and difficult to understand why you would assume that it was not sincere, even if there were an additional motive.
As I said, I have never heard any rational argument explaining why it could be expected to make a difference. It certainly isn't intuitively obvious. And you haven't volunteered one or referred me to one, even though I said I lacked one. When I suggested a demonstration project, you dismissed the idea. From that I conclude that you and your fellow proponents.are not sanguine that the presence of the Commandments would positively affect behavior. If someone wants to do something and offers no rigorous argument let alone a willingness to demonstrate it's efficacy, I can only assume that the rationale is bogus and the proffered objective is smoke screen. I don't recall anyone proposing your collage before the Christianists recognized the futility of the direct approach.
You did notice that I said I have no objection to your collage, didn't you?
I have the experience of being a minority in a Christian country as a child.
I had that experience, as well, and I came through it none the worse for wear, as well, but with insights that gave me a fierce appreciation for the value of the individual and a disgust for any process that "others" people, particularly children, who so badly want to fit in. I would classify it as child abuse. I am surprised that you came out of your experience so blind to the potential damage. Perhaps you have a stronger need to fit in than I do. Or perhaps you just see developmental value in naming little boys "Sue."
No, I don't expect the little Sikh to kill himself. You're right, he'd have to be a little crazy in the first place. And yes, your approach would have something from his tradition. I'm not worked up about your proposal. It's a reasonable alternative to hanging the Commandments solo. I'm worked up at the unwarranted, even frivolous, quest to hang the Commandments, which is what spawned your proposal and is its only reason for existence.
Karen |
