TresSugar

Censored: Books Banned For Sexual Content

colleenb — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 04:00:00 -0700

It's Banned Books Week and time to honor some of the most reviled books in America. While book-banning may sound like a throwback to Victorian times, censoring books continues to flourish in 21st-century schools. What's most surprising is a book can be removed from a curriculum, reading list, or school library with the complaint of just one parent. Violence, racial themes, and the occult are commonly cited reasons, but an even more popular one is sexual content. Check out these nine books that have been removed from schools in the last two years, and tell us if you think there's ever a good reason to ban a book.

Source: Flickr User wheelo50411

View Slideshow ›

Say What? Ali Lohan's Secondary Education

TresSugar — Sat, 09 May 2009 03:00:00 -0700

"She is home schooled. I'm a firm believer in staying in school but, in the business, it's gotten difficult for Ali to be in school."

- Dina Lohan, responding to concerns that 15-year-old daughter Ali has been playing hooky to hang out with big sis Lindsay

WENN.com

You Asked: Should I Back Out of Godmother Duty?

DearSugar — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 12:30:00 -0800

Dear Sugar,

I was recently asked to be the godmother of my cousin's first baby. I was thrilled and honored, and I accepted without any hesitation.

After telling a few of my close friends about my exciting news, I got a rather strange reaction that left me feeling awkward and slightly confused. They asked why she picked me because I "don't have enough money to spend on a godchild." Yes, I'm still in med school and I'm on a tight budget, but in my opinion, being a godmother is all about loving your godchild, trying to always be there for the child, taking the time to do things together and letting them know that they can always count on you. Of course, giving presents comes with the job, and I will enjoy spoiling him every now and then when I have more money, but my friends seem to think I am not fit for the job.

What do you think? Should I welcome the challenge regardless of my current financial situation or am I really just not fit for this role? - Conflicted Connie

To see DearSugar's answer read more.

Dear Conflicted Connie,

Being a godmother means something different to everyone, but I happen to agree with your definition of the term - being there for the kids, loving them unconditionally, and being their confidant. It sounds like your friends have a different opinion, but remember that your cousin asked you to be this person in her child's life because she thinks you fit the bill.

Your first instincts were of joy and happiness, so don't let their judgment make you second-guess yourself. Embrace the challenge and just take it one day at a time. You won't be a student forever - one day you'll be able to spoil this child with gifts, but in the meantime, spoil him with love - that's what really matters. Good luck!

Source

You Asked: Is Marrying Young a Bad Idea?

DearSugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 06:00:00 -0700

Dear Sugar,

My fiance asked me to marry him almost six months ago while on a trip to Disney World after five years of dating. He hadn't told anyone and we waited to share the good news until after we had returned from our trip. Since we are young (I am 21 and he is 23), both our parents expressed happiness for us but enforced the importance of me finishing school. As the months have gone by, his mother has begun to express her disapproval of us getting married at such a young age. We have mentioned to her that the wedding would not be for another year and a half, at which point he would be turning 25 and I would be turning 23. But whenever my fiance is not around, she decides to have little side talks with me, telling me not to be in such a rush and to consider waiting another four years before getting married! She says things to make me feel as though I'm holding him back from bigger and better things, and she's made it clear that she has little faith in me finishing school, even though I am highly motivated and love what I am studying.

No matter how much we express our love and respect for each other, I can't seem to convince her that the wedding will not lead me to forget about school to start a family. How do I handle a controlling mother-in-law-to-be? - Ready to Wed Rach

To see DearSugar's answer, read more.

Dear Ready to Wed Rach,

I can understand your parents' hesitation with you two getting married at a young age, but knowing that you've been committed to each other for five years already should ease their concerns a little. I also think having a longer engagement is a good idea so planning a wedding won't interfere with your school work. As aggravating as your future mother-in-law may be right now, understand that in her mind, she's just trying to look out for you and her son.

Times have changed when it comes to marriage. While it was the norm to marry young during your parents' generation, most couples wait longer today, but that's not to say that your young love isn't as special or won't last. If marriage is what truly feels right for you and your fiance, carry on and push back on those who are doubting you. Be sure to tell your fiance about his mother's comments and her behavior toward you so that you're not having to deal with her negativity on your own. You can't do much about what other people think about your relationship, so use your fiance for support and trust your heart. I wish you luck!

