Job Discussion Forums

[almuze]

ok ok, I promise, soon I will stop making so many silly posts, but for now...

here we are at the christmas season again, er, the New Year season...and thanks to oxford university press, the kids in my classes are learning how to decorate christmas trees, sing jingle bells, make a fluffy santa, and all kinds of wonderful christmas, er, New Years, goodies.

Most people I know in america would say christmas is a christian holiday. Most people I know who actually practice a non-christian faith (jews muslims hindu etc) don't really do very much for dec. 25 in the states. In most public schools I have been in, christmas is not taught, because not every one celebrates it, and not everyone believes that jesus's birthday is worth a national holiday.

It makes me really really uncomfortable to be teaching christmas, especially when it doesn't seem like an informed choice on the part of many turks. When I say christmas is about jesus's birthday, they always seem kind of suprised, and say they didn't know. (maybe I am only meeting stupid people?)

and, don't even get me started on easter! why am I teaching easter egg hunts? christmas can at least be passed off as just a big cultural shopping orgy, but easter?!?

I don't think there is actually a question or anything here, I think I was just venting about how unethical it makes me feel. hmmmm oki doki.

[dervish]

lskdjflskdjflskjdflksjdflkjsdfkj

[corall]

i agree. it might be a good idea to leave jesus out of it, yeah? stick to the commercial aspect of it. that's what i do. also it's why i can teach my kids about easter too. everybody loves the idea of a giant bunny giving away chocolate.

[richard ame]

Hi

Just at this time of the year most of the Turkish kids I meet are fairly sussed about the 25th ,our place even lays on a mini celebration and we(the native speakers )receive small gifts from the administration , the religious aspect is not pushed in the workplace I would feel uncomfortable about that ,but ,I always take the day off when it falls during the week ,this year we have two whole days, so a rare chance to visit a few more than in the past .
Must dash off the carol singers are at the office door ,mince pies anyone ?

[travelingirl68]

and isn't good St. Nick from somewhere in Turkey? As far as Easter and egg hunts are concerned, you could treat it like the good spring fertility rite that it is.... Is Nauriz (what it is called in Central Asia) celebrated on March 21st in Turkey?