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Taking yet another step towards absurdity, a politically correct Seattle school has decreed that henceforth “Easter Eggs” shall be called “Spring Spheres” – I swear I am not making this up. http://www.mynorthwest.com/?nid=11&sid=459668 Fearing that third graders’ rights would be violated by use of the word “Easter” teachers and school administrators have publicly denounced the Easter Bunny and any offspring – they are evidently fearful that “Hop” is a cleverly concealed allegory about the life of Jesus Christ.
Evidently acknowledging the existence of any Christian Holiday violates delicate sensibilities, even if the object of that celebration (the Easter Egg) has no relationship whatsoever with the religious holiday. When I was a kid I got a dradle and we sang the dradle song. I am not Jewish but I was interested in learning about the culture. I was certainly not offended by the intrusion of knowledge of religion into the classroom. Many colleges even offer advanced degrees in religion and consider it an appropriate subject of education.
I have read more than I need to about the Establishment clause. We have stretched those words in ridiculous ways. Next we will have to rename the days of the week and the months because they reference Greek and Roman Gods and we can’t have ANY religion in our public life.
Update 4/15: Colbert reports on the controversy!
(posted by Vern, hat-tip Gabriel)
The Colbert Report | Mon – Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c | |||
Easter Under Attack – Egg Edition | ||||
|
Oh yes, the right-wing blogs are all-a-fire over this story, some high school student volunteers at a public school that she refuses to name and suddenly….AAAAGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!………….CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!……..
LIBERALS ARE ATTACKING EASTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Geoff and his ilk, can’t be bothered with fact-checking when there are liberals to smear. Did you just make-up the following, as I didn’t see it in the original story?;
“Fearing that third graders’ rights would be violated by use of the word “Easter” teachers and school administrators have publicly denounced the Easter Bunny and any offspring-they are evidently fearful that “Hop” is a cleverly concealed allegory about the life of Jesus Christ.”
FYI; When my sons were in elementary school here in Santa Ana, we couldn’t celebrate “holidays” or birthdays out of deference to the Jehovah’s Witnesses.
I can’t speak for Geoff, but I think his opinion is covered under “their abstract behavior rules.” And Geoff doesn’t have to smear the liberals here, they do a perfectly fine job of that themselves. I can’t wait for when it comes time to trim the winter green trees with lights and sparkly and round things on them.
Just so we’re clear here, your argument really is that this is not a case of political correctness run amok? And your second line of defense is that since your kids couldn’t celebrate holidays or birthdays because of Jehovah’s Witnesses, that makes it ok in this case as well?
You’re definitely better than this weak post Anonster.
That’s really sad . . . except for all those kids who actually don’t celebrate Easter because its a religious holiday and all. But they can sit in the corner. After all, some of them were the ones that killed Jesus anyway. They don’t deserve Easter eggs.
What’s next? Some anti-drug zealot demanding that we change the name of “pot pies” because we are encouraging marijuana use among kids? How about removing playing cards from kid’s magic kits because they encourage compulsive gambling?
Here’s a fun politically incorrect activity to rile up the humorless and easily offended. Go to a petting zoo and find out where the roosters are congregating. In your loudest voice. say the following statement: “Wow! Look at all of these cocks!” Then take a look around and see how many people show the looks of horror on their faces. Try the same thing at a pet store where the kittens are and say “Good grief! There’s a lot of pussies here!” After that, just sit back and laugh. Or you can ask the easily offended, who really has the dirty mind here?
.
My Jewish friends tell me that’s “dreidel.”
I actually looked up the spelling and found it both ways.
Geoff,
“I actually looked up the spelling and found it both ways.”
Really? Where?
I could only find “dradle” in the Urban Dictionary and its definition, isn’t post-able.
From South Park (can’t have a better source than that:
Kyle:
I have a little dradle
I made it out of clay
And when its dry and ready
With dradle I shall play
Oh dradle dradle dradle
I made you out of clay
Dradle dradle dradle
With dradle I shall play
Thank God, a War on Easter! It seems so long between each War on Christmas. *snark* This is really worth a post?
