhetoric marriage religion civil rights
shared by Ryan Meehan on 26 Oct 08
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Thank you for working with my assistant to allow me to fit your concerns about “Uncle Bobby's Wedding,” by Sarah S. Brannen, into our “reconsideration” process.
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Ashlee Duckworth on 27 Oct 08Opening with this comment welcomes the reader and makes me feel as if the author has truly considered the issue at hand. -
Angela Moneck on 28 Oct 08I agree with Ashlee's statement. This is a warm welcoming to the reader. -
Garrett Granger on 29 Oct 08With this opening statement, the author gives the response a more personal feel. It also allows him to give a truthful answer without coming off as offensive. -
Angel Aramayo on 29 Oct 08Yes i also agree with the comments above, this is one of the very opening statements and it brings about a more personel level with the reader. -
Brian Russo on 30 Oct 08I agree as well with the comments above. This opening statement makes the reader feel welcome and ensures them that they are doing the best they can at reviewing policies and dealing with the issues at hand. -
Brian Russo on 30 Oct 08I agree with everyone. The opening statement makes the concerned parent feel welcome and that they are trying to deal with the situation as best they can.
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Amanda Flores on 30 Oct 08I like how he opens this by thanking her. It is very welcoming, like everyone has said. -
Ryan Meehan on 28 Aug 11Great comment.
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Here's what I understand to be your concern, based on your writings.
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This comment gives me the impression that the author wants to make sure that what he thinks the issues is, actually is what the problem is. This shows caring and intelligence.
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Again, I think Ashlee made a very good point with this. This is important in solving an issue.
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I like the way he wrote this because he is letting her know what vibe he got from her writings. By him stating this there can be no confusion. All that she can say would be that he took it the wrong way. or that's not what she ment, if so from there on there could be more clarification if needed. -
It is very effective how he took direct quotes from the patron, so it is clear that he does not twist her words. It shows he does not want his point of view to be misconstrued. -
I like the way that the writer is looking to clarify exactly what the issue at hand is so there is no confusion.
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He did good in putting this in here. He is letting her know what he feels she is concered with to see if it matches what the actual concers are. Like Ashlee said, it shows that he cares.
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This paragraph makes me feel as if the author actually understands multiple viewpoints.
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I agree that this paragraph shows his understanding of many different views on the subject. I think citing these is effective because it lets the patron see the other views also. -
I also think it is a good way for the author to either show or express that he is not just set on one point but actually multiple viewpoints.
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- ...36 more annotations...
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Your second issue is a little trickier. You say that the book is inappropriate, and I infer that your reason is the topic itself: gay marriage.
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I like how the author responded to this concern by citing examples from other childrens books and also giving logical reasons why these issues are addressed in childrens books.
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In this sentence we see that the defender has a clear understanding about what the argument is
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Your third point, about the founders' vision of America, is something that has been a matter of keen interest to me most of my adult life.
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The author makes a good arguement here and supports his point very well. The fact that he wrote a book on the subject makes you believe that he knows alot about the topic and that his views about preserving our individual liberties are correct.
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Basically saying "I know more, if not as much as you do. So I'm probably right." Haha -
Yes i agree with Cybil, he basically just said that he knows his stuff in this subject matter.
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which has reviewed and adopted these policies on behalf of our library
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This small statement is a way of persuading the reader. Without this piece of information, the reader may not trust the Board of Trustees or care about them.
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I agree, this statement provides an understanding of the authority of the Board of Trustees.
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This statement shows the reader that they will make an informed decision and not a biased one.
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Children's books deal with anything and everything. There are children's books about death (even suicide), adult alcoholism, family violence, and more.
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After stating that children's books deal with many different things, she went on to provide examples. This is important in persuading the reader to believe what she is saying.
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I like the way Mr. Larue stated that children's books can deal with anything and everything, even things that may be inappropriate because it is relevant to the situation that those books are allowed at the library.
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By showing that other children's books deal with issues about anything and everything it shows that all childrens books aren't always happy.
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I dont think that this paragraph is defended well at all. I am absolutely not convinced in this paragraph. Just because there are many disturbing childrens books does not make them right.
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Even the most common fairy tales have their grim side: the father and stepmother of Hansel and Gretel, facing hunger and poverty, take the children into the woods, and abandon them to die!
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Again, she's providing specific examples--very effective. I thought it was interesting that she used an exclamation point instead of a simple period to end this statement. I think the point of it is to persuade the reader even more to listen to her. It's kind of like saying "hey, listen to this statement, it's important, and I'm completely right!"
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I love the part about the children's stories, it's so true! A great reminder to the reader to help get their point across.
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I agree with Angela. By stating these examples, he is more likely to persuade.
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Stories help children name their fears, understand them, work out strategies for dealing with life.
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This is important in persuading the reader. She is going on further to prove her point.
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So what defines a children's book is the treatment, not the topic.
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This is good that they explained what actually defines the children's book since earlier on in the piece they said that the topic wasn't what defined it.
