The current controversy reported in the news recently about prohibiting Christmas carols, Christmas programs in schools or barring the inclusion of any religious reference in a holiday parade disturbs me a great deal. Some say these performances should be stopped because they may be "offensive" to some. Well, I am offended at the very idea that these things should be discontinued.
Whatever happened to our freedom of speech, expression and religion? In these days when the gap of separation between church and state appears to be narrowing in a frightening manner, these suggestions are puzzling. The United States of America has always been comprised of a "melting pot" populace. This means different ideas, customs, religions, etc. are going on all the time. When did our tolerance of these differences disappear? Was it never there in the first place?
The performance of Christmas-themed concerts and programs are often as much of a traditional and nostalgic nature as a testament to faith. Many people singing these carols are singing purely for the joy and love of the music; they've been hearing and singing these songs since the beginning of their memories. This is what we do at Christmastime. I'm so tired of being treated as the minority we seem to be fast becoming. I am the product of a protestant-based upbringing and I look forward to and treat Christmas as a time to celebrate even more joyously the love of my family, immediate and extended. Much of my so-called faith stems from the love and strength I receive from them. God's light and lessons shine down on us in a multitude of ways.
It will be a dark day in this country if an edict comes down from "those men in Washington" declaring Christmas carols and any and all references to Jesus' birth must be confined to the inside of churches. I'm no religious fanatic, believe me, but there's something very wrong here. No one should be forced to participate in these programs but they shouldn't be taken away from those of us who enjoy them.
2 comments:
There is a south park Christmas special ( yes I know you hate that show) where they are going to have an xmas pagent and the debate of what is offensive comes up. Everything from Jesus to the Christmas tree and Frosty to the lights and reindeer is removed and the childrens play is done with them wearing grey gunny sacks, and chanting about chairs and a pillow because those words are non offensive. Naturally everyone sees that the performance is stupid and they all see the meaning of Christmas is accepting each others beliefs..oh, and a sining piece of poo named Hanky helps send the message too...but thst is another story :)
At some point, Christmas in this country lost a lot of its religious import and became a traditional, secular national holiday. It is wrong not to acknowledge this when dealing with "holiday programs" in schools, etc. No matter its religious roots, Christmas is part of our national heritage, and should be acknowledged as such. It IS the only "religious" holiday that is recognized as a national holiday. Whoever made THAT decision had the correct perspective. Lisa :-]
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