"So what are you going to ask Santa to bring you for Christmas?" pg 72
Imagine such a simple question during the holidays offending someone? Sometimes I just don't understand what all the "necessary" precautions are for regarding religion. People take things too seriously sometimes. What is wrong with saying, "I'm sorry but we don't celebrate Christmas"? Yes, we should respect the people that are not religious or do not celebrate Christmas, but we should also understand that there are others out there that do. I guess this stirs up some memories from last year. I have worked at the same after school program for two years now, and the school that we are in does not allow the children to perform any acts of gift giving or Christmas activities. It is as though they totally ignore some of the children that actually do celebrate this holiday. They do learn about Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah however. I believe all these religions are important and should be touched on. When did it become not okay to have Christian beliefs in the school? All beliefs should be respected.
This also makes me think back to Tim Wises essay, "Honky Wanna Cracker?" It talked about how using honky wasn't as significant as using the "n" word. I guess my sentence just proved that true. The fact that I can write honky, but not write the other racial slur makes it even more obvious. Although I do not believe that blacks, institutionally can be racist, I do believe that both whites and blacks can make hateful politically incorrect remarks. Both are signs of disrespect and should not be used. No remarks of that kind should be accepted, just like all religious beliefs should be.
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3 comments:
I really like the connection you made, where all religious activities are not celebrated but that both blacks and whites can be racist, and neither time is it ok. I think a better (more politically correct) question would be "what are your plans for the school break or for the holiday season." Its a fine line to walk and I honestly think everyone has tripped up once or twice.
I found the same topics you wrote about interesting, I have been in similar situations personally and at work. I don't see that asking someone about a particular holiday is offensive after all there are many different holidays that are and are not celebrated. This may just be my opinion but I like to talk about the holidays that I celebrate as well as hear about the holidays that other people celebrate. That is what makes life interesting and meeting new people fun. We are all different and thats OK.
I believe that you're on to something with the religious views in schools... or lack there of in the realm of catholicism. I think that it's wrong not to include a major religion. I'm Buddhist but my family celebrates Christmas. I don't take offense to other peoples believes, I embrace them. It's awesome to learn new things and religious beliefs.
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