Re: Culturally Sensitive Xmas/Religious References
Michael Cooper (mcooper@MCOOPER.SEANET.COM)
Thu, 12 Dec 1996 05:19:29 -0800
This thread has covered a broad response on how to be sensitive to
others and make sure not to cause offense no matter what the price
maybe. Sensitivity certainly must contain respect for all, without the
exclusion of any or it ceases to be sensitive. Thus lets not confuse
sensitivity with delution. Truely if one is sensitive then one cannot
be offended, because the sensitivity to the others will give
understanding and understanding precludes offense. Watering down one's
own beliefs, customs, traditions and faith doesn't make one sensitive,
just as overtly denying all other cultures doesn't make one's own
belief, customs, traditions and faith any greater. However, having
allowance and tolerence for each to celebrate their own beliefs,
customs, traditions and faith according to their dictates and doing the
same with one's own is a mark of sensitivity. Joining in in anothers
celebration and inviting others to participate in yours is an other
mark. Asking one to change or modify their's or doing so with one's own
is not sensitive, but is asking instead to deny one's basic beliefs.
Just a few questions to consider about sensitivity and the direction it
seems to take when people demand the recognition of minorities within a
majority society. Should the majority be asked to down play its believes
and traditions in order not to "offend" others? Is sensitivity a one way
street? Shouldn't it be fair to ask minorities to be sensitive to the
customs and faiths of the majority? Isn't "offensive" to ask someone to
put aside their faiths, customs, traditions and basic believes so they
won't offend another, while at the same time asking them to embrace a
few token pieces of some other persons basic faiths and customs so they
will have better understanding and respect?
If a troop has 95% Christians and 5% other faiths would it be offensive
to ask 95% of the scouts to set aside their traditions and faith for the
5%, or would be reasonable to recognize and learn and even join in
celebrating the 5% in their customs while maintaing the 95%'s. One
condition should apply; not to ask anyone to participate in an activity
that is contrary to their beliefs....such as , offering a Jew or Islamic
scout bacon and eggs at a Santa breakfast (and any other time,
understood). Sensitivity needs to be sane not insane. Insanity comes
when their is a break with reality....like denying that Christmas exist
within a Christain majority or offering a generic prayer, puposely
leaving out all references to Christ the Savior in a Christain prayer.
The trend to be sensitive and multicultured has taken on a meaning that
the majority (mainly Christain...here in the USA), should set aside its
values and focus on the minorities values and culture. Many times the
activities take on a near mockery of other faiths and customs. Seldom is
much learned other than one can feel good for a few moments about being
"sensitive".
Example: Lighting a candles and imitating a jewish tradition without
the faith and understanding of the underlying meaning is mockery. One
can gain understanding and respect without imitating the ritual, thus
keeping the prospective of the religious significance of the tradition.
Many Christain faiths have some kind of Communion or Sacrament that
represent the body and blood of Christ. Would it be good for
non-Christians to offer the tokens of the Last Supper as a way of being
sensitive to Christian customs and beliefs? On the other hand having a
Jewish Scout explain or even demostrate various aspects of his/her faith
and customs can take on a different focus and lead to a clearer
understanding. I do not need to kiss the Wailing Wall to know that it
has great and deep meaning to those of the Jewish faith, nor would I
expect a Jew to recite the Rosary to understand Christianity. in either
case doing so would be mockery. However I can celebrate that a close
friend just returned from Israel and had the opportunity to visit the
Wall of the Temple. This happiness we can share. Just as he was happy
and exited that I was able to visit a historical site pertaining to my
faith. That is sensitivity. He did not have to pul a handcart across
the country to understand or repect me, nor did I need to visit Israel
to understand or respect him. Yet we could have traveled together and
witnessed each others faith in action. That is sensitivity.
Each individual scout can be recognized and honored by letting them
celebrate their traditions and faith in their true form. While a prayer
is being offered, it is of no consequence if it is spoken in Hebrew,
English, Spanish or ASL, what is important is the faith of the person
offering the prayer and the faith of those whom it concerns. No need
for anyone to be offended by a sincere plead by someone to their source
of spiritual strength. If one doesn't think the message got through to
their specific spiritual source(god) they can always offer their own
prayers. Such are holidays. Celebrate that which is true to the
individual and celebrate that which brings happiness to those about you.
Partake in the feast, but eat only that which agrees with you, and cry
not about that which disagrees. That is the key to diversity. Many
dishes makes for a beautiful table....eating all of it makes for
indigestion.
An option that I have chosen and teach my own children is; one always
has the option to quietly not participate if the activity is not within
the standards of our faith and thus not be offended and not offend. If
the activity is beyond the scope of tolerence, truely contrary and
offensive to our standards we can always withdraw from such activites,
still not offending by demanding that others change their customs or
traditions.
Michael Bowman posted a list of Holidays that would keep one busy all
year round (thanks for the list it was helpful) trying to be "sensitive"
to every different custom and belief. Someone suggested let the scouts
plan their activities. This I find has worked the best in our units.
The scouts will find a natural balance of what is right for the group.
Usually it is the parents that are easily offended. Strange how it
works out that those who seek to be offended usually are..and it usually
is the same people that are the least sensitive to other customs and
faiths.
I heard said..." If you haven't been offended....then you have either
lived a very sheltered life or you haven't had your first birthday yet".
Michael Cooper
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
