I was impressed with the young girl, Kaylee Glover, who -- for what seems to be moral and ethical reasons -- suggested that the song "California Gurls" be replaced by the Taylor Junior High cheer squad, due to the song's inappropriate lyrics. I do not know her or her family personally, but they must have a neat support system, one that teaches Kaylee to express what were "unpopular" or "uncool" views among her peers and teachers.
There was one disconcerting issue when it was decided to let the girls vote whether to keep or reject the song. It shocked me because it put Kaylee in a defensive and lonely position, especially since it appears that the majority of the girls voted against Kaylee.
It would be refreshing to have more students who live by a code of ethics, a code that promotes the same respect, concern and moral courage that Kaylee exhibited.
Voting sessions among adolescents can be beneficial if the situation does not single any one student out in an emotionally hurtful way. Voting sessions like these, and other similar activities that single out a well-intentioned student who is trying to live by a code of ethics, will often damage the spirit of respect, concern and courage that should instead be honored and encouraged in students. The dictums "stand up for what you believe in", "don't follow the crowd" and "be your own self" should not be reduced to clichés via voting sessions that demean their very reasonable embodiment.
After reading the song lyrics, I realized that Kaylee was exhibiting respect, concern and courage: Respect for women and how they are being portrayed in the song, concern over the adult nature of the explicit sexual indications, and courage to stand up her beliefs when it is unpopular to do so. I applaud Kaylee in her moral courage.
Paola Brown
Queen Creek, AZ
