Keira Cronin*
They have been surrounded by music for as long as Jules Hoffman can remember.
Growing up with grandparents who were musicians and a father who played the piano, Hoffmann says he always felt that music was his calling. However, her three children, whom Hoffmann affectionately called nibblings (a gender-neutral term for nieces and nephews), did not come until her sister had children.
“I just wanted to write a song that reminds you to be loved no matter what,” says Hoffman.
This experience prompted them to apply for a job co-teaching music classes for children. But now, nearly five years after the gig, Hoffman is a co-star in one of the biggest independent kids programs online and is at the center of a huge backlash against her LGBTQ friendly content in education. .
member of Hoffman songs for littles, a YouTube channel led by teacher and co-founder Rachel Griffin Accurso. But you may know her as Ms. Rachel, the creator of TikTok and her content that has become a parenting staple on her YouTube. songs for littles It started as a face-to-face class created by Accurso. However, thanks to an increase in student numbers and a desire to reach more children, the group began filming lessons and posting them on YouTube. And by 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic left parents out of child care and an urgent need to entertain their children, songs for littles has become a phenomenon. Since the channel’s creation, its educational music videos have drawn him over 3.12 million subscribers, 1 billion views on YouTube, and a devoted, appreciative parent base. . In January, a trend of parents playing her Rachel’s song “Icky Sticky Bubblegum” and filming babies’ happy reactions spread, generating over 30,000 videos and her 38.3 million views. Recorded.but songs for littles Popularity wasn’t great enough to protect the non-binary Hoffmann from a wave of violent counterattacks against their identities.
Two weeks ago, a TikTok user accused songs for littles Including a lesson on pronouns in the show is something they deem inappropriate for children. “When Miss Rachel introduces them/them/their pronouns, you have to stop watching her,” says the video. Can you make it?” is written. Some comments below it reflect the original poster’s concerns. “I haven’t really seen it in her videos yet, but if it happens, my daughter will find a new show.
There was a reason the commenter didn’t find it— songs for littles There are no lessons to teach children about pronouns. On the channel, Jules and all other guests are referred to by their first names. So the main complaint seems to be that Hoffman’s personal TikTok centers around explaining pronouns and short lessons about the LGBTQ community. On their page @julessingsforlittles, Hoffmann sings original songs and performs puppet shows, but considers the page, which has 154,000 followers, to be for adults.
Both Hoffman and Accurso have faced significant backlash over parenting on TikTok, with thousands of comments trying (and failing) to popularize the hashtag #cancelmsrachel, and others claiming their kids are on YouTube. I mentioned that I will not be able to watch the channel. Accurso announced his temporary departure from TikTok, saying, “Harmful videos and comments, no matter how much attention they get, will never bring you what you want. Only love can do that.” (Accurso did not respond ‘rolling stone’Request for comments. )
Hoffman speaks rolling stone They have been using their/their pronouns since 2018 and are readily available on social media and on their official website. songs for littles website. However, they attribute the recent backlash to the current hostile rhetoric against the LGBTQ community. In Texas and Florida, angry parents have successfully lobbied for books on LGBTQ people, history and education to be removed from school libraries. Tennessee recently became the first state to impose restrictions on public drag shows under the guise of child safety.
“There’s a lot going on around LGBTQ and transgender youth right now,” says Hoffman. rolling stone“Bills are being made, horrible bills are being made, some are being passed. I’m thinking of all the research that’s ever been done showing LGBTQ and transgender youth are at higher risk of suicide.” By the way, everything they need is taken from them, at the cost of the lives of their beloved children who just want to be seen and accepted.”
Over the past two weeks, Hoffmann’s comments have been flooded with thanks for singing. On TikTok, hundreds of parents and users have created videos denouncing conservative parents and telling Hoffman to take their side.
“We love and support you. Keep going for your little one.”
“What rock do you live under to teach your children that it’s okay to judge Jules? [their] Identity? ” Read another.
“We love [Ms. Rachel and Jules] In this household,” wrote another TikTok mom. “Forever and forever.”
As emotional as it is to be the target of such hostility, Hoffman says the overwhelming support proves that parents are already focused on the task of teaching their children to be inclusive. It states that
“I feel loved and supported by the team. [kids] says Hoffman. “So I try not to get caught up in the drama, because it’s not about me. It’s really about the next generation, and even adults watching end up in the media in a representative way.” see yourself
For Hoffmann, being an educator isn’t just about teaching the next generation how to speak, sing, and read. It’s about maintaining the love and acceptance they think all children have.
“I pop out on the screen. And the kids get it. They’re not scared. They’re like, ‘Cool.'” There’s another person like me,” Hoffman says. “I don’t think people realize how much their children absorb and look at us and take cues from us. I tell them everything they need to know.I’m really trying to be real and true to who I am.And it’s not something I want to hide.”
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