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racism, bombing conspiracy, etc,) and
partly due to the introduct ion of so–
called
comix.
These black-and-white,
over-priced and poorly drawn
comix
are
unapproved by the CCA, replete with
obscenities, gore, sex, hatred, and vul–
gar anti-establishment sentiments. Most
parents aren't aware such
comix exist,
but they are catching on fast.
But what about "approved" comic
books? A signi.ficant oumber of these
still contain abundant violence, magic,
gore, demonism, racism, and hatred.
Unless you want your children to emu–
late such actions, you should carefully
censor the comics - if any - which
they read.
Not all comics, of course, are worthy
of the same condemnation . Sorne comics
are thought of as cute, entertaining, and
"harmless ?" But should the criterion
for determining your children's reading
be simply that it is "harmless ?" Or do
you want them to learn sorne beneficia!,
positive knowledge as they read?
Why Most Comics Are
Objectionable
Most comics show an obvious pre–
occupation with violence, crime, sadism,
and death. In "approved" comics the
most notable increase lately is in horror,
magic, and mystery tales, an unhealthy
escape from reality to "another world"
of demons and witches.
The same false concepts contained in
fairy tales are also taught via the
comics. "In the comics, people in
authority," for instance, "tend to be stu–
pid, pompous and sadistic, and inevita–
bly they are humiliated. How appealing
is this to the youngster who is so much
under the thumb of adult authority !"
(Evelyn Rose Robinson, ed.,
Readings
Abottt Children's Literature,
David
McKay, 1966, p. 48.)
Most people expect "classic" comics
to be exceptions to the rule. They often
are. But the 1955 Comic Code reads
Iike this: "(rime stories [are objection–
able]
Tmless
they relate to
folklore or
classical literatttre.,
And "classics"
aren't classics because of their story
plot, but because of the
way
the story is
told.
All reading decisions, however, are
entirely up to the parent. The kind of
books and periodicals you give your
The
PLAIN TRUTH
cbildren is an indication of how con–
cerned you are for their emotional well–
being and character development. lt's a
serious responsibility. lt could have a
profound effect on the success of their
adult years.
Guidelines for Good Reading
With 3,000 new children's book
titles monthly, teachers and Jibrarians
are unable to keep up with the good
and bad qualities of each new book. It is
up to the parents to supervise their chil–
dren's reading.
What type of books should your chil–
dren read? Remember these important
guidelines: Is the story in touch with
reality? Does it instj!l positive character
traits?
Here are four qualities to look for in
good children's Jiterature:
l.
Does the book teach the child
more about
himself and the 1llorld
mwmd him?
2. Will it aid the child to
adjust to
the realities of his oum social environ–
me11t,
his peers, his family?
3. Will it hclp him to
develop mm–
tally and spiritttally,
learning moral
lessons and factuaJ knowledge in proper
balance?
4. Is the story
entertaining
-
with
action, story, musical quality, illustra–
tions, people, animals - in a positive
manner, avoiding absurdities, exagger–
ations, and unreal fantasies?
Many children's books ful.fill all four
criteria, and many more fulfill at least
two or three, depending on the sub–
ject involved. For pre-schoolers, for
instance, there are animal books, picture
stories, and "how-to" books. By age
2,
you can be ceading picture stories to
your child each day. Most children !ove
to be read
to,
even well after they learn
how to read themselves.
Reading to your child helps him to
learn how to learn, and how
to
listen. It
isn't mandatory that your child Jeatn
the alphabet, learn how to count, or
how to spell before being registered in
a qualified school. But your child does
need to know
ho111 to learn
when he
gets there. Personal reading, teach–
ing, and question-answering teaches him
this. Respect your child's need for vari–
ety and change, too. His attention span
will start small and grow steadily.
April 1971
One point of balance should be kept
in mind. You should koow the differ–
ence between escapist fantasy in general
and the kind of fiction which tells a
positive, action-filled, believable story.
Parental Supervision Vital
Consult your local librarían, children's
section, for help in finding proper read–
ing material. Make it very clear as to
exactly the kind of books you wish your
childreo to read. Take the time to look
through the material
yotmelf
and
choose it based on the principies already
discussed. Don't just send your child to
the library saying, "pick out a classic."
It won't work. It is important
yott
help
choose the books, or approve them.
Enjoyment of proper books must be
1a11ght,
it is usually not "natural."
If
a
child is allowed to pick only what he
wants, he may well select worthless
reading material. In one experiment,
children were exposed to the most pop–
ular of profitable children's books on
the shelves and tables of their school
library. But on one comer table, half–
hidden, was a stack of popular comics,
mainly crime, horror, "super" heroes,
war, and magic comic books. The teach–
ers nonchalantly left the room, but
observed tbe results from outside.
The children literally dove after the
stack of comics. The books weren't
touched, although both books and
comics were color-illustrated and fun to
read. This surely illustrates the proverb:
"Foolishness is bound in the heart of a
child." Tbe word
foolishness
is spelled
in Hebrew
evil,
and it meant just what
the English word "evil" has come to
mean: evil or delinguent.
If
your
child is left to himself, with no previ–
ous training, his reading matter will
most likely be comprised of nonsense
subjects.
Children are lovable, sweet, and pre–
cious, but always remember, they are
also "thoughtless" - totally pliable,
openminded and, generally, teachable.
They traditionally believe whatever you
tell them, or even whatever you tell
them to
read.
If
they devour a pre–
dominant diet of fantasy, for instance,
rhey'll
believe
fantasy is truth.
Parents must teach character. Noth–
ing comes more natural to your child
than violence, faotasy, adventure, and