Lil Wayne - Dethroned at last!

I spoke to Isabel's teacher today.  I was glad that she called me back this morning.  Points to her, some teachers take forever to call back. 

I am happy to say that the conversation went well and that I don't think Lil Wayne will be making anymore appearances in Isabel's classroom.  I wish I could say that he won't be making an appearance in any classroom but sadly I don't think that will be the case.  This teacher got the article from another social studies teacher who got it from another teacher.  The teacher who chose the article thought it would be someone the kids could relate to - they used it last year and the kids really liked it. 
I was shocked, and I asked this woman if she had actually read the article.  She had.  That was even more shocking.  I asked if she realized it contained a link to his website, that the lyrics to his number one song had words that I would be uncomfortable repeating to her....she responded that she was not trying to encourage the kids to buy his cd or look up his lyrics. 
I'm certain it wasn't deliberate, but accidental influence is no excuse.  She is in a position of power in these kids lives and I expect better judgement from someone who could be so positively influential.  Middle school or not, these are still kids.  They may think they are grown but they are not.  And on a daily basis you see my child more than I do when I'm sitting behind a desk all day.  I need you to not only be an educator but also a good role model for my daughters.

I explained that Mark and I did not allow Isabel to listen to Lil Wayne, and that he was not someone we hoped our children would aspire to be like.  She was apologetic which made the conversation easier for I was afraid she was going to be defensive about her choice.  I explained the reasons I was disappointed, the glorification of his career, his jail time, and his family lifestyle.  I explained that in the future I would like to see people of integrity for our children to study.  I mean, why not pick the president? I'm no Obama fan but at least the man is modeling a healthy family life, is educated and has never been in jail.  What about Olympic athletes?  Even Micahel Oher from the Ravens (The Blind Side movie)?  There are so many good people to choose from, why highlight the negative?  I was glad that she was so responsive and I was able to explain my concerns to her.  It is disheartening to know though, that this article has been used in multiple classrooms for at least two years and yet not one other parent has expressed concern.

Boy is this parenting thing hard.  You work constantly at trying to lead a Godly life, which is hard enough itself just for my own benefit but the added layer of knowing that my eleven year old is watching and modeling everything I do is mounted pressure.  I pray daily that the things that Mark and I pour into our kids will stick....because Satan is doing everything he can to devour the next generation.