The most recent publication launch from the New York City Independent Media Center is something I've never seen before, a radical paper for primary school students. The current edition of IndyKids features a story about life in West Virginia, how to start a debate and a quick review of the Darwin exhibit at the Museum of Natural History. It's been a few issues now and the project is hitting its stride.
IndyKids is distributed through schools, churches and at libraries... but not at the Queens Public Library where (according to recent rumor) it has been blocked.
For more information about how get involved or distribute the "free paper for free kids," email or call 212.592.0116.
I think this is cool, BUT do kids really need instructions on how to build a fort? Isn't "fortness" some sort of kid-like Kantian category of understanding hard-wired into the part of our brains that we share with lizards?
Just wondering.
Posted by: Christopher Day | February 26, 2006 at 01:12 AM
Ha! This is wonderful! I love it! I was very happy to find this out.
Posted by: celticfire | February 26, 2006 at 11:09 AM
If that letters section doesn't warm your heart then you don't have one.
Posted by: Maz | February 26, 2006 at 12:20 PM
ok, someone has to say it.
This kids paper is indoctrination in social democracy. And not an article I've read (and i've read quite a few, if not all yet) breaks out of the framework of bourgeois politics.
Look at the discussion of the Supreme Court and Alito! (How would YOU explain the Supreme Court to an interested 10 or 12 year old?)
Or the articles on the mines -- is the point really that miners need more safety laws? Or that this whole framework is build on human suffering and loss?
I am not against simplifying complex matters for some audiences (including in this case) -- kids. But folks praising THIS effort have left their revolutionary politics behind.
I was having coffee with a 60s veteran the other day, and she told me a story from the Black Panther days (where they taught REVOLUTIONARY politics over their "breakfast for children program"!
Anyway, she described how the Panthers were raided in some city, and a cop patted the head of one of the kids as he took the mother away in handcuffs.
"Don't cry, boy," the cop said.
"Revolutionaries don't cry, pig," the kid replied.
I'm not saying we need to copy the details of what the Panthers did...
But at least lets offer kids and everyone else REVOLUTIONARY politics and truths not this lukewarm bullshit.
Posted by: john | February 26, 2006 at 04:10 PM
whatever john. i remember lenin saying something about ultraleftists trying to bring revolution in quick swoop is the same as trying to teach algebra to a 5 year old.
The Indykids is a great project trying to bring some radical mass education to young folk. As a teacher I think its way better than weekly readers or scholastic that students are force feed.
Just my humble opinion...
Posted by: another brotha, ex-teacher collective | February 26, 2006 at 08:44 PM
Dude, John.
It's a participatory paper, not a party press. Can you suggest a good "revolutionary" kids publication? If you can't, they have an open submission policy (I assume) as part of the Indymedia network. So be the media dude. Their email is right there, anyway. Why don't you give them a ring and see what they're trying to do instead of weighing in with your 5-minute critique.
Assume people care.
In that spirit, I will avoid all tempation to make a smart ass comment.
The most revolutionary things to teach children are how to share and learn from other people; that it's bigger than any one of us, but what we do matters; basic fraternity, casual creativity and a culture of health and optimism.
I hope this paper really finds its footing, and that we find all kinds of new ways to reach broadly into the population with ideas at least trying to serve the people.
Maybe one day someone will meet John's essential challenge. But that's what it is: challenging.
Assume people care.
Posted by: ex-student collective | February 26, 2006 at 09:19 PM
"Revolutionaries don't cry, pig," the kid replied.
--------
Classic.
Posted by: ex-student collective | February 26, 2006 at 09:20 PM
IndyKids isn't just banned from all 62 branches of the Queens Public Library, the New York Public Library has also blocked it.
Adventures in freedom of speech continue...
Posted by: the burningman | February 27, 2006 at 03:17 PM
MULTIPLE COPIES:
If you would like multiple copies for your school or organization, please contact [email protected], or call 212-592-0116, and we may be able to arrange a delivery.
INDIVIDUAL COPIES:
Pick up a copy of IndyKids at the following locations:
Manhattan:
Revolution Books, 9 W. 19th St. (btwn 5th & 6th Aves)
Bluestockings Bookstore, 172 Allen, (btwn Stanton & Rivington)
NY Copy Center, 3rd Avenue & 11th Street
May Day Books, 155 First Ave (btwn 9th & 10th Street)
Central Children's Room/Donnell Library, 20 W. 53rd St, (btwn 5th &
6th Aves)
SUBSCRIBE TO INDYKIDS!
Receive IndyKids delivered directly to your home or school.
Individual subscription: $15
Class subscription (40 copies): $50
IndyKids is produced five times per year.
Write your check to “IndyKids” and mail it to the address below. Be sure to include your name, full address, email and phone number.
Indy Kids
P.O. Box 1417
New York, NY 10276
Tel: 212-592-0116
[email protected]
www.indykids.net
Posted by: IndyBIGkid | March 01, 2006 at 08:42 PM