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In fact, I even wrote a book about it
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Ethos! He wrote a book on the topic, making the reader think that he knows what he's talking about and that he is trustworthy.
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Wow! I bet that response was a bit of a sock. I would hate to strike an argument with someone who was a professional on the subject, especially if I didn't know they were beforehand.
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The Author shows much credibility on the subject, with this sentence.
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My Webster's actually gives several definitions of marriage: “1. the state of being married; relation between husband and wife...; 2. the act of marrying, wedding; 3. the rite or form used in marrying; 4. any close or intimate union.” Definitions 2-4, even as far back as 1960, could be stretched to include a wedding between two men. Word definitions change; legal rights change. In some parts of America, at least today, gay marriage is legal.
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This is definitely a great way to persuade the reader. He's throwing out facts from the dictionary to prove his point. And the fact that he states that definitions and legal rights change is very true. Also, stating that gay marriage is legal in some parts of the country is great. I think he did a really good job in this particular paragraph.
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I think the first definition sort of weakened his argument about gay marriage, seeing as how the first definition says "relation between husband and wife." I would have also added an updated version of Webster's definition of marriage to see if the wording has changed. He goes on to say that word definitions change, but just because you have a 1960s definition of "dog," and say that word definitions change, does not mean that that specific word's meaning will be the one that changes.
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I feel that definitions from the dictionary are a great way to prove yourself. He is telling her the facts, you can't argue with that. But I do agree with Dena. The first definition does weaken his argument.
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The fact that he states that gay marriage is legal in some parts of the country, is a good point in explaining to the reader that if something is legal, they can't say that writing a book about it is inappropriate.
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But if the library is doing its job, there are lots of books in our collection that people won't agree with; there are certainly many that I object to. Library collections don't imply endorsement; they imply access to the many different ideas of our culture, which is precisely our purpose in public life.
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He brings up a good point by explaining that not everyone shares the same opinions and a good bit of the material present will recieve mixed feelings.
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I think it also helps that he earlier showed that he was opened to multiple views not just his own.
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Great point. The purpose of a library is to educate people. Many people go to the library for a general knowledge of many different topics. If someone personally wants to censor what they or there children read, that should be a personal decision. -
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He brings up a good point that he objects to certain books, but it doesn't mean that other people and cultures don't enjoy them. I also like the fact that he states that the library doesn't endorse any of the books people may deem innapropriate but they are there for people who want them.
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I think that this a good point. There are many things that are disagreeable and should be disagreeable
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I do appreciate many things: your obvious value of reading, your frank and loving relationship with your child, your willingness to raise issues of importance to you in the public square, and more. Thank you, very much, for taking the time to raise your concerns with me.
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Jamie does a good job explaining his decision, while still being respectful of the womans views. I personally think this shows a reflection of his character.
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this was good very persuasive.. ( it's like the old saying " kill people with kindness) she cannot get mad at the way he ended this.
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That was very reputable of Jamie to respond to the fact that the woman does care about her family and this is why she raised the issue. It shows how respectful of others he is.
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I like the way he ended this on a positive note even though he didn't give the decision that the patron wanted.
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I really like how he said this. It shows that he is very respectful. I also agree with Alex, this does show the a reflection of his character.
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I even hauled out my favorite Webster's
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I like how the author even looks into the sources provided by the individual filing the complaint. This shows that he has truly looked over the claims and is taking the issue seriously.
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Yes, i agree with Garrett on this one. I like how the author looked over the source to let it be known that the author know's what he is talking about.
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Little Red Riding Hood (in the original version, anyhow) was eaten by the wolf along with granny.
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The usage of specific examples to show that not all children's stories have happy endings is very effective.
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But another book in our collection, “Daddy's Roommate,” was requested by a mother whose husband left her, and their young son, for another man.
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This statement shows that while some may find certain things inappropriate, the same things may be hepful to others. And in this case, a similar book proved to be a helpful tool for a different mother.
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This is a valid statement. Different personal circumstances allow for different interpretations of things. What may be helpful to one person, may be innapropriate to another.
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has spent time thinking about the context in which the library operates, and thoughtfully considered the occasional discomfort (with our culture or constituents) that might result.
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Assures the reader that their feelings have been considered. Very persuasive.
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Here, we assume that the laws and regulations have been thought over and agreed upon by a credible authority. The last sentance in this paragraph is very important. When running a public service there is always going to be someone that is unhappy. Utilitarianism is important in making these decisions, "the greatest good for the greatest number".
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I agree with Cybil here. As I start reading this article I become more and more convinced that the Board of Trustees are a credible source.
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Although I suspect you may not agree with my decision, I hope it's clear that I've given it a great deal of thought, and believe it is in accordance with both our guiding principles, and those, incidentally, of the founders of our nation.
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I have been assured that you have received and viewed our relevant policies: the Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read, Free Access to Libraries for Minors, the Freedom to View, and our Reconsideration Policy
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Jamie describes the rules and regulations of public libraries here. He is building his case with firm evidence that will help the woman understand his decision.
