Yesterday my youngest son’s English class was given a book to read – White Ute Dreaming by Scot Gardner. My son is 14 and he is in year 10, he showed me and his mother the book and told us that he didn’t expect parents would approve of them reading it. I read enough of the book (the first page and half of the second) to decide that my son is not allowed to read it.
A teacher’s Guide for how to use this book in class is available online. Here’s a few excerpts for the Teacher’s Guide:-
THEME 6.
SEXUALITY – INFIDELITY, FIRST SEX, SEX AND LOVE, PERVING, HOMO SEXUALITY
Wayne is a sexual being and confused about the relationship between love and sex (p4, p130, p209).
p4 “…I wish she’d grab hold of me like when we were at the beach. Mate that was hot. And wet…Pashing with Kez was bliss. There wasn’t much risk of me bursting. That’s why God invented hands…”
p130 “…my dick wants one thing and my head has its doubts…”
Wayne decides not to have sex with Angie (p126).
He wants his “first root [to] be something special”.
Wayne cops an eyeful of Angie (p58).
Hendo is missing the ‘politeness gene’(p99).
p99 “… he’ll just stare at her tits… don’t get me wrong, I like eye-lollies too, but Hendo missed out on the politeness gene.”
Den comes out (pp181-183).
p182 “He’s a fucking poo jabber…’…how do you know you’re a poofter if you haven’t rooted anyone up the arse?’…”
Higgins (the old bloke) watches the Humes through their windows (p172).
p172 “… Fucking sicko…”
THEME 5.
FAMILY – BUSTED FAMILIES, FAMILY RULES, HAVING THINGS IN COMMON WITH YOUR PARENTS
1. What is it that Sylvia (Wayne’s mum) finds that confirms her opinion that Wayne and his dad are alike?
A condom.
2. Why does Wayne get grounded?
For smoking dope…
THEME 6.
SEXUALITY – INFIDELITY, FIRST SEX, SEX AND LOVE, PERVING, HOMOSEXUALITY
1.How did David Longmore get his nickname?
They called him ‘David Longdick’ after he was sprung playing with himself at school.
2.Where did Wayne find the stash of Penthouse magazines?
In his Uncle Don’s shed.
3. What happened between Kerry and the guy at her new school, Aaron?
They met at a party and it was a bit of a set-up. They kissed. He put his hand up her shirt. She thought she was going to chuck. She phoned her mum and went home.
THEME 7.
SADNESS – ANGER, FEAR, DEPRESSION, SUICIDE
1. How was Wayne intending to kill himself?
He was going to hang himself in the
cupboard…
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Have you ever thought of suicide? Why?
Why not?
What’s one thing that gives you reason to live?
What makes you angry?
Teachers forcibly exposing children to this shit makes me angry.
** UPDATE ** My son’s class will not have to read this book anymore thanks to the school management. Senior management have said that it’s a totally inappropriate text for students of that age.
The big mistake for Christians is thinking the State School system ‘belongs’ to them because they pay taxes.
It doesn’t.
Sooner or later most of us realise that we need to send our children to a Christian / Catholic / Church school where the teaching staff respect your values, and care about your children.
Yeah this is a real violation of parental rights.
It’s pure *atheist Nihilism*.
Evil!
Sure. Let’s see, in Year 10 (form 4 in the old money) I’d had Romeo & Juliet, Brighton Rock & Lord of the Flies. Quality.
AngryTory
Quality maybe but Romeo & Juliet and Lord of the Flies are both pretty bleak. Wikipedia say that Blighton Rock is “also a challenge to Roman Catholic doctrine concerning the nature of sin and the basis of morality.”
Ideally I’d prefer my kids read books that are uplifting.
I spoke with a school representative this morning. He was pretty good actually (not a sicko at all). He agreed with my concerns. I’ll meet with him again on Friday to discuss what the school has decided to do about it.
The school representative just phoned and explained that he’s met with everyone involved and the books will be collected from the students tomorrow.
Awesome Result Reed.
Congats!
Everyone I’ve spoken with agrees that this book is totally inappropriate for 14 year olds. I emailed the author and asked what age he thought this book was suitable for.
Here’s his reply…
The american education system, specially higher education, is riddled with propaganda and bullshit. If you are fortunate enough to have smart kids they will learn to see through all the bullshit. The truth is most kids in this country are not that smart, thus, they not only fail to see through the bullshit, they buy into it.