Political Correctness Futile in All-Inclusive Celebrations
By Liz Walbridge ‘07 News Guest Writer
Why in God’s name is everyone so paranoid lately over equal religious representation during the holiday season? All this “political correctness” is insane.
I’ve heard comments regarding this tree claiming that it is “too Christian” and it shouldn’t be decorated on campus. First of all, let me correct those of you who think that it is a “Christmas” tree, because it was actually a German Pagan tradition for the New Year. Also, since when is a tree with lights on it forcefully making you recognize Jesus Christ as the savior of mankind? It isn’t. It is a holiday decoration meant to brighten those dark nights (starting around 5pm!) and maybe, for some practicing Christians, it is a symbol of their religion. Can’t the same thing be said for wreaths or holly?
I have had multiple encounters with people who think that Choate is only focusing on Christianity for the holiday season, but this is just ignorance.
This administration does a magnificent job for providing us with all kinds of celebration – I recommend Lessons & Carols on Sunday – because, if only sometimes, it is important to focus less on specific religious traditions and more on the spirit of these traditions. “Christmas Spirit” does not exclude Jews or Hindus or Pagans, because it is not about the Church and ALL about how we treat each other. Isn’t it more important to be thankful for warm clothes and plentiful food during a time when so many people may go cold and hungry?
I don’t want to lecture on good will towards men. Man’s good will to man is not a topic about which I want to lecture. Please don’t tell me that you think there is too much Christianity on campus right after you went to the wonderful Charlie Brown Christmas concert. Non-believers can enjoy singing carols, too, so don’t be ashamed if you went and you were also one of these people who told me that you don’t like the Christmas Tree.
Please, be open-minded. Just because we don’t see symbols of Jewish or Muslim holidays everywhere on campus, this does not mean that your traditions are disrespected or that Christianity is the only religion that matters.
Maybe taking time away from criticizing certain holiday traditions, we could instead be thankful that we do, in fact, have religious freedom in this country. Think about that, at least, if you don’t take anything else away from this article.
Do you have a problem with under representation of religions? Then change that! Do something about it. It wouldn’t be hard to put up your own decorations.
Holiday spirit is a joyous thing for those who find it, so share it with those around you. Only two weeks left with these friends at Choate, so make the best of it.
We’re all worried over various things, but we can all make these two weeks less painful if we can be respectful and cheerful. Dance around that bloody Christmas Tree!