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I agree with you completely. By him bring up the rules states that he is bringing up facts. With facts behind the decision that he is making the lady can't really say that he is wrong she can only have a opinion since he has a fact.
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This is very persuasive because the person defending the piece seems to be well educated. A good education is one of the most credibe factors concerning a person.
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You directed me to the SarahBrannen.com site, which I also reviewed. I got a copy of “Uncle Bobby's Wedding” today, and read it.
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He shows that he is making his own decisions, and researching the topic. Jamie wants to understand why there is an issue and gain supportive evidence why he makes the decision that he does.
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First, I think you're right that the purpose of the book is to show a central event, the wedding of two male characters, as no big thing. The emotional center of the story, of course, is Chloe's fear that she's losing a favorite uncle to another relationship. That fear, I think, is real enough to be an issue for a lot of young children.
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In making a constructive argument for a position, the sympathy of the woman is needed. Obviously she thinks strongly about her opinion, and swaying her mind is not going to be easy. Clarifying the situation in a non assertive manner is a step forward in making his case.
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In an argument it is extremely important to be able to understand the position of the other person. The Author does a great job portraying this in this paragraph.
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His thesis is that both the purpose and power of children's literature is to help young people begin to make sense of the world.
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Making sense of the world is not an easy thing. Intorducing children to very real circumstances when they are young gives them an advantage in dealing with issues that will undoubtedly face them in their lifetime. I dont think it is how long someone can sugar coat that shapes personal opinions, but experience and informed decision making.
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Once again I am absolutely not convinced by this. This is just one mans opinion. My opinion is that children's books are supposed to be entertaining. I dont think a five year old needs to understand the world.
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They constitute a barrier to discovery and use. The books there – and some very fine ones -- just got lost. In the second case, I believe that every book in the children's area, particularly in the area where usually the parent is reading the book aloud, involves parental guidance.
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Censorship has long been banned and for good reason. Everyone wants freedom of speech for themself, but not necesarily for others. Parents are there to give guidence, and support. Not to censor their childrens lives and introduce them to a non-existent world.
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I agree with Alex on that. Even though the books involve parental guidence, it isn't the parents job to formulate their opinions by themselves. I completely agree that people want everyone else censored, but at the same time want to be able to say whatever they want. It can't work both ways.
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I agree with Alex, people want censorship, but only when its not them being censored. It can't work both ways.
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In short, most of the books we have are designed not to interfere with parents' notions of how to raise their children, but to support them.
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Why else would children books be used. They are stories that most times use fantasy and fiction to teach a lesson.
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It is a good point that not all parents are looking for the same thing. One parent may want to teach their kids to accept gay people and another may teach them that its wrong and to not accept them.
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that that kind of decision is up to the parents, not the library. Because here's the truth of the matter: not every parent has the same value system.
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First, you believe that “the book is specifically designed to normalize gay marriage and is targeted toward the 2-7 year old age group.” Your second key concern is that you “find it inappropriate that this type of literature is available to this age
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First, you believe that “the book is specifically designed to normalize gay marriage and is targeted toward the 2-7 year old age group.” Your second key concern is that you “find it
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This also portrays that the Author is credible. In this paragraph the author makes clear that he understands the womens arguments about the piece. By this paragraph the lady arguing against the piece can better understand what the author has to say.
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In Little Red Riding Hood, they learn not to talk to big bad strangers. Of course, not all children's books deal with
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This is much more convincing. There are examples where some disturbing children books can be good.
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The book is published by G. P. Putnam's Sons, “a division of Penguin Young Readers Group.” Th
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This is convincing. The women can look this up to see if it is a credible source.
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You feel that a book about gay marriage is inappropriate
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I defenitely agree that a book about homosexuality is innaproprite for a child.
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government was based on the idea that the purpose of the state was to preserve individual liberties, not to dictate them. The
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This is true. People should have rights. I dont think homosexuality is wrong. I do think it is wrong though when it is put into Children's books. I think this abnormal psyche could harm youth.
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How then, can we claim that the founders would support the restriction of access to a book that really is just about an idea, to be accepted or rejected as you choose? What harm has this book
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Recently, a library patron challenged (urged a reconsideration of the ownership or placement of) a book called "Uncle Bobby's Wedding.
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ownership
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I suspect the book will get a lot of challenges in 2008-2009. So I offer my response, purging the patron's name, for other librarians.
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You suggested that the book could be “placed in an area designating the subject matter,” or “labeled for parental guidance” by stating that “some material may be inappropriate for young children.” I have two responses.
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commented
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myliblog
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"Recently, a library patron challenged (urged a reconsideration of the ownership or placement of) a book called "Uncle Bobby's Wedding." Honestly, I hadn't even heard of it until that complaint. But I did read the book, and responded to the patron, who challenged the item through email and requested that I respond online (not via snail-mail) about her concerns."
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Here Jamie is stating the facts that the lady stated which are extremely important because they are true.
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When Jamies states that Sara Brannen was trying to portray that gay marriage is normal.... Sara was not focusing on what was important which was the relationship between the uncle and the young person. i like the fact that he pointed that out.
