Reply #33: There are some students who actively advertise their beliefs [View All]

and try to make it appear as if they are under attack by the 'godless liberals'. Since I am openly 'liberal' in a very conservative community (the former location of Jim and Tammy Faye's PTL Club con operation), I do take a lot of flack from others. On many occasions students, and even teachers, will try to bait me into 'discussions' where they can make me look foolish or downright wrong (typical ad hominem approach); and, this event, I believe, was one of them.

To give some background on this event, in class we were ahead of schedule and were talking about the upcoming vacation. One student asked me what I was giving my family for Christmas. I told them that I disagree with the crass materialism into which this holiday has degenerated (just my opinion folks). Therefore, I neither give nor accept presents during this time; the only exception is for my father whose birthday is 24 December. The majority of my students gave the typical, materialistic response of 'what, no presents!' type of reaction. But, there was this one student who said that I was being 'sinful'. When I asked how that was, the reply was that the wise men brought presents to the baby Jesus, so we should do the same.

I do not ask my students what their religious beliefs are, that would be against school policy, and mine (I might add). On the other hand, I do not advertise my beliefs either. If asked, I will say something neutral and try to get off the topic. Another thing for which I am criticized is that I do not force my students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. When I am asked why, my response is that if one is forced to recite the pledge, then it takes all the meaning out of it. If one chooses to do it voluntarily, then it has meaning. Personally, being non-religious, I do not recite the Pledge and I am in front of the class. Once a student of openly conservative opinions called me 'unpatriotic' for being this way. The next day I brought my old Marine Corps uniform to class, complete with ribbons, and asked him to call me 'unpatriotic' again; he said nothing.

Why do I keep this job? Well, sometimes I actually make it through to some students and get them to see other perspectives; that is my one true reward. However, there are those who choose (or do not know any better) to live in an enclosed bubble where everything is just the way they want it and people like me are to be ridiculed.

If you have any more questions I will try to answer them as best I can.