I would say yes considering that if Mark Leno or any of the other Sacramento loony lefties have their way, it could be coming soon to an Orange County public school classroom near you. After all, California prefers to lead with crazy liberal ideas rather than follow lefties from other states.
Along with the Shari’a Law.
No, you folks worry way too much. Happy Early Easter, Newbie!
*snark*?…….. Hmmm
I know how to read a satire so do not need your cue.
However, your comment is not satire comrade Vern.
Who is attacking Christian holidays in the Christian country?…… your protected group.
One day they will declare fatwa and pogrom on you.
So keep protecting them.
Is this the “circle of life” theory that we’ve previously discussed on another thread?
GF, You have admitted that you are a “native American” even that is stupid admission because I would never call myself to be native to name of discoverer Amerigo Vespucci (1454-1512) , but you are socialist so be it.
From the history you know that your people were technologically undeveloped so stupid Spanish could kick their ass. That is happening repetitively since the cave man.
“History repeats itself”
Why?
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
CITES: George Santayana, The Life of Reason or The Phases of Human Progress: Reason in Common Sense 284 (2nd ed., Charles Scribner’s Sons, New York, New York 1924
Study GF, so you can be smarter Liberal Socialist, so you do not forget what happened to your people, so you will to refer to yourself as native of Amerigo Vespucci.
Vern Nelson forgot what Brown did to California.
So we are in same shit like in 70’s.
Stan:
My people, the Mill Lacs Band of Ojibwe, are already getting their revenge on the genocidal Anglo expansionists. Albeit in a slower but deadly fashion. We are using the power of the free market to exploit their addictions to greed, gluttony and vanity. We lure them into a false sense of security by giving them the illusion that they are winning, fatten their bellies up with cheap food and drink then “BINGO,” we make the dumb Anglo-Americans indebted to us for life.
They may have used guns against us to take our land. Instead of guns, we’re using another one of their own creations against them: slot machines and blackjack tables. It’s a lot like Wall Street but a lot more bells and whistles involved. And sometimes you get a free 200 item buffet that includes prime rib depending upon the size of your initial “investment” to our nation.
This is your theory of the cycle of life in action. What goes around, comes around.
The Mill Lacs Band of Ojibwe welcomes and thanks you: “Megwitch” Or as Charlie Sheen would put it: “WINNING!”
http://www.treasureislandcasino.com/
That is nice GF, I always did applaud that, unfortunately you guys do not own the technology only the rights.
So you forgot what got you in trouble in first place.
They can pull plug on you any time, close your accounts, put you in jail for alleged corruption and IRS violations. etc.
But if you still remember your culture you should know that December 21, 2012 it will all change. New circle will began which repeats it self every 3000+ years.
So if that is the case, given the fact that it was the Mayans of the Southern Hemisphere continent (notice how I omitted any reference to that Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci?) that made the prediction of the new cycle of life, would you also say that December 21st, 2012 is doomsday for the Federal Reserve and fiat currency (aka paper money) with it being replaced with an real free market economic system using crops, seeds and precious metals as forms of currency and trade?
Unfortunately Mayas did not predicted the cycle. Cycle happens because entire solar system is rotating with in the Milky Way and some intelligence gave them this information to protect it for the future generation which is us.
Since we are gone start new circle on higher level the Federal Reserve and fiat currency (aka paper money) will be replaced with real free market economic system using crops, seeds and precious metals as forms of currency and trade after the great flood period.
Someone must terminate chosen people a.k.a. neo-cons; a.k.a. limousine democrats; a.k.a. Wall St. democrats;…… correctly politically speaking, as in biblical history, for that to happen.
Nothing says Easter like microwaving marshmallow Peeps.
When do we get to celebrate Satanic holidays? The followers of Anton LeVay are feeling really disenfranchised right now. Hallmark needs ideas for a new line of holiday greeting cards.
