(Sorry about the sideways picture, but its a long story of technology snafus and swearing.)
As an election activity at the elementary school at which my sister works, a "Wishes for Our Country" tree was set up in the lobby. The idea idea is that kids would decorate a paper star on some side and write a message of hope for the nation on the other. It would then be put on the tree. Sounds good so far, right?
The day before the election, Dana was surprised to notice a Cristmas tree in the lobby with two boxes of lights.
"Why is there a Christmas tree?" her co-worker, who attended Catholic school as a child, asked Dana.
Dana wondered the same thing. It turns out that the Christmas tree was the voting tree. She felt very uncomfortable with it, as it obviously represents a Christian holiday, especially with all stars hanging from it and a pseudo angel topper. The school is not supposed to have religious displays. However, since she is neurotic like I am, she is worried that she is overreacting although obviously she is insanely pissed about it since she's obsessed over it for days now and asked me to post it on my blog.
What do you think? Should she say something to the principal, who she has a good relationship with?
we're not allowed to have any religious decorations in the clinic/hospital either. i don't think there's anything wrong with that because it's no religious items, no matter the religion. would it be different if it were a 'tree' that was not an evergreen? like a fake oak tree since that's our national tree? i could see it better if oak leaves were decorated and placed on a tree trunk/branches, but i suppose the stars are already done by the kids.
ReplyDeletei'd say she ought to at least bring up the possibility that it could be misconstrued before someone more litigious does.
IT'S JUST WEIRD. Too many people are equating the election with Christmas. What is up with all the "trees", anyway? Remember when Hallmark tried to create some wack new trend with the "Easter Tree"? WTF was that all about? Actually, kids can't vote and they don't really understand most of the issues (not that adults do much better) so what the hell?
ReplyDeleteOkay. I just felt like a little rant. I really had nothing constructive to add.
I would say they could have found a better way to do it, and it is indeed too much like a Christmas tree. yeah, it's a little anal to mention it, but such is life.
ReplyDeleteWhile I agree that the tree would be associated with Christmas the general intent and actual display do not evoke or promote any denominational celebration. I think the problem is that the tree itself is an icon of the holiday thus if we see the tree we think "Christmas." I think the school is protected from a legal perspective as well, since it is clearly not celebrating a holiday but rather is intended to celebrate a national event, in this case "Election Day." If it bothers her that much she should say something, although I think in the end, it is appropriate "speech" by the school that in no way promotes one religion or any religion over another.
ReplyDelete