(NAME-MCE) U.S. & Christian Privilege

[Bill Howe]

I don't know of any public schools in this area who celebrate holy days as
part of the official curriculum. Many school systems have a policy of no
observance of any holidays at all. This includes religious as well as
secular holidays and birthdays. I find this tragic from an educational
viewpoint. Since religion seems to be the source of many national and
international conflicts, including the studies of different faiths seems to
be a logical effort.

As someone who works in multicultural and multi-faith organizations, I enjoy
learning more about the belief systems of others. And I enjoy (although
sometimes painful) the very deep and personal discussions we have about
differences and similarities plus the struggles against religious bigotry. I
remember our former governor who proclaimed Thanksgiving as a sacred
"Christian" holiday and the teacher I observed who taught the children that
the US was the only country in the world that celebrates Thanksgiving. Ouch
on some many levels. I understand the problem of government promoting one
religious faith over another. I struggle with the don't ask, don’t tell
mindset. 


-----Original Message-----
From: name-mce-bounces at nameorg.org [mailto:name-mce-bounces at nameorg.org] On
Behalf Of Nicholas Meier
Sent: Wednesday, April 29, 2009 2:28 AM
To: NAME LISTSERV
Subject: Re: (NAME-MCE) U.S. & Christian Privilege



I would suggest the solution that many schools I know use‹ not celebrating
holidays (holy days), as part of school. A very simple solution.


--------
³I will listen to you especially when we disagree.²­Barack Obama
--------
Nicholas Meier, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Education
CSU Monterey Bay
nicholas_meier at csumb.edu
http://www.nicholasmeier.com
(o) 831-582-3536
(h) 831-688-2708 

> From: Bill Howe <bill at billhowe.org>

> 
> Warren:
> 
> What is your "solution" to this "problem"?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: name-mce-bounces at nameorg.org [mailto:name-mce-bounces at nameorg.org]
On
>
> 
> U.S. & Christian Privilege
> 
> by Warren J. Blumenfeld
> 
>  
> 
> As spring peers forth from the soil and tree limbs, the annual Easter egg
> roll, sponsored by the President of the United States and the First Lady,
> thrills elementary and pre-school age children each year, a tradition
dating
> back to 1879. Introduced by a beautiful rendition by Fergie of the Star
> Spangled Banner, this year, Barack and Michelle Obama invited 35,000
> children representing 42 states. Also, in school classrooms throughout the
> country, students and their teachers dip hardboiled eggs into brightly
> colored dyes, and display Easter eggs of pink, yellow, blue, green, red,
and
> lavender. An excitement wafts through the classroom as students imagine
> sharing their treasures with parents or caregivers, as teachers reward the
> good work of their charges with delicious gleaming chocolate bunnies.
> 
>  
> 
> Many people (most likely the majority) consider these events, played out
in
> Washington, DC and in some schools in the United States, as normal,
> appropriate, and joyous seasonal activities. Upon critical reflection,
> however, others experience them as some of the many examples of
> institutional (governmental and educational) (re)enforcements of dominant
> Christian standards and what is referred to as "Christian privilege,"
though
> presented in presumably secularized forms. They represent some of the ways
> in which the dominant group (in this instance, Christians) reiterates its
> values and practices while marginalizing and subordinating those who do
not
> adhere to Christian faith traditions. I ask then, is this country one that
> truly separates religion from government? If not, how do we make it so?
> 
>  
> 
> Warren J. Blumenfeld is co-editor of Investigating Christian Privilege and
> Religious Oppression in the United States, 2009, Sense Publishers
> 
>  
>  
> Dr. Warren J. Blumenfeld
> Department of Curriculum & Instruction
> Iowa State University
> Ames, IA 50011-3192
> Office Phone: (515) 294-5931
> Office Fax:     (515) 294-6206
> Home Phone: (515) 232-8230
> 




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