Georganna Greene
Jonah Ruddy
Educational Psychology 401
June 12, 2014
Religion and "The Winter Problem":
Response to the article by Ozlem Sensoy
As educators it's important for us to consider and evaluate the role of religion in our classrooms. As everyone knows, religion is something that is hard to address, yet its something that cannot be simply ignored. In his article: "Kill Santa: the Winter Holiday Problem," Sensoy addresses the most religiously sensitive and concentrated season of the year: Christmas. Some say, "Merry Christmas," as follows their beliefs, traditions, and values, whereas others feel more comfortable saying, "Happy Holidays." Some people hold Christmas concerts, and others hold Annual Winter dances. While it may appear that we've worked out a compromise here in our nation comprised of many diverse cultures, races, and religions, Sensoy points out the remaining issues still at large with religion.
He both identifies a "christian privilege," or social power, and relates it to "white privilege," and the social influences of other dominating majority groups. He argues this with the evidence from history -the already existing correlation between white people and christianity, and the privileges that exist for both groups. He then seems to stress that christian dominance around the month of december, shown in the Christmas traditions of christmas trees, stockings, carols, and Santa Claus, represents a sort of oppression against other religions who don't celebrate Christmas. But I don't think he limits it to Christians who do this, but perhaps even people who sing Jingle Bells and decorate their houses in red and green, without even truly having Christian faith or beliefs. Thus there is much confusion when the holidays roll around, because people want to celebrate their traditions without oppressing others who differ in beliefs (but of course their are instances where oppression is intended by some groups over others).
He both identifies a "christian privilege," or social power, and relates it to "white privilege," and the social influences of other dominating majority groups. He argues this with the evidence from history -the already existing correlation between white people and christianity, and the privileges that exist for both groups. He then seems to stress that christian dominance around the month of december, shown in the Christmas traditions of christmas trees, stockings, carols, and Santa Claus, represents a sort of oppression against other religions who don't celebrate Christmas. But I don't think he limits it to Christians who do this, but perhaps even people who sing Jingle Bells and decorate their houses in red and green, without even truly having Christian faith or beliefs. Thus there is much confusion when the holidays roll around, because people want to celebrate their traditions without oppressing others who differ in beliefs (but of course their are instances where oppression is intended by some groups over others).
This article made me reflect on how as a teacher I can be a facilitator of knowledge and creativity in the classroom, approaching students from various backgrounds and religions especially during Christmas time or other holidays that may provoke confusion or discrimination. I think its important to welcome all kinds of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences into the classroom, educate everyone equally on the differences in religions that exist, and remain in that educator role as much as I might have my own personal beliefs too. It's not our job as teachers to convert students in the classroom, and its not the student's obligation to accept every claim we stake. Therefore, we should be sure there is an emphasis on informing students on valuable topics like religion, and less emphasis on presenting a bias with an expectation of acceptance on their end.
Ozlem Sensoy is a woman.
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