Should a religious song be banned from a school talent show?

[Charade]

This issue was discussed on a radio talk show a few days ago. When I first heard it I thought the parents really dropped the ball by not telling their DD she couldn't sing that song at a public school show. It's not a new thing that religion in any form is not part of a public school education. I honestly didn't think