And Tango makes Three

The National Library Board's recent decision to remove some children's titles, following public’s complaint about one such book “And Tango Makes Three" that it is not "pro-family", has sparked controversy.

The move has generated quite a bit of buzz, and the members of the public had mixed views about the decision.  Some thought the books should be pulled out, because it's not the kind of values which we want to impart to our children.  The prevailing norms support teaching children about conventional families, but not about alternative, non-traditional families, which is what the book in question is about.

Naturally, gay rights activists are outraged –  they  believe Singapore can be an inclusive home for its people in all their diversity.   They claim that the decision sends a message of rejection to many loving families that do not conform to the narrow father-mother-children definition of family that it has adopted.

Interesting!  I had to read the book myself to see what the outcry is all about.  Well, what is my take after the read?  My personal view is that children at this young age are very impressionable and they should be guided in what they read.  So parents have an important role to play in guiding the children and explaining to them what's going on.  But with parents nowadays being so busy, I am afraid that the children may go unsupervised and unwittingly when reading such gay themed books, think this is a “normal” way of life.  That's my concern.  Call me old fashioned and narrow minded, I still uphold the sanctity of family life based on the traditional values…sorry guys..who is with me?

For the benefit of those who have not read the book in question, I have uploaded the book for you..