Peabody holiday concert inappropriate song selection

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This article sheds some light about both the negro spiritual and the Channuhah song being appropriate.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2019/12/14/can-public-schools-have-christmas-trees-whats-true-not-true-about-religious-expression-public-schools/

I really hope OP and those who find it inappropriate read the article.

And we're an atheist family before someone chimes in about our motives.

This article sheds light on Supreme Court case law - it does not shed light on appropriateness. Many of us agree that Citizens United was wrongly decided. The idea that adding multiple religious symbols and calling it a "holiday concert" and therefore, constitutional is as much as hokum as declaring corporations people. It is inappropriate in a public elementary school to have children singing about the birth of Christ. Not all African American children are Christian. No all African American Christians celebrate Christmas. So what are the assumptions about "community" being made because of their skin color? Moreover, again, elementary students singing religious songs without context is not teaching them critical thinking or tolerance. Must better would be to cancel holiday concerts, and do community service projects.

I agree with you. We need more Thurl Ravemscroft songs and less frivolity. School isn't meant to be fun. Put 'em to work

No, but creating a public temple to materialism with the focus on Santa and gifts isn’t teaching civics - a major point in public education, ostensibly. A service project - maybe visiting seniors in assisted living or collecting used clothing for the homeless could be impactful.

Our kids’ school does that too. And they learn about multiple world religions through song. I think we are evolved enough to open our minds and hearts to different cultural and religious traditions without feeling personally threatened by them.

[Anonymous]

The issue here is they are highly impressionable 5 year olds. There was no discussion by the music teacher as to what they were singing and what the songs background was. She simply did a sing and repeat in class to teach the song. That’s it.

[Anonymous]

The real question is, will OP send her child to Watkins??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The issue here is they are highly impressionable 5 year olds. There was no discussion by the music teacher as to what they were singing and what the songs background was. She simply did a sing and repeat in class to teach the song. That’s it.

I completely agree. Do you know what the hokey pokey means! What if they swallow a fly? Will they die?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The issue here is they are highly impressionable 5 year olds. There was no discussion by the music teacher as to what they were singing and what the songs background was. She simply did a sing and repeat in class to teach the song. That’s it.

I completely agree. Do you know what the hokey pokey means! What if they swallow a fly? Will they die?

We don't sign 10 little Indians anymore...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This article sheds some light about both the negro spiritual and the Channuhah song being appropriate.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2019/12/14/can-public-schools-have-christmas-trees-whats-true-not-true-about-religious-expression-public-schools/

I really hope OP and those who find it inappropriate read the article.

And we're an atheist family before someone chimes in about our motives.

This article sheds light on Supreme Court case law - it does not shed light on appropriateness. Many of us agree that Citizens United was wrongly decided. The idea that adding multiple religious symbols and calling it a "holiday concert" and therefore, constitutional is as much as hokum as declaring corporations people. It is inappropriate in a public elementary school to have children singing about the birth of Christ. Not all African American children are Christian. No all African American Christians celebrate Christmas. So what are the assumptions about "community" being made because of their skin color? Moreover, again, elementary students singing religious songs without context is not teaching them critical thinking or tolerance. Must better would be to cancel holiday concerts, and do community service projects.

I agree with you. We need more Thurl Ravemscroft songs and less frivolity. School isn't meant to be fun. Put 'em to work

No, but creating a public temple to materialism with the focus on Santa and gifts isn’t teaching civics - a major point in public education, ostensibly. A service project - maybe visiting seniors in assisted living or collecting used clothing for the homeless could be impactful.

Our kids’ school does that too. And they learn about multiple world religions through song. I think we are evolved enough to open our minds and hearts to different cultural and religious traditions without feeling personally threatened by them.

"Personally threatened?" or perhaps you are not evolved enough to accept that some folks do not think religion belongs in an elementary school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This article sheds some light about both the negro spiritual and the Channuhah song being appropriate.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2019/12/14/can-public-schools-have-christmas-trees-whats-true-not-true-about-religious-expression-public-schools/

I really hope OP and those who find it inappropriate read the article.

And we're an atheist family before someone chimes in about our motives.

This article sheds light on Supreme Court case law - it does not shed light on appropriateness. Many of us agree that Citizens United was wrongly decided. The idea that adding multiple religious symbols and calling it a "holiday concert" and therefore, constitutional is as much as hokum as declaring corporations people. It is inappropriate in a public elementary school to have children singing about the birth of Christ. Not all African American children are Christian. No all African American Christians celebrate Christmas. So what are the assumptions about "community" being made because of their skin color? Moreover, again, elementary students singing religious songs without context is not teaching them critical thinking or tolerance. Must better would be to cancel holiday concerts, and do community service projects.

I agree with you. We need more Thurl Ravemscroft songs and less frivolity. School isn't meant to be fun. Put 'em to work

No, but creating a public temple to materialism with the focus on Santa and gifts isn’t teaching civics - a major point in public education, ostensibly. A service project - maybe visiting seniors in assisted living or collecting used clothing for the homeless could be impactful.