Newbie,
First, Geoff, nor I, nor you know if this story is even true, secondly, if this story is true, nowhere does it state that “teachers and school administrators have publicly denounced the Easter Bunny and any offspring”, that is a just a “politically correct” LIE on Geoff’s part (as smearing and lying about public school teachers is always acceptable in right-wing world).
Furthermore, my point about the Jehovah’s Witnesses was to show that political correctness is not the sole provence of liberals. I don’t know, maybe we atheists are just more tolerant, but if calling the “christian holidays” by a euphemism makes some children feel more comfortable and included , I for one am willing to roll with it.
You right-wingers and christians are just the biggest cry-babies, it’s a colored egg, GET OVER IT!
So now you’re questioning the 16 year old who was the focus of the story. So does that mean we don’t believe any newspaper story we read? As I stated earlier, I think Geoff was extrapolating the administrators’ attack on Easter based on the ridiculous attempt to call Easter eggs “Spring Spheres” which even the kids instantly saw through. Liberals tiptoe through life attacking anything remotely Christian (Easter eggs are not a Christian mainstay, by the way) in the name of political correctness.
As for atheists being tolerant, talk to the guy (an atheist) who keeps suing (and losing) over our money and other issues simply because they carry on the tradition that has existed throughout our country’s great history of recognizing our Creator. In my experience, liberals are the least tolerant people I know. They claim tolerance, but the second you disagree with them, that rouse is exposed.
And it’s not a colored egg – it’s an Easter egg.
As an atheist I can tell you from experience just how INTOLERANT “christians” are, you people cry and whine, meanwhile everyone is dancing to your tune.
You have NO idea how much of your christian bullshit, atheists (and others) have to endure.
I’m sorry if you’ve been experiencing intolerance from Christians, but I have no idea what you’re talking about by saying everyone is dancing to our tune. If you mean the majority of Americans who say they believe in God, that would make sense. If you’re referring to the crazy liberals who run our state and are trying to legislate every single mention of the Christian God (and heaven forbid we use the word Jesus) out of our lives, then I don’t get it.
The last time I checked, no one is required to say the Pledge of Allegiance (or they can omit “under God” like Harry Reid if they want), pray, or do anything else publicly to profess a belief in God. If you’re too hung up on having our nation’s motto on your money, switch to the gold standard or contact your congressional representative and try to get it changed.
First, let’s look at your statement “the majority of Americans who believe in God.” Maybe you could discuss which god you’re talking about, as you are implying a monolithic religious culture that does not exist in reality. Then, deal with the bandwagon fallacy that, even if true that a majoity believes a certain way, that doesn’t make it correct. As an example, if you were a black diner in Alabama in the 50’s, the majority were just fine with your sitting in the colored section. I hope that helps.
The old line about legislating “every single mention of the Christian god” is a big old lie, so please stop it.
The nation does not really have a motto, does it? If you mean the little saying stuck on money in the 1950’s as a result of communist baiting, then it’s a poor example.
Tell you what. Have it changed to “in god I trust” and have it put on your own coinage. I’ll be fine with that.
Good stuff Rap, but let me make a little correction before you have the humiliation of Newbie correcting you:
In the 1950’s to “bait” the godless Communists, we did make it our national motto, and also shoehorned the words “under God” into our Pledge.
The phrase was plastered on our money decades earlier during the time of Teddy Roosevelt who fervently objected: the devout Rough Rider felt that God’s name was soiled by being attached to money – good point if you’re actually religious.
Newbie,
“And it’s not a colored egg – it’s an Easter egg.”
In reality, they ARE just colored eggs, you are free to call them Easter Eggs if that makes you happy, but what’s it to you if someone else wants to call them “spring spheres”, big effin’ deal, grow up and get a life!
Thank you for taking the bait and proving my point that it is the liberals who get worked up about everything.
