The following letter is from a close friend who is a brilliant, caring, high school teacher with a politically active mind and a biting sense of humor. I found this quite poignant for the times we live in. I hope you enjoy.
He sent this out to his district's federation of teachers organization.
"Subject: Re: "Holiday" Flier
I noticed that the latest FT [Federation of Teachers] December bulletin had a Dreidle and Menorah for the Happy Hanukkah message whereas Kwanzaa, Ramadan, and Christmas were represented by a snowman that said "Happy Holidays". While I realize that Jewish holidays are inherently distinct from and superior to all other world holidays (and, of course, must be shown respect as such), I was confused by the Snowman used to represent the three other major holidays in December. After pondering this for a bit I was further baffled as to why Kwanzaa was represented by an all-white snowman. That seemed a bit offensive to me, until I realized that maybe it was a subtle reminder that whitey has been oppressing the colored peoples of the world for millennia. Likewise, why the key religious observance of Islam, with it's roots in the deserts of Arabia and the Middle East, along with its prohibition of graven images or human representation was summed up in a man of snow? Perhaps it was to emphasize that the material things of this world are but passing dreams compared to Allah, blessed be He, the Eternal. Or perhaps this was to remind us of the need to stay hydrated even during a month of fasting? Finally, I was confused as to why the second or third most significant Christian holiday was represented by a coal-buttoned, carrot nosed, snowball. Was this a subtle reference to gold, frankincense and myrrh? Maybe the cuteness of the snowman has allegorical parallels to baby Jesus? Did the idea of the snowman who could be re-rolled into existence the day after he melts pre-figure the Christian dogma of Christ's resurrection?
At any rate, I defer to your well-reasoned rationale for these iconic choices. And I am certainly glad that the OFT, by using these carefully selected visual reminders of the world's great traditions (and not-so-great ones as well), is quelling any incendiary fuel which the religious right (of any stripe) might invoke to complain that they are being "discriminated against" by the left-wing liberals who dominate education.
Cheers and Happy Holidays and Hanukkah!"
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3 comments:
This is really funny.
Though it's so hard to say something that won't offend people at this time of year it often feels better to say nothing at all.
Don't know why your friend had to diss the Jewish religion (in a back-handed way, but it's there nevertheless). And in case he didn't know, "holidays" is derived from "holy days". But I do agree that there could have been better choices to represent the holidays!
Thanks for your comment, but lighten up.
Sarcasm - sar·casm
Pronunciation: 'sär-"ka-z&m
Function: noun
- a sharp and often satirical or ironic utterance designed to cut or give pain
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