ALA Statement on "Scrotum" controversy

[villager]

For those of you following the widely-reported controversy on the use of the word "scrotum" in this year's Newbery-medal winning book, "The Higher Power of Lucky," here's a statement going out today from the American Library Association:



For Immediate Release
Februray 22, 2007

Statement regarding the true value of "Higher Power of Lucky"

CHICAGO - The following is a joint statement released by Kathleen T. Horning, president, Association for Library Service to Children, and Cyndi Phillip, president, American Association of School Librarians, regarding the "Higher Power of Lucky."

"Recent media coverage failed to discuss the true value of the 'Higher Power of Lucky,' by Susan Patron. The author’s use of one word should not prevent children from having free access to this remarkable piece of children’s literature. Children and their families should be given the opportunity to read this book and develop their opinions.

"The 'Higher Power of Lucky' is a perfectly nuanced blend of adventure and survival, both emotional and physical. It is a gently humorous character study, as well as a blueprint for a self-examined life. The book serves as a reminder that children support one another just as adults do.

"Libraries are about inclusion rather than exclusion. The freedom to read, speak, think and express ourselves is core to our American values. Part of living in a democracy means respecting each other’s differences and the right of all people to choose for themselves what they and their families read.

"Fortunately, most libraries do offer a full spectrum of resources and ideas from which our patrons can choose. Librarians understand that children mature at different rates and have different interests, reading abilities and life experiences. Decisions about what materials are suitable for particular children should be made by the people who know them best - their parents or guardians.

"We believe that every family should have the opportunity to read the 'Higher Power of Lucky' and that every public and school library should consider adding the book to their collections."

[GoneOffShore]

1. Huzzah! What she said!

A sensible voice after all the nonsense.

[IntravenousDemilo]

2. Another instance of a literary scrotum...

La Comédie Humaine, by Honoré de BALZAC!

[murielm99]

3. Told ya.

Librarians don't put up with all that censorship nonsense.

[frogcycle]

4. she said "spectrum "

isn't that a body part? Or an instrument a gynocologist uses? We should ban her!

:evilgrin:

[yardwork]

5. Since when is "scrotum" a bad word?

I'm really at a loss. Are all proper names for parts of the body off-limits now? If we can't say "scrotum," I assume "anus" is equally unacceptable. Also, "solar plexus" must now be taboo. Is "skull" now verboten? Zygomatic arch? What parts of the body are we, in fact, allowed to say now?

Sheesh.

[renate]

7. you said "zygomatic arch"

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:
:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:
:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[yardwork]

12. Now calm down or I'll be forced to say "external auditory meatus"

[Richard Steele]

14. That's it- I'm ALERTing!

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[Uncle Roy]

16. In your ear, Dick Steele!

[Richard Steele]

18. Ear? That's a body part too! Now I'm alerting TWICE!

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[yardwork]

20. You can't say "ear" on this website.

This is a clean website. Don't say stuff like that. LOL!

[WindRavenX]

8. i think that just by even having this debate it shows just how sexually repressed Americans are

I mean, my fucking god, "scrotum" is a foul word? Really? :wtf:

[yardwork]

11. It's kind of stunning in its stupidity, isn't it?

[WindRavenX]

13. Sometimes, this country just makes me shake my head NT

NT

[kenny blankenship]

15. just don't say cremaster

or you'll get in big trouble.

[SmokingJacket]

17. There's something about the word "cremaster"

that makes me want to vomit. I think it's the most disgusting word in English.

I like "scrotum" though.

[Richard Steele]

19. Psst, Kenny...

UVULA!

[Uncle Roy]

21. EEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKK!!!!! There you go again!!!!!!!

[renate]

6. I haven't read the book, but....

... isn't it general knowledge (at least among people old enough to know what one is) that guys have scrotums? :shrug:

I personally wouldn't object to a word like "nutsack," although I can see how some people might be offended, but "scrotum"? :eyes:

[Bucky]

23. I am alerting the DU moderators about your offensive language for typing 'nutsack' & 'scrotum' twice

Oh no! Now I've typed them! I am hereby notifying the DU moderators of my own offensive languge!

[Turbineguy]

9. Did not Sir Henry

at Rowlinson End have a wrinkled manservant named Scrotum?

[KansDem]

10. Man, if the word "scrotum" causes such consteration...

Forget any description of what it does in hot and cold temperatures!

[Uncle Roy]

22. Meanwhile, doesn't Joe Camel kinda remind you of a..... Oh, nevermind...