Around the Holidays if the people in schools talk about Santa Claus couldn't they just say he's real if you only believe him to respect other very young children of other religions.
2007-09-01 05:43:07 · 18 answers · asked by winter d 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I rather not to say anything, i won´t lie about that, but if the parents want their kids to live that...I wont take that right from them.
take care.
2007-09-01 05:46:23 · answer #1 · answered by Yanya Yanyitus de Yanhoos 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Young children haven't the faculties, experience or security to question what they're told is true. Because the idea of Santa is fun, instills hope and can even be useful in promoting good behavior, most people don't feel it is wrong to go along with the mass delusion, even if it is essentially a commerial plot to boost the corporate economy on the backs of doting parents.
"Truth", contrary to common understanding, is not immutable but is shaped by what the general populace thinks it should be. So if your version doesn't match the conventional wisdom, guess who loses the smackdown? You don't have to promote the guy, just be as polite and surprised when Santa shows up as you would for Mickey Mouse, Spider Man, McGruff or ANY complete stranger in a costume. Undermining parental credibility is not an esteemed social value.
A time will come when the kids finally develop abstract thinking and can see the contradictions and inconsistencies. THAT would be a more appropriate teaching moment, when you can relate the Santa deception to all the other psychological campaigns waged by businesses, government, churches, commentators and peer groups to win your loyalty. (But don't expect their parents to begrateful.)
2007-09-01 19:51:28 · answer #2 · answered by skepsis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
On the other hand..I don't really think it's the school's job to teach these sorts of things, but since it will probably come up during the holiday season, they will probably have to address it some way or another. At least take a few days to explore other Holiday practices. Last year my son (Kindergarten) had a Christmas day, a Kwanzaa Day, and a Hanukkah day...
Of course permission slips were sent home to make sure it was okay with the parents, for their kids to be present on those days.
I personally thought it was great.
Of course I know it's not for everyone, and that should be ok too.
2007-09-01 12:50:13 · answer #3 · answered by All I Hear Is Blah Blah Blah... 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Actually, I'd ask why people in schools would need to talk about Santa Claus at all! Schools, especially public schools, exist to impart knowledge. If they want to discuss all the various beliefs associated with the holidays, that's one thing...but if they want to focus on just one (or on a few) "widely accepted" belief(s) and in any way suggest that those beliefs are "true" that seems counterproductive to the educational mission!
2007-09-01 12:50:54 · answer #4 · answered by KAL 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Children should be told the truth about the fictional character that we call Santa Claus.
2007-09-01 12:54:11 · answer #5 · answered by The Happy Atheist 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Would you also advise me to claim "Saddam's weapons of mass destruction will become real if you only believe in them"? No? Then you're setting up a double standard: Adults may receive the truth but children may not.
I can't go along with that, and I could never agree that this is a respectful way to treat anybody.
2007-09-01 12:52:53 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
If the parents want to lie to their children that is up to them Why should I lie about something that for one is not true, and I don't agree with. Now if you are talking about respect for what others believe I give them total respect, they have the right to believe the way that they want, think the way that they want and also teach their children what they want.
2007-09-01 19:03:29 · answer #7 · answered by Vivimos en los Ultimos Dias 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally, because I am a Christian and do not believe in lying, my children we never taught to believe in that lie. I do not approve of telling lies for any reason. I don't always tell someone something if I don't have to do it to hurt them, but if I am forced to say something, it is the truth.
The Bible says to do it that way -- tell the truth since 1 little white lie will send you to hell if you do not repent of it -- because it was an intentional sin.
2007-09-01 12:49:42 · answer #8 · answered by mesquiteskeetr 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You would think that wouldn't be too much to ask but it seems in these times, so many are worried about what's "politically correct" and catering to the same idiots that think prayer should not be allowed in school, and any references to God (money, pledge of allegiance, etc.) should be taken out.
2007-09-01 12:49:59 · answer #9 · answered by bsmmn5 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Santa Claus has nothing to do with religion.
Besides, if it is not on the CRCT (standardized tests), we are not allowed to teach about it.
Bush and his NCLB baloney.
2007-09-01 12:48:58 · answer #10 · answered by batgirl2good 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