A teacher assigns a project: Each student is to create a photographic portrayal of their own self- identity. Then that identity is rejected. Eventually, the school agrees to accept the project for a grade, but refuses to publish the photo.
It has happened to Joshua Bruner
Granted, the school policy excludes gun photos, and he included a gun in his patriotic selfie. But that begs the question, why is such censorship tolerated? Like food, oxygen, drugs, sex, knives, rope, poison, helium, gasoline, and sugar, guns can be used for good or evil. Personally, I feel much safer knowing there are good men and women defending my country. To vilify any object simply takes it out of the public eye as a useful defense. It encourages a mindset of helplessness and fear in the face of danger. But people prepared to face danger are far more likely to survive it.
Guns and patriotism aside, in this era of “anything goes”, this screams of a double standard. I hope Joshua Bruner has a strong sense of his own worth and identity. At age 15, I disagreed with my speech class about the ERA. That was traumatic enough. Having the school district refuse my self-portrayal would have devastated me at his age.
FOX News initially covered this from a “patriotism got slammed” viewpoint. http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2016/06/11/school-rejects-teens-gun-toting-flag-waving-photo.html But imagine the fits from the left if this had been an LGBT individual whose identity portrayal was being censored.
If someone is told to depict their self-identity, their response should be respected and accepted.
The simple truth is that acceptance is not a concern of those in charge of Joshua’s school–at least, not for a gun-toting patriot.
The America I know promotes the clash and free exchange of ideas and the worth of the individual. Our pledge of allegiance concludes, “…with liberty and justice for all.” All.
Not just those whose identities fit the agenda of those in authority. Every American should speak out against any attempt to force anyone into intimidated silence. The right to voice an opinion is at the root of self-identity and of freedom. We must each value one another’s opinion. If one of us can be censored, we all can.
The Ringoes, NJ School Board ought to be called out on this. They owe Joshua Bruner–and every defender of this nation–an apology. We are free because of good people carrying weapons. But even if I’m wrong about this, it’s a free country. I can hold any opinion or be anyone I choose.
Or can I?