Controversy erupted at a Slidell junior high school late last week when at least one parent observed drawings and altered pictures depicting malicious images of President Barack Obama, including one photo in which a bullet hole was portrayed on his head. The work is believed to be part of a class project done by students at Boyet Junior High, and several similar pieces were posted on walls at the school.I can't bring myself to post the drawings, but you can see them at the link...at least for now. I saved copies in the event that the pictures disappear from the website. So. What sort of assignment brought forth this 'artwork', and why were the drawings allowed to be put on display in a public school and remain on the walls for days?
At least five images were posted, including a drawing of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck standing next to a tree with a sign that read, "Obama Season," underneath a likeness of the president. Also in the depiction was an image of what appeared to be presidential candidate Mitt Romney smiling.
St Tammany Parish Public Schools Superintendent Trey Folse, who will not comment further while the investigation of the drawings takes place, released a statement:
"The St. Tammany Parish public school system takes matters such as this very seriously," Folse said. "The school system became aware of this situation Friday afternoon and immediately started an investigation into this matter. The investigation will include interviews with students, parents, teachers and administrators.James "Gus" Davis, president of the Covington branch of the NAACP, said:
"The appropriate disciplinary action will be taken as soon as all of the facts are in and legal requirements have been met."
"This just puts hate right into the children. Why would they draw that if it weren't coming from someone else? ... It was there for a few days, and no one brought it up."What's behind the hateful drawings? Racism? Hatred of Obama's 'socialist' agenda? Both and more?
What's shocking to me is not so much the sentiments the drawings express, because I hear that sort of talk from time to time around here, too, but that the drawings were displayed in a public school for days, and none of the school authorities or staff seemed to see a problem and moved to have them taken down.
The teachers and principal all ought to be fired. And they ought to be tried in court under the American Patriot Act or something for threats against the President --at least a hate crime.
ReplyDeleteThose images are horrific.
Will the Secret Service investigate? How far does the right of free speech extend? Believe me, I am horrified.
ReplyDeleteIt's not a matter of free speech - terroristic threats against an individual are a crime, and those clearly constitute such. If I placed pictures of a private citizen on my blog - an arguably more private medium than a public school - with the same imagery, I would not be surprised to be at the receiving end of both criminal and civil proceedings.
ReplyDeleteSomeone or someones could be in trouble. I await the explanation of the assignment and the reason why no adult took action.
ReplyDeleteIt is very scary absurd to me to fathom that teachers think it's okay to be instilling or teaching hatred. With all political agendas aside, why are we teaching our children that this is okay to HATE and to be proud of it. I mean, in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade.. We don't really know what the hell is going on the country enough to hate the president SOOO much that we should ever depict him with a bullet hole in his head. They are OBVIOUSLY being influenced.
ReplyDeleteDavina, you are correct. I hope there is an explanation after the investigation is complete that explains the incident in a way that ameliorates the present horrific appearances. For now, I await the results of the investigation.
ReplyDeleteThey have to be carefully taught, wasn't that that heart-tugging song in South Pacific?
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