The monopolization of children’s media is a corrupt and purposeful display of power and control. It’s widely recognized that monopolies, unchecked by competition, can lead to unfair consumer practices. A glaring example over the last century is Scholastic’s dominance in the children’s book, comics, and educational materials sector worldwide. This monopoly not only stifles competition but also raises concerns about the integration of “sexually explicit” material and “sexual grooming” into the minds and homes of children.
Similar power dynamics are at play within smaller companies, particularly children’s publishing firms and comic book publishers. The issue of pornography infiltrating schools is serious, prompting underdogs like Sky Tree Book Fairs to challenge dominant players. Grassroots activists such as Karen England of Capitol Resource Institute and Kitchen Table Activists aim to educate parents about this concerning trend through their website Take Back The Classroom.
Exposing corruption often unfolds in layers, and the last line of defense for the public is investigation, revelation, and accountability. However, assigning blame can be challenging, with easy targets being political ideologies, states, school districts, or even parents. Instead of engaging in petty blame games, it is crucial to focus on the real issue: who is publishing these pornographic children’s books, where is the oversight, and should they not be held accountable for violating the law?
Child pornography is illegal under federal law and in all states, punishable by severe penalties, including life imprisonment and substantial fines. U.S. laws on child pornography are amongst the strictest globally, with the Supreme Court excluding it from the protections of the First Amendment.
While many can write, few can do it well, and even fewer are mainstream published. Publishers are expected to uphold moral codes, including strict adherence to plagiarism criteria and U.S. law. It’s time to call out those publishers not adhering to the law, as they bear responsibility for promoting explicit content to children. Sky Tree Book Fairs previously highlighted “Gender Queer,” a graphic novel by Maia Kobabe, as one of the controversial books. Lion Forge Comics and Oni Press are the publishers, claiming, “Comics are the best. And we love to make them.”
Scholastic, a major player, published “Melissa” (formerly titled “George”), aimed at grades 3-7, exploring transgenderism with explicit scenes. The responsibility extends to other publishers like Graphix, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Abrams Books, Candlewick Press, and more.
The list of culpable publishers is extensive, but the path to accountability is straightforward. Rather than engaging in misplaced blame, the focus should be on the companies knowingly publishing explicit content for a young audience. Child pornography is not protected under the First Amendment, and disregarding U.S. law in protecting our children is criminal. Holding publishers accountable is the necessary step, as their decisions to promote explicit material to children are at the root of the issue.
Brittany Stewart, an accomplished writer and educator, draws inspiration from her 23-year marriage and upbringing near Lake Tahoe in Verdi, Nevada, now residing in Tucson, Arizona. With her Bachelor’s degree in Education, emphasizing Native American Literature and Journalism, Brittany is a multifaceted professional who is also a Licensed Massage Therapist. She is deeply involved in Tucson’s homeschooling community, leading a homeschool group, teaching dance, and offering art classes. She and her family have a homestead in Southern Arizona, where her husband hunts and she tends to the garden, emphasizing the importance of God and family in her life while continually seeking adventure through her travels.