PBS caved in and stands by bigotry. Instead of educating American youth, in equality and respect for all, PBS participates in spreading hate, or at least caving in to hate.
Perhaps that's what PBS would have done in the fifties and early sixties with Black families, because that surely would have offended people.
HERE IS PBS Statement:
Dear Viewer:
Thank you for your comments regarding PBS' decision not to distribute the "Sugartime" episode of POSTCARDS FROM BUSTER. We apologize for the delay in this response. We understand your strong views and appreciate your taking the time to share them. Many people have formed opinions about why PBS did not distribute the episode, but we want to tell you directly why we made the extremely difficult decision that we did.
The issue of same-sex unions is an important social matter being discussed throughout the country and on our air in several primetime programs. Many PBS stations, however, felt strongly that a significant number of parents in their communities would prefer to introduce this subject to their children at a time or place of their own choosing, rather than answering questions potentially raised by a children's program.
Protecting the trusted position with parents to keep PBS children's programs free of commercial pitches and dedicated to the educational development of children is important to many our member stations and of course, to PBS.
After consulting with our stations and our colleagues at the other public broadcasting institutions, PBS concluded that the controversy around this topic would obscure the good work intended by the producers of POSTCARDS FROM BUSTER and would not create the kind of thoughtful consideration that we believe this and other serious issues deserve and receive on public television.
We recognize, and regret, that this decision disappointed some of our most loyal supporters, and we deeply regret any discomfort our decision caused for those two families in Vermont who invited us into their homes.
It is our hope that viewers like you will view this decision in the context of our commitment to being a public forum on all important issues, and to fulfill that role with fairness, balance, and respect for the great diversity of the audiences we serve.
With appreciation for your support and interests,
Pat Mitchell
President & CEO
Public Broadcasting Service
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