I volunteered heavily throughout the Obama campaign. I'm very liberal, especially in my social views. But I am a very conservative parent.
My boys (8 and 11 years old) respect their elders. My wife and I require them to say "thank you","yes, mam (or sir)", "excuse me" and other general niceties. They are held responsible for their actions and are punished when they do wrong (never with violence or verbal abuse). And they are only allowed to play and view age appropriate video games, movies and television shows.
Recently my oldest boy was accepted into a public Magnet school in the Los Angeles School District. My wife and I couldn't have been happier. The school has a whopping 2000 students and it services 6th through 12th grades. The graduation rate is amongst the highest in the country along with its acceptance to four year colleges.
So here is my problem. The school sent us a welcome letter telling us of upcoming events and required summer reading. The required book this summer for all grades is Barack Obama's "Dreams From My Father".
At first I was excited that my child was at such a progressive school that would require this book. But then I started to think this book isn't exactly age appropriate for my 11 year old. Especially the section where Barack remembers and quotes his friend Ray. Phrases like "Ignorant Motherfuckers" and "That guy ain't shit. Sorry ass motherfucker" are used. Words that, if were in a movie, would garner a PG-13 or R rating.
Beyond the age appropriate problems I had with the book, I am having a hard time seeing how this book is appropriate as a required reading in a public school setting due to the political bias of its author. Doesn't matter that Barack's bias is very similar to mine, it just doesn't seem that the public school should present such a bias.
So am I justified to speak out? And how far do I go?
***Update***
Wow, thanks for so many comments. I just wanted to clarify that I realize my son is already exposed to the words and phrases in this book. It is more the adult theme of this book, the context in which the words are used, as well as the political bias (even though it's in my favor) of a book such as this that concerns me. There have been great comments, such as reading the book with my child while still voicing my concern to the school. Once again, thank you for your time and input.