Our kids’ school does that too. And they learn about multiple world religions through song. I think we are evolved enough to open our minds and hearts to different cultural and religious traditions without feeling personally threatened by them.

"Personally threatened?" or perhaps you are not evolved enough to accept that some folks do not think religion belongs in an elementary school.

But yet Beyoncé and hip hop is ok?!

I want our schools to pass along the best of our culture and our values.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The issue here is they are highly impressionable 5 year olds. There was no discussion by the music teacher as to what they were singing and what the songs background was. She simply did a sing and repeat in class to teach the song. That’s it.

I completely agree. Do you know what the hokey pokey means! What if they swallow a fly? Will they die?

We don't sign 10 little Indians anymore...

I loved “Ten Little Indians”! Did the woke PC staatspolizei get it banned?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This article sheds some light about both the negro spiritual and the Channuhah song being appropriate.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2019/12/14/can-public-schools-have-christmas-trees-whats-true-not-true-about-religious-expression-public-schools/

I really hope OP and those who find it inappropriate read the article.

And we're an atheist family before someone chimes in about our motives.

This article sheds light on Supreme Court case law - it does not shed light on appropriateness. Many of us agree that Citizens United was wrongly decided. The idea that adding multiple religious symbols and calling it a "holiday concert" and therefore, constitutional is as much as hokum as declaring corporations people. It is inappropriate in a public elementary school to have children singing about the birth of Christ. Not all African American children are Christian. No all African American Christians celebrate Christmas. So what are the assumptions about "community" being made because of their skin color? Moreover, again, elementary students singing religious songs without context is not teaching them critical thinking or tolerance. Must better would be to cancel holiday concerts, and do community service projects.

I agree with you. We need more Thurl Ravemscroft songs and less frivolity. School isn't meant to be fun. Put 'em to work

No, but creating a public temple to materialism with the focus on Santa and gifts isn’t teaching civics - a major point in public education, ostensibly. A service project - maybe visiting seniors in assisted living or collecting used clothing for the homeless could be impactful.

Our kids’ school does that too. And they learn about multiple world religions through song. I think we are evolved enough to open our minds and hearts to different cultural and religious traditions without feeling personally threatened by them.

"Personally threatened?" or perhaps you are not evolved enough to accept that some folks do not think religion belongs in an elementary school.

But yet Beyoncé and hip hop is ok?!

I want our schools to pass along the best of our culture and our values.

There is some very deep bias built into your question (whose culture? whose values? who gets to decide what best is?). Beyonce has some pretty girl-power lyrics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This article sheds some light about both the negro spiritual and the Channuhah song being appropriate.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2019/12/14/can-public-schools-have-christmas-trees-whats-true-not-true-about-religious-expression-public-schools/

I really hope OP and those who find it inappropriate read the article.

And we're an atheist family before someone chimes in about our motives.

This article sheds light on Supreme Court case law - it does not shed light on appropriateness. Many of us agree that Citizens United was wrongly decided. The idea that adding multiple religious symbols and calling it a "holiday concert" and therefore, constitutional is as much as hokum as declaring corporations people. It is inappropriate in a public elementary school to have children singing about the birth of Christ. Not all African American children are Christian. No all African American Christians celebrate Christmas. So what are the assumptions about "community" being made because of their skin color? Moreover, again, elementary students singing religious songs without context is not teaching them critical thinking or tolerance. Must better would be to cancel holiday concerts, and do community service projects.

I agree with you. We need more Thurl Ravemscroft songs and less frivolity. School isn't meant to be fun. Put 'em to work

No, but creating a public temple to materialism with the focus on Santa and gifts isn’t teaching civics - a major point in public education, ostensibly. A service project - maybe visiting seniors in assisted living or collecting used clothing for the homeless could be impactful.

Our kids’ school does that too. And they learn about multiple world religions through song. I think we are evolved enough to open our minds and hearts to different cultural and religious traditions without feeling personally threatened by them.

"Personally threatened?" or perhaps you are not evolved enough to accept that some folks do not think religion belongs in an elementary school.

But yet Beyoncé and hip hop is ok?!

I want our schools to pass along the best of our culture and our values.

There is some very deep bias built into your question (whose culture? whose values? who gets to decide what best is?). Beyonce has some pretty girl-power lyrics.

Are you saying you get to decide but the PP does not?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This article sheds some light about both the negro spiritual and the Channuhah song being appropriate.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2019/12/14/can-public-schools-have-christmas-trees-whats-true-not-true-about-religious-expression-public-schools/

I really hope OP and those who find it inappropriate read the article.

And we're an atheist family before someone chimes in about our motives.

This article sheds light on Supreme Court case law - it does not shed light on appropriateness. Many of us agree that Citizens United was wrongly decided. The idea that adding multiple religious symbols and calling it a "holiday concert" and therefore, constitutional is as much as hokum as declaring corporations people. It is inappropriate in a public elementary school to have children singing about the birth of Christ. Not all African American children are Christian. No all African American Christians celebrate Christmas. So what are the assumptions about "community" being made because of their skin color? Moreover, again, elementary students singing religious songs without context is not teaching them critical thinking or tolerance. Must better would be to cancel holiday concerts, and do community service projects.