And if you bothered to read the story (I know, it may be entirely made up, apparently like every other news story that’s published), it was the uptight administrators who wanted to call them “Spring Shperes.” The kids knew exactly what they were.
I kind of like the term “Blue Balls” myself….
Aside from the fact that they’re oblong, I don’t think many guys would agree Mr. Fawkes, but to each his own.
Orange Oblongs. Sounds pornographic….
I love it!
Glad to be of service.
When does “separation of church and state” become, in effect, a “prohibition on the free exercise” of religion?
Many people cannot afford to send their children to religious private school – they are forced to send their children to public schools, where expression, “free exercise,” of religion is not allowed. What is fair about that?
I had one Jehovah Witness explain to me that they did not celebrate Easter is a holiday because it was a pagan celebration of fertility. Easter eggs under that interpetation, are representing new life.
junior,
It’s only “fair” if all religions (of the children in the classroom) are included and given equal weight, as I’ve said, I’m an atheist, but I am more than willing to celebrate any and all holidays (except the dreary ones, no fasting or penance). The Jehovah’s Witnesses are a real bummer as they don’t celebrate anything, still I’d rather accommodate children’s feelings when possible by making celebrations palatable to all.
You will still be free to celebrate any thing you like at home or at church.
Umm, Easter eggs are not part of the Christian religion in case you didn’t know. We have Easter egg hunts at my church, but the last time I checked there were no Easter eggs or Easter bunny in the Bible.
It is people like you Anonster who apply them to each other. I don’t know why they are called Easter eggs, but I don’t care. They can call them “Spring Spheres” if they want, but what they shouldn’t do is force others to use that term simply because they are trying to prevent the word Easter from being uttered in public school (I have no idea why they can’t call them Spring eggs, but that’s Seattle liberals for you). I love how elementary kids are smarter than the administrators.
*Bunnies? Bunnies do not create multi-colored eggs. The concept of Easter we thought we to celebrate Good Friday, Ascension Day, Pentecost and Palm Sunday. But then, coincidentally these series of events all seem to jive with the Spring being Sprung and the fact that celebrations that do not include official government days off…..hardly have any meaning for most folks. So, in order to gin up the experiences that added some great green, pink, purple and violet flowers and chicks….with the sweetest bunnies on the planet. How much harm can any of that do? They could call it “Glee, Dancing with the Stars or American Idol…..day. Who
really cares as long a few folks get the message that Jesus was supposed to rise from the dead and see his dad in heaven?
anonster said: “It’s only “fair” if all religions (of the children in the classroom) are included and given equal weight ..”
How about allowing classroom space and time in public schools for the use of the various religions? And athiests can go worship a tree or a rock or mother effin’ nature.
How about school districts paying for non-religious student books for private schools?
There is much that could be done to mitigate public sector stiffling of the free exercise of religion.
junior,
“How about allowing classroom space and time in public schools for the use of the various religions?”
For what purpose and to what end? It’s a SCHOOL, not a church.
“How about school districts paying for non-religious student books for private schools”?
Why should they? After all EVERYONE can attend the public schools where the books are already provided.
“There is much that could be done to mitigate public sector stiffling of the free exercise of religion.”
Why do you feel the need to “exercise your religion” in the public sector, don’t you have your home and your church for that?
Remember when it used to be called “Easter Break”? Now it’s Spring Break…..
Everyone is invited to the OC Fairgrounds for Easter this year……it’s an incredible event .
Check it out…..
http://oceaster.com/
Easter is back – for everyone! Including atheist anonster:
The title Easter was used in connection with the Anglo-Saxon goddess called Eostre or Ostara. This was the goddess of spring, to be worshipped at the time of the vernal, or spring, equinox. It’s pretty easy to see that this goddess, and the symbolism around her, closely corresponds to the springtime themes of rebirth, new life, new hope, and light.
The English word Easter and the German Ostern come from a common origin (Eostur, Eastur, Ostara, Ostar), which to the Norsemen meant the season of the rising or growing sun — the season of new birth. The word was used by ancient Europeans to designate the “Feast of New Life” in the spring.
