Krauthammer’s column yesterday (Just Leave Christmas Alone) says this:
“Some Americans get angry at parents who want to ban carols because they tremble that their kids might feel ‘different’ and ‘uncomfortable’ should they, God forbid, hear Christian music sung at their school. I feel pity. What kind of fragile religious identity have they bequeathed their children that it should be threatened by exposure to carols? “
We live in a reverse situation, where Christians are the distinct minority, and kids get days off for Hanukkah but not Christmas. I can’t even imagine having the thought that the majority should refrain from celebrating their heritage and religion because it could be offensive to us, the minority. To go further, one of our sons goes to a public kindergarten where part of the school day includes (Jewish) prayers. Not only do we not demand they stop (I suppose we could as it is a public school and not supposed to be religious), but we allow him to participate. On Friday, he was the chazan, a highlight of his week. Some, I’m sure, would be horrified that we do this. I disagree, for a number of reasons. In any case, CK does again what he does so well: say eloquently what seems like common sense.