I agree with you. We need more Thurl Ravemscroft songs and less frivolity. School isn't meant to be fun. Put 'em to work

No, but creating a public temple to materialism with the focus on Santa and gifts isn’t teaching civics - a major point in public education, ostensibly. A service project - maybe visiting seniors in assisted living or collecting used clothing for the homeless could be impactful.

Our kids’ school does that too. And they learn about multiple world religions through song. I think we are evolved enough to open our minds and hearts to different cultural and religious traditions without feeling personally threatened by them.

"Personally threatened?" or perhaps you are not evolved enough to accept that some folks do not think religion belongs in an elementary school.

But yet Beyoncé and hip hop is ok?!

I want our schools to pass along the best of our culture and our values.

There is some very deep bias built into your question (whose culture? whose values? who gets to decide what best is?). Beyonce has some pretty girl-power lyrics.

Are you saying you get to decide but the PP does not?

Clearly not! But the bulk of Beyonce is not singing about Jesus - which in a public school would be inappropriate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The issue here is they are highly impressionable 5 year olds. There was no discussion by the music teacher as to what they were singing and what the songs background was. She simply did a sing and repeat in class to teach the song. That’s it.

I completely agree. Do you know what the hokey pokey means! What if they swallow a fly? Will they die?

We don't sign 10 little Indians anymore...

I loved “Ten Little Indians”! Did the woke PC staatspolizei get it banned?

10 little Indians (not it's original name) is certainly something that should be confined to the dustbin.


Random spirituals, Christmas carols, Hanukkah songs and other traditional Western songs that are not offensive should be left alone.

Are we allowed to sing xmas songs written by Irving Berlin? Is My Sweet Lord ok even if it's Hindu? Can we quote Rumi even though it's all religious?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow this is a classic spiritual. I could see how you could be put off if you didn’t know, but once you know...really?

+1

I'm a atheist, and a former (ancient) Peabody parent, and I think this is a great choice, with historical ties to DC's majority population.

That was DC’s majority population when you had kids at Peabody - the city has changed and DCPS needs to keep up.

Nope. Next year, ask the music teacher in advance about the chosen music. Don’t like it? Have your kid sit out. Or just shut up and learn something that is clearly outside of your comfort zone.

Someone who clearly missed civics herself- minority populations, STFU - while the majority rules. Yikes.

What does it matter? Seriously. Is this deeply traumatizing for you? The kid’s teacher picked a song that’s culturally relevant to a population (clearly not YOUR population nor a population you have NO interest about). At least it’s historical. Still angry? LEAVE. withdraw your child, move, go away. I assure no one Willl miss you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow this is a classic spiritual. I could see how you could be put off if you didn’t know, but once you know...really?

+1

I'm a atheist, and a former (ancient) Peabody parent, and I think this is a great choice, with historical ties to DC's majority population.

That was DC’s majority population when you had kids at Peabody - the city has changed and DCPS needs to keep up.

Nope. Next year, ask the music teacher in advance about the chosen music. Don’t like it? Have your kid sit out. Or just shut up and learn something that is clearly outside of your comfort zone.

Someone who clearly missed civics herself- minority populations, STFU - while the majority rules. Yikes.

What does it matter? Seriously. Is this deeply traumatizing for you? The kid’s teacher picked a song that’s culturally relevant to a population (clearly not YOUR population nor a population you have NO interest about). At least it’s historical. Still angry? LEAVE. withdraw your child, move, go away. I assure no one Willl miss you.

Your racism in assuming all POC are Christians is traumatizing - as is your grammar. Similarly, your racism that people don’t care about children outside their “population” unless they support children in a public school singing about Jesus is troubling.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow this is a classic spiritual. I could see how you could be put off if you didn’t know, but once you know...really?

+1

I'm a atheist, and a former (ancient) Peabody parent, and I think this is a great choice, with historical ties to DC's majority population.

That was DC’s majority population when you had kids at Peabody - the city has changed and DCPS needs to keep up.

Nope. Next year, ask the music teacher in advance about the chosen music. Don’t like it? Have your kid sit out. Or just shut up and learn something that is clearly outside of your comfort zone.

Someone who clearly missed civics herself- minority populations, STFU - while the majority rules. Yikes.

What does it matter? Seriously. Is this deeply traumatizing for you? The kid’s teacher picked a song that’s culturally relevant to a population (clearly not YOUR population nor a population you have NO interest about). At least it’s historical. Still angry? LEAVE. withdraw your child, move, go away. I assure no one Willl miss you.

Your racism in assuming all POC are Christians is traumatizing - as is your grammar. Similarly, your racism that people don’t care about children outside their “population” unless they support children in a public school singing about Jesus is troubling.

I think someone worked up over a racially diverse DC elementary school singing a traditionally black spiritual Christmas song (in a concert that included a Hannukah song) likely has zero actual interest or insight in actually doing anything to help the actual disparities in the world.