The word long antedates Christianity. Originally, it referred to the celebration of the spring sun, which had its birth in the East and brought new life upon the earth. The ancient Teutonic goddess of spring was addressed as Eostre. Easter, then, antedates Christianity by centuries.
But what about the myriad customs that surround this day — the Easter eggs, the Easter bunnies?
Again, you may be surprised to learn that red, blue, yellow or green eggs, as symbols of the renewal of life, were part of a custom that goes back centuries. Eggs are a symbol of fertility in many lands. So is the famous Easter bunny; this rapidly breeding and multiplying animal was an ancient symbol of fertility. And so modern children, eagerly hunting for Easter eggs supposedly deposited by a rabbit, are unknowingly following an ancient fertility rite. Uh – oh ….
So anonster – Easter is a celebration of spring – that’s all there is to it.
junior,
Why are you associating me with the axing of the “Easter Egg”? I could give a rat’s ass about what anyone calls it, unlike YOU and the other conservative nutcakes on this blog, you are the ones who are so SENSITIVE.
I have merely pointed out that we have NO STATEMENTS from ANY administrators or teachers from this school (as the teen making the allegation refused to name the school) as to why they have decided to call them “spring spheres” (if this story is even true), for all we know, it could be because some conservative religion voiced an objection, as you have pointed out “Easter Eggs” have a pagan origin.
As for myself, in classic atheist fashion, I plan to have the usual big Easter bash, full of booze, bratwurst and bunnies, cheers!
Can I come, can I come?? (kidding)
Pardon me .. I forgot to wish anonster and everyone a happy Easter!
Thanks for reminding me junior – I forgot to wish Anonster a Merry Christmas in December.
Haven’t you immature kids got the point – Anonster doesn’t care if people say Easter or Christmas or not, and neither do I. Knock yourselves out! And happy Palm Sunday tomorrow by the way.
Stonge Henge? Druids? We thought the Romans brought the Easter Bunny to the Western
World. As Junior said so eloquently: Happy Easter one and all.
Colbert did a nice take on this last night. Easter Under Attack! Egg Edition!
Eggs have nothing to do with Easter. Both start with the letter E so it rolls off the tongue quite easily. I bet those Judeo-Christian Corporations could care less what you call them, as long as they sell…
gsr said:
“Eggs have nothing to do with Easter.”
Actually, eggs have a lot of symbolic meaning within the celebration of Easter.
you may be surprised to learn that red, blue, yellow or green eggs, as symbols of the renewal of life, were part of a custom that goes back centuries. Eggs are a symbol of fertility in many lands. So is the famous Easter bunny; this rapidly breeding and multiplying animal was an ancient symbol of fertility. And so modern children, eagerly hunting for Easter eggs supposedly deposited by a rabbit, are unknowingly following an ancient fertility rite. Uh – oh ….
Quote the gospel.
It’s all called “syncretism.” In order to popularize the Christian religion with people across Europe who’d been pagan for centuries, the canny Church fathers latched their own festivities and customs onto the pre-existing ones. Jesus wasn’t born anywhere near Dec. 25, but that’s when the Winter Solstice celebrations were, so that became Jesus’ birthday. The millenia-old Spring Equinox celebrations got incorporated into the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection.
And you say your people are used to worshiping a female deity? Well, looky here, we’ve got Mary the mother of God! It’s probably her you’ve been accidentally worshipping her all along. (That was one thing most protestants rebelled against.)
The “War against Easter” brings people closer to Paganism. Who knew!
I’ve actually had this bizarre, surrealistic, half-satirical screenplay brewing in my head for years, “Historical Roots of the Easter Bunny.” Maybe I should work it up for an Easter story here next week.
The Hysterical Historical Roots of the Easter Bunny and his cartoon pals Bugs and Daffy Duck
True Easter Bunny story: