Children’s Network releases Sing a long with Drag Queen for Pride Celebrations
Nickelodeon is being criticized for once again using children’s programing for a controversial purpose. The children’s television network featured a drag queen on the popular show Blue’s Clues. The segment featured a sing along with the cartoon character Blue and a drag queen performer named Andrew Levitt who goes by the stage name of Nina West. The singalong featured an alphabet song spelling out different letters of the alphabet with phrases related to the LGBT Community. The song further encourages children to be more accepting of children from LGBT families. Blue’s clues which is part of the company’s Nick Jr. programming is for children ages 3-5 years old. Nickelodeon has previously received criticism for introducing LGBT content to young children. The hit show Dr. McStuffins featured a same-sex couple; that show is marketed to toddlers and kindergarten aged children. The company has also used its cartoon characters to support LGBT causes on social media. Mr. Levitt for his part says the sing along was to promote inclusion for LGBT families. Critics say this kind of programming is inappropriate for young children and is a form of indoctrination.
US NEWS: Virginia, Charlotte, Washington DC
A high school teacher was placed on leave after speaking out against a potential controversial policy. Physical education teacher Tanner Cross voiced his concern during a school board meeting in Virginia about the board’s policy on students being allowed to select their gender pronouns. Cross said in his comments that he served God first and would not refer to a biological boy as a girl and vice versa. Cross stated the potential requirement by board members violated his religious beliefs. The school where the teacher was employed later announced Mr. Cross’ leave of absence shortly after the speech. The school board says Mr. Cross was suspended after complaints from parents. He was later reinstated by a judge following a lawsuit filed by Alliance Defending Freedom.
Charlotte City Council to vote on pro-LGBT ordinance
The Charlotte City council is preparing to pass a non-discrimination ordinance. The ordinance is designed to protect the LGBT community. The ordinance is scheduled to be voted on in August. Members of Charlotte Pride say the ordinance is important to prevent prejudice in the city. Several cities and counties in North Carolina passed similar ordinances following the expiration of a law in the state congress which limited city councils’ powers. That law expired six months ago.
The Pentagon announced it will not allow LGBT flags to be flown above any military bases. The Department of Defense says it will maintain an existing policy banning the display of unofficial flags at military bases according to a spokesperson. The decision is the opposite of a decision made by Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Blinken recently issued an authorization allowing US embassies and consulates to raise the LGBT pride flag. The Department of Defense say the ban is to prevent flags like the Confederate flag and other symbols deemed racist from being raised on military bases.
Networks reject pro-life commercial
Three networks are receiving criticism for rejecting a pro-life commercial. Country Music Television or CMT, CBS, and Hallmark Channel have rejected a pro-life ad from the Susan B. Anthony List. The conservative pro-life organization presented their pro-life ad to each network. The commercial focused on the value of human life from conception. Each network gave different, yet similar reasons for their rejection: CBS claimed the ad was controversial to the general public and therefore deemed unacceptable. CMT claimed they run adds on a case-by-case basis including political ads but deemed this ad controversial and unacceptable to air. The parent company of Hallmark Channel, Crown Media claimed the commercial would impact the enjoyable experience of their viewers. Representatives for the Susan B. Anthony List responded online criticizing the rejections saying in a statement the right to life is not controversial.
SNBC HEALTH report: Diet and Mental Health
Doctors are now monitoring the link between unhealthy foods and mental health. According to Harvard Psychiatrist Dr.Uma Naidoo, mental health professionals are releasing more information on the subject. According to Dr. Naidoo the rise in depression and anxiety cases are up due to the food we consume. Doctors reported in some cases during the study patients that were dealing with weight issues, were also dealing with mental health issues. Naidoo says many doctors began prescribing a change in diet as a way to help improve mental health. Dr. Naidoo prescribed several natural foods: antioxidant rich foods like blueberries and tea. Salmon and walnuts for healthy fats to help with anxiety. Patients were prescribed leafy greens rich in folate to help combat depression. Doctors reported improvement in patients’ mental and physical health after a change in their diet. Dr. Naidoo advises eating natural foods as often as possible and limiting processed foods since most have artificial ingredients and added sugar.