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| Witchvox Chapter: Wren's Nest News | Chapter Page Views: 56,550,238 |
 Cultural Censorship Is Ruining Christmas Carols Author: Paula Simons Source: The Edmonton Journal (Canada) Title: CULTURAL CENSORSHIP IS RUINING CHRISTMAS CAROLS I miss Christmas carols. That sounds absurd, at this time when "seasonal" music is everywhere, like so much aural wallpaper. But when you step into shopping malls, flick on your television, hear a choir or attend a school concert, it's very rare that you hear an honest-to-God Christmas carol -- the kind with God in it. What we get instead, with increasing frequency, are secular seasonal ditties, about Santa and reindeer, and the joy of giving. (And hence, buying.) I'm as big a fan of multiculturalism as you could ever hope to meet. But trashing great music in favour of vapid pop tunes isn't multiculturalism. It's anticulturalism. | |
| Community Thoughts: There are 31 comments posted | Reverse Sort |
| Funny | Dec 17th. at 1:58:38 pm EST |
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by Magma II (New Milford, CT) - wc_xemail I find it amusing that the Catholic school I attended from first through eighth grade always included at least one Jewish song in its Christmas pageant every year. And we sang it in Hebrew. There was also the year every class (there were only eight) was assigned a country and had to learn a traditional carol from that country in that country's native language. That was about the only thing that bloody school ever did right. Personally, I like some of the more traditional carols, even if they are religious, but only when they're sung in the traditional manner. I can't tell you how many bastardized carols I've heard this year, sung by pop stars who can't seem to find the note they're trying for and can't hold it when they do. Or they jazz it up beyond recognition, trying to "personalize" it or modernize it or some such idiocy. One of them even leaves out the entire first verse of "Do You Hear What I Hear?" which sort of screws with the story. On the other hand, I LOVE the Trans-SIberian Orchestra's "Christmas Eve Sarajevo" -- go figure. And there's an instrumental version of "Carol of the Bells" done in the same style but by a different band that I wish I could track down, because I want to own it. For those looking for Jewish themed songs, try the Peter, Paul, and Mary Christmas album (can't remember the specific name; I'll try to get it tonight) . It includes several songs with Jewish themes that aren't necessarily Hanukah songs, along with some of the most beautiful renditions of traditional English carols I've ever heard. I also just picked up the Moody Blues CD "December" which is sort of a Christmas album. I heard a couple of the tracks while I was in the store and had to have it. Again, more traditional stuff, nicely done. Happy and blessed Yule, all. ::goes off humming:: |
| O They Know It's FenrisNacht At All? | Dec 17th. at 12:35:28 pm EST |
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by Magic Rat (Rockin Around The Spreading Chestnut Tree) - wc_xemail Yes, that's right, not enough is being done in shopping malls to confuse rampant consumerism with not only love and goodwill, but God, religion, and the right wing! Ahem. |
| Multicultural Christmas | Dec 17th. at 10:53:03 am EST |
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by SeerOfDreams (New Hampshire, USA) - wc_xemail Ok, so we hear more about Santa and stuff instead of Christ and God. So? If that's such an issue, why don't we as a society start being more inclusive. It's obvious that this time of year is sacred to more than just Christians. How about we do more traditional Christmas songs, along with Kwanza, Hannakah and Pagan light festival songs? At least we'd be hearing things most of us have never heard before, and would certainly get people asking about what these other cultures are about. Bright blessings, Seer |
| Outstanding | Dec 17th. at 9:14:17 am EST |
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by Frums (Maryland) - wc_xemail I love anticulturism. Anticulturism and antisocialism are two of the greatest things in this country. When i'm out shopping, I want to go into a store, buy what I need and get the hell out. Instead I get to the mall where a santa rings a really loud bell right in my hear (I hate loud noises and i'm really tall so it is right in my ear) . I have to get the random person handing out fliers about different things that I really don't care about. Basically they're saying "here, you throw this away". Then I find the store I want and try to walk through it like a spy trying not to set off the 50 motion sensor devices that will play 25 random songs. And one of the most fun part is being on the other side of the mall and still hearing the kids scream because their afraid of the big fat man that smells like booze that mommy is forcing them to sit on. I think that it's great to have a belief and it's great to believe in something, but there are some people who just really need to learn to keep it to themselves. You have the freedom of speech, but that doesn't mean I have to care about what you're saying. Insanity at its finest and bah humbug (LOL) , Frums |
| Well, Here's A Thought....... | Dec 17th. at 6:00:34 am EST |
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by Magestorm Allgoode (Taterland) - wc_xemail Personally, I don't care if a store plays seasonal music or not, no matter what the religion it is espousing. But, can we do SOMETHING about those annoying Salvation Army Bellringers? I wouldn't mind them, but that blasted bell they HAVE to ring drives me nuts. Not only that, many hand out tracts when they are not supposed to. Also, look into other charities to support. The Salvation Army, besides their religious leanings, cheat and swindle people out of hard earned money. Did you know that at most Salvation Army donation centers, they take all those spring and summer clothes and SHIP them to mexico, SELLING them for pennies to textile mills that turn these clothes into fabric? Or that 95% of all the coats they recieve head for the landfill every year?? If you have doubts of the factuality of this, I speak from experience. At one time, I had to stay in one of their shelters. When I found a job, they charged me for the 2 weeks that I had stayed there. Turns out I would have saved money living in a hotel room instead. But while I was looking for work, I had to sort thru the donations. I asked the person in charge, and he informed me that they had been doing this for years. Music, OK! Salvation Army? NO WAY!!!!! |
