To: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Date: Thu, 3 Nov 2005 14:56:28 -0500
From: Penny J Rapicano <prapicano-AT-juno.com>
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] holiday shows


I just have to chime in on this thread.  I think it's GREAT that schools
are being cautious about the content of performances and school
curriculum.  All families have the right to send their children to public
school and they have the right to decide what flavor of religion (or no
religion) to practice at home.  Why should a publicly funded school favor
one holiday over another?  You may not have met anyone who objects to
religious shows, but I would bet there are some people out there who do. 


I say hooray for diversity and for the realization that being sensitive
to others is important!!!

I'm sure that many puppeteers have shows that are appropriate for any
audience in a public school.  Most people wouldn't want a Devil
worshiping group or the KKK to come into school and perform for children,
 so you can't allow a show with a Christian content to come in to
perform.  If you let the Christians in, you have to let everyone else in
too -- and that could be really bad.   So keeping  religious views out of
school is really protecting children from being bombarded by religious
groups who have ideas that families may object to.   

Halloween is not really a secular holiday -  it is the eve of a Catholic
Holy day - All Saints Day.  But if you go way back it was a pagan
celebration.  I believe Independence Day is just about the only real
secular holiday because it was not founded with a religious intent.  

Penny Rapicano
_______________________________________________
List address: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Admin interface: http://lists.driftline.org/listinfo.cgi/puptcrit-driftline.org
Archives: http://www.driftline.org