Intolerant Diversity….
There’s been a big push in this country for several years to make us all more inclusive—and to—as Tee shirts and bumper stickers say:
It’s laudable—and I applaud it—EXCEPT when those attempts to be inclusive actually EXCLUDE people.
Case in point:
Overheard in a schoolyard recently.
KINDERGARTEN AGE CHILD: Oooh. look at the pretty Christmas tree.
TEACHER: We don’t call them Christmas trees, because some people don’t believe in Christmas. Those are holiday trees.
I’m sorry teacher, but you’re getting a failing grade on this one.
If you see an object like this–what do you call it?
It’s a Menorah. Just because everyone’s not Jewish—you don’t call it a candle stick. You call it what it is. Nothing wrong with calling it by it’s proper name.
This building is a church.
Not everybody who practices a religion does it in a church. Should we not use that term because it might OFFEND someone and instead call it a gathering spot for like-minded people?
It’s political correctness run amok.
How the heck do you teach tolerance when you can’t tolerate someone else’s beliefs?
To celebrate diversity—we have to teach our children that all sorts of people believe in all sorts of things—and it’s OK for you and them to each believe what you WANT TO BELIEVE.
So, in no particular order, here’s to all who celebrate the following:
- Hanukkah (Jewish)
- St. Nicholas Day (International)
- Bodhi Day – Buddha’s Enlightenment (Buddhist)
- Virgin of Guadalupe (Mexico)
- Santa Lucia Day (Sweden)
- Las Posadas (Mexico)
- Eid al-adha (Islamic, Muslim)
- Christmas (Christian, Roman Catholic, International)
- Boxing Day (Canada, United Kingdom)
- Kwanzaa (African-American)
- Guru Gobind Singh’s Birthday (Sikh)
- Lohri (Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh)
- World Religion Day (Baha’i)
- Ashura (Islamic, Muslim)
- Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnam)
Did we miss any? If so—let us know. We’ll update this list.
There.
Now, let’s truly be a nation of diversity—instead of a nation of hypocrites.
—Steve
Link here to the story Steve covered today on NBC-17
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If I could give you multiple kudos ratings here I would. For years, I have been hurt by the thought that “openmindedness” means shunning anything conservative ~ that all things conservative, republican or religious are inherently wrong and “closeminded” and all things liberal and unchristian are consequently “openminded”. BS.
And this comes from me, a treehugger liberal non-christian. Cheers to Christmas Trees, Menorahs and Kwanzaa events alike ~ along with all other equally important celebrations!
Happy Holidays Steve!