| Just A Thought, , | Dec 16th. at 11:54:50 pm EST |
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by Olwen (Ashland KY) - wc_xemail come on guys. lets not go off the deep end cause someone wants to put a few christmas carols in places. The whole point of this season is to rejoice. Not try to find something wrong with everything everyone else does. Everyone wonders why I am strictly solitary. It's because I am so tired of everyone acting like the burning times all over again. I know so many Pagans that still love to sing Christmas Carols and even religous songs. *ohhhhhh grabs heart and falls over* Its the season to be forgiving and loving. No matter the denomination. Blessed Yule to ALL |
| Why Censor Music At All? | Dec 16th. at 11:15:14 pm EST |
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by Okana (Northern New York) - wc_xemail I love music, all kinds of music. To me, there is nothing more inspiring and uplifting. I'd rather listen to the Hallelujah Chorus (I even sang in it once) than another playing of Bob and Dough MacKenzie's 12 Days of Christmas any time. Yes, there is some phenomenal Solstice music out there - in fact, we just heard Libana in concert, and Clear Horizon is magnificent. And I've played Osse Shalom on handbells and fell in love with the tune. But they don't play those over the PA systems, or on the radio. Maybe we should ask them to. But to eliminate all the beautiful compositions because they aren't "ours" would be cutting of our nose to spite our face. Read Wren's column on Solstice music on the front page of the Vox - listen to those, and others, and recommend them to others - then make sure that Pagan musicians know we'd like to be inspired by some tunes for the season, too. As for me, I sing out loud every time I hear The Holly and the Ivy! |
| There Should Be A Distinction Made . . . | Dec 16th. at 9:10:17 pm EST |
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by R. Cicero (Seattle) - wc_xemail . . . and there is legally supposed to be a distinction made between what children are subjected to in our public schools and home traditions. Both of which you are free to chuck out the window at 18. But public schools should be religion-free, and the fact that there's so much controversy brewing underscores that the law is finally making headway and being enforced, at least here in the states. Expect more skirmishes for decades to come. You might say I have 'mixed' feelings about Christianity, but I have to agree with others that some of the old standards like Silent Night and Hark!, etc., are really pleasant and melodic no matter what religious theories they're propagating. The fact that shopping malls are torn this way and that on the issue only proves that they're uncertain how to squeeze the maximum amount of money out of the widest range of 'holiday' shoppers. |
| Meep. | Dec 16th. at 9:09:57 pm EST |
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by Maia Evenstar (glasgow) - wc_xemail As i was always told when growing up - a process i don't believe will ever end- Happy Merry thing! It doesn't really matter what it is you are celebrating anymore, it is the spirit of the celebration. Which ever day or which ever name you choose to give it all the celebrations have the same thing in common. The christian way of doing it is to try and get everyone involved and only those who say no very firmly are excluded, the pagan way seems to be to only include those who ask to be included. Either way those who truly wish to be included are. I don't believe as the author of this article did that what is lacking from this time of year is any mention of God in the carols. It is any belief in God. No one seems to really care vehemently about their religion. It is something worth celebrating!! I was taken out of assemblies in primary school by my mother in case they sang hymns so perhaps i have a little less hatred of them as i haven't heard them every christmas, i also don't celebrate christmas. However i know a lot of people who do and the thing i love is seeing someone light up just because it is a time of year that is essentially about being with others and seeing people you haven't seen for a while. Or just appreciating those you do see. Anyone who does believe that it is all commercial nonsense should try to remember that the world is what YOU make it, so if you want it to be more then make it more important! I recently moved city to start university and the one thig i cannot wait to do is to go back home, not because i dislike university, i couldn't be happier, but because i miss everyone i know and am truly looking forward to spending the festive season with them. So from someone who has never celebrated christmas or xmas i wish you a very merry happy thing... ~Maia |
| She Goes To The Wrong Places | Dec 16th. at 7:10:26 pm EST |
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by Raven-touched (Ship of Fools) - wc_xemail She should hang out at my local Best Buy, where she can hear the best of the musical bantha pudu which is known as CCM all seasons of the year. If I could hear elegant, heck, even just TASTEful, renditions of traditional carols, it wouldn't bother me much at all. |
| She's Judeo-Christian | Dec 16th. at 6:59:47 pm EST |
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by karrie9 (Kenosha, WI) - wc_xemail She uses the term "secular" to help describe, in part, some holiday music she doesn't like and then complains about not hearing the word "God" in carols--Yet she happily refers to herself as secular (Judeo-Christian) . Okay. That might confuse some. What she seems to be saying, among other things (mixing issues I think) , is that she wants more historic/traditional and excellent music full of "intricate harmonies and modalities" – With religious references (they are historical) . Did you know "Twelve Days of Christmas” was written as a *secular* song since from 1558 to 1829 it was illegal to privately or publicly practice Catholicism in England? Allegedly, "True Love" refers to God. "Me" refers to every baptized person. 1 Partridge in a Pear Tree = Jesus Christ, 2 Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments, 3 French Hens = Faith, Hope and Charity or the Father, Son and Holy Spirit Trinity and so on... Source: http://everything2.org/index.pl?lastnode_id=741048&node_id=829911 Rather than whine about it in the newspaper why doesn't she next tell us how she got involved in bringing about more of a rich performance than the one in the newspaper. "If there is a will, there is a way" is one thing I hope they are teaching children by example! How's that for a holiday present? Interestingly enough, some view "secularization" as a form of conversion. Tricky word these days. Sec`u*lar*i*za"tion (?) , n. [Cf. F. s'ecularisation.] The act of rendering secular, or the state of being rendered secular; conversion from regular or monastic to secular... ("Regular" … is changing and some don’t like that.) Many of the Judeo-Christians branches do react rather strongly to "secular, " as did Falwell, with Robertson participating, on 9-12-01 when he said (about 9-11) : "I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People for the American Way - all of them who have tried to secularize America - I point the finger in their face and say, 'You helped this happen.'" This writer ... I think she wants to hear God in songs in schools as well as songs possessing "intricate harmonies and modalities". She wants to bring culture and history and excellence in public schools in which songs without religious references are in and we all are part of culture and tomorrow’s history. Truth is, you bring in Pagan songs into the multicultural holiday events and some Judeo-Christian parents will have a fits. If you can't do it fairly in representing the population's cultural and religious heritage ... it's a problem. |
| Include, Not Exclude | Dec 16th. at 6:53:11 pm EST |
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by Stormwind (Canada) - wc_xemail Here in Canada I hear Christian Christmas songs being played in stores all the time. I remember being surprised just how much religious music I was hearing. While I enjoy it (as anyone who's heard my incessant playing of Kenny Rogers' The Gift which is about as Christian as Christmas music gets) I did find it rather odd to think that I couldn't imagine said stores playing music from Islamic, Hindu or Shinto culture. However my local Zellers had Ramadan banners up a few weeks ago, and now it has Christmas ones, which was a great gesture on their part. I think the way to go is to include everyone, instead of exclude everything. I think school plays should give kids the opportunity to either reinact a scene based on their own faith/culture, or else a secular scene, THEIR CHOICE. Instead of grouping by age or class it could be by what aspect of the season they want to present to the others. |
| Why? | Dec 16th. at 6:34:01 pm EST |
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by Cerridwen (Wigan, England) - wc_xemail - Web I work for ASDA/WALL-MART here in the UK. We play traditional Christmas song, like Mary's Boy Child, First Noel, Hark the Angel etc. We also, play popular songs, including Cliff Richard.. ( sigh) Nobody complains . This PC stuff is going to far. As a witch, I have no problem with carols, nativity plays, or any of the traditonal Christian trimmings. I just see it all as being part of the myths of Midwinter.. Bright blessings Cerridwen |
| Let The Stores Play What They Want | Dec 16th. at 5:56:54 pm EST |
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by Kim (Orange County, CA) - wc_xemail I grew up Lutheran, and my favorite Christmas songs were the religious ones; Silent Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, Hark, the Herald Angels Sing, O Holy Night. The ones with beautiful music along with them. Being a music geek, I appreciate a beautiful arrangement, lovely melody, tight harmony. Church music is some of the most beautiful music ever written. Ave Maria is thing of beauty, and what about Handel's Messiah, with "Hallelujah!" being sung in all its glory? Absolutely marvelous stuff. I do get sick of hearing the "popular" carols, like Jingle Bells, Winter Wonderland, Sleigh Ride, the stuff that you hear in stores, just because that's all I hear. I'm sure that if a store decided to throw some religious songs into the mix someone might complain, but those people just need to get a life. If you don't like the song that's playing right now, it's okay; the next song will be different. I know quite a few Jewish folks who feel "left out" during this time of year, what with the overcommercialization of Christmas and having their holiday excluded, but most of them just go about their business and don't bother about it. All that said, the writer here has a point; why are Canadian kids doing American holiday stuff? Maybe it's time for the teachers in Canada to get together and incorporate the local cultures into a big multicultural holiday event, complete with religious songs or customs from each culture. That would be bother entertaining and educational. Wow, what a concept... |
| No Headline | Dec 16th. at 5:55:42 pm EST |
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by Kristy (West Palm Beach) - wc_xemail I have an idea....I think its a great one. They buy holiday music from all types of religions and back grounds and play it sparingily for the holidays. I think that would solve many problems. |
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