I offered you no argument because I do not think that there is one you would accept. I do not propose a pilot study because I cannot see how one being definitive, and, in any case, if it is permissible to put them up, one may as well do so and study what happens over the next few years.
I do not believe you would accept any argument because the argument in favor of it is so obvious, and you are a smart person, so if it doesn't do it for you, I don't know what will. The argument simply is that children are impressionable, and respond to symbols of cultural authority. To quote from the Bible, and other traditions, in a dignified way, and to have them continually see that these ideas are held in esteem, is likely to make them take more seriously the notion of acting conscientiously. If that means nothing to you, again, I am at a loss.
Why would you think I had more of a need to fit in than you do, if I cannot fathom why one would make such a big deal out of the issue? Obviously, I have less of a need to fit in. I didn't say to myself: "I wish I were Christian". I was proud, to the point of being snobbish, that I was Jewish. It was a blow, initially, when my mother wanted us to be baptized.
You did not answer any of my ancillary questions. Should we cease all public expression of the majority culture because someone might feel marginalized? I would say no, it is an absurd requirement. To be welcoming to immigrants and visitors, we need not cease to be ourselves. Most of us our "different" on some basis, some times. I was treated much worse for being a "braniac" than I was for being a Jew. I did not resent Christians doing their thing. I did resent getting picked on for being smart. If people are not mistreated, there is no harm done...... |