Source

Handle This: He's Desperate For Friendship

DearSugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:00:00 -0700

Since starting a graduate program away from home, you decided to reach out to as many peers as possible to build your network. In doing so, you quickly became friends with your class partner. Although your friendship is relegated to school, he does talk about his wife from time to time.

One night before class you run into him and decide to get coffee. As soon as you’re alone, he suddenly starts talking about his uncertainties about his marriage and his desires to experience life; at one point he leans in for an awkward hug. You immediately feel uncomfortable and make an excuse to leave. Later that night after class you get an email from him expressing his apologies for his strange behavior - he's just been stressed out. He wants to make sure that he hasn’t damaged your friendship, which he deeply values. When you don't respond, you get another email the next day. His urgency is making you feel even more rattled, but you have to work with him in class next week so how do you handle this?

Source

Dear Poll: Do You Look Back on High School With Fond Memories or Frustration?

DearSugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 16:00:00 -0700

Now that Labor Day weekend is over, the back-to-school wave is underway. And even if you’re not headed back to academia, you can’t miss the change in the air as lifestyles shift from Summer to Fall. For some, this time can bring on a wave of nostalgia, while others shudder at the thought of walking back into a classroom.

For obvious reasons, high school seems to be the most polarizing of school years, with experiences ranging from gleeful to painfully awkward so where do your feelings about high school fall?

Source

You Asked: My Mother Won't Help Me

DearSugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:00:00 -0700

Dear Sugar,

My parents are divorced and I've lived in my mother's house for most of my life. I'm currently a student at a very prestigious college. My mom has never fulfilled her responsibilities as a mother. Throughout childhood, I was barely fed and lacked balanced nutrition. My meals were always frozen dinners that my mother bought in wholesale. I've had to work since I was 14 years old so I could pay for my academic competition fees, my own computer, and a lot of my personal expenses. Since my earnings were usually in cash, my mother would "borrow" from me but never pay it back.

I have worked very hard to get where I am, but right now I am struggling to pay for college while my mother lives a lavish lifestyle beyond her means. In the three times that my mother has ever needed to fill out my financial aid applications, she has been four months past due, costing me thousands of dollars that she doesn't contribute to. I paid my first year of college on my own. When I asked my mother to help me with my second year, she acted surprised that I even needed to pay for college at all.

She cries to me that she lives from paycheck to paycheck, but I've seen her collection of expensive perfume and designer sunglasses, and the entire basement piled with her clothes. My father is barely employed with a low salary. I feel terrible asking him for anything. He lives well below his means in order to pay child support and his bills. I'm working overtime, but I'm running out of ideas as the tuition payment deadline approaches. Do you have any advice on how to persuade my mother to help me?

- Dead Broke Brooke

To see DearSugar's answer, read more.

Dear Dead Broke Brooke,

I have no doubt that your frustrations with your mother are legitimate, but it doesn't sound like she's about to change anytime soon. I'm so sorry that things have to be this way, but I think the sooner you learn to accept that your mother is not your ally, the sooner you'll be able to let go of some of this stress.

First of all, it's time for you to take over your financial aid forms. See about getting your dad, who it sounds like has a much lower income than your mom, to claim you; I think it's very likely you'll be able to qualify for more aid, and he might actually get it in on time too! Meanwhile, request a meeting with someone in the financial aid department and start looking into other ways to get some of your tuition paid for. If you have to, drop to part time or consider taking a leave of absence. Whatever you do, stop asking your mom for money.

And finally, start speaking to a therapist through your on-campus health center. I think you have some serious pain regarding the way you were raised and treated by your mother. It's time to start to detach and distance yourself from those feelings; I guarantee on the other side there is much more happiness. Good luck to you.

Source

Teacher Tries to Play It Cool, But FAILS

GiggleSugar — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:00:00 -0700

It's the last day of school and tradition calls for a teacher-versus-teacher relay race. This year, the kids wrapped their instructors in Saran Wrap and declared a bounce-off. The dude in the tie, who obviously makes a habit of taking himself too seriously, stole a quick lead, crossed the finish, and dropped it like it's hot - in the most uncool way ever.

"Billy, What's Six Divided by Three?"

GiggleSugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:00:00 -0700

Well, at least his classmates look amused.

Source

She Doesn't Get Paid Enough

GiggleSugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 09:00:00 -0700

Look very closely: The writing's on the wall.

Thanks, College Humor!