A non Christian teacher complained that it was somehow discrimination, and so now during Christmas, we are not allowed to put up a tree or to decorate our rooms. Do you think that this is fair that because of this one person, the rest of us have to be deprived of the joy of Christmas decorating? i don't know about you, but things have really gone too far now. I mean, I would have no objection if this person wanted to put up decorations for Hannuka (He's Jewish) What's your opionion on the matter?
2006-12-13 06:31:01 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Other - Holidays
This debate it insane and everyone from retailers to little girls and boys know it. I think some people are too over sensative. I love Christmas, I love Hannuka, and I love all the other festivities during this time of the year. Why can't people just accept the fact that many things are being celebrated during this time of the year and move on? It's a federal holiday.... and I see a Christmas tree as a very non-confrontational symbol. People just need to stop being so sesative. If someone tells you Merry Christmas and your a JEW, reply "Happy Hannuka" (I'm part Jewish and I have fun with both Christmas and Hannuka... the food and festivities are great). Let's just enjoy this time of the year and not get so wrapped around the axle.
If I were you, I would go out and buy a manora, a nativity scene, a Christmas tree, and anything else associated with the "holdiay" season and plaster it all over my room, making sure that each holiday was represented equally.
Merry Christmas to all!
2006-12-13 06:43:23 · answer #1 · answered by whathappenedamber 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You, as a teacher, are an authority figure for the Government. How you act, what you do, what you endorse has an enormous effect on your children. Children in your class who don't believe as you do shouldn't have to feel like they're second class citizens, or different, or feel compel to be Christian just because you are.
Now, do all decorations equate to christianity? No. Is the school going slightly overboard by not allowing ANY decorations? Yes. But that's because "no decorations" is the easy answer for the school, not necessarily the right one.
I could write for hours about the Establishment Clause in schools, but that about sums up my views.
(And me, "separation of church and state" was a phrase used by T. Jefferson, and adopted into legal jurisprudence in the middle of the 20th century by Justice Hugo Black. You're right, that the modern supreme court has interpreted the "Establishment Clause" to mean state endorced or state coerced religion. But of course this teacher IS a state actor. And, to an oustider, an overt Christian display would be seen as an endorcement of a particular religion -- Christianity. So even in this instance, your argument doesnt fly.)
2006-12-13 06:42:24 · answer #2 · answered by Perdendosi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was a public school teacher for 4 years before I had my daughter. We were never allowed to put up Christmas decorations - at least not to the extent of a Christmas tree. We stuck to more "wintery" themes, such as snowmen, snowflakes. I think it's okay to bring up Christmas themes in a discussion of all religious winter holidays, but I don't think that means you decorate your classroom or hallway according to one holiday. I agree with the other responses that you should save the decorating for your own home. If you have such a strong desire to make Christmas part of your curriculum and learning environment, perhaps you need to consider teaching in a Christian school.
2006-12-13 06:45:30 · answer #3 · answered by MMK 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might want to check the facts.....
Most of these situations stem from a non-Christian person simply asking for equal treatment - so, if you put up Christmas decorations, they would like Chanukah decorations up as well... It is the public agency that makes the decision to take down EVERYTHING rather than put up everything... Such is the case in the Philidelphia Airport where the Jewish Rabbi threatened them with a lawsuit....
Seems fair to me. Put them all up, or dont put any up. If the public agency chooses to put none up, they do so in an effort to demonize the other religions by blaming them for a lack of Christmas.... When it is really the decision of the agency....
Does that at all affect your opinion?
2006-12-13 06:35:58 · answer #4 · answered by YDoncha_Blowme 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think that as long as they allow the non-Christian teacher to decorate her classroom the way in which she sees fit, then I see no problem with putting up Christmas decorations around the school. Maybe instead of restricting all decorations, the school should put up some for all December holidays, to make things fair and to encourage a sense of multiculturalism.
2006-12-13 06:35:13 · answer #5 · answered by Persephone 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Since Christmas has nothing to do with the REAL birth of Christ (some biblical scholars put his birthday in June/July) and is really an adaptation by early missionaries, of several pagan Roman and Germanic celebrations, it's DOWNRIGHT SILLY!
Oh I forgot to mention the commercialization of Christmas, which added all the current decorating trappings, to get us into a real generous shopping mood.
2006-12-13 06:48:34 · answer #6 · answered by bata4689 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
personally, i don't think that public schools are the correct forum for ANY kind of religion to be "chosen" over another. yes, christmas decorations are popular and generally accepted by the public, but some people still take issue with them. the best idea, in my opinion, is have a great time decorating your home inside and out, but keep religion out of public schools. that's what parochial schools are for.
2006-12-13 06:36:59 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I feel like Christians are the minority now and have to bow down to all others. If this is not true why do Christains have to take down decorations(or not put them up) and we can't say Merry Christmas(Happy Holidays) but all others impose their beliefs on us! We are too touchy feely in this country now and we need to move on! If all we want is peace in this country quit bickering and accept everyone and everything!!!
2013-12-03 00:36:20 · answer #8 · answered by William G 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My opinion stands with Ydoncha's. I would also agree that it seems fair.
In Tacoma, Washington, the airport wouldnt let a rabbi place a menorah along side the christmas trees. They decided to remove all the trees instead.
Dedicating it to solely one holiday wouldnt be fair.
2006-12-13 06:47:53 · answer #9 · answered by Jenny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that public schools shouldn't endorse a religion over another, or any religion in general--that includes the religion's holidays.
I also think that schools should have better things to do than put up big shiny trees and Santa Clauses everywhere. Isn't school supposed to be about, like, learning or something?
2006-12-13 06:40:17 · answer #10 · answered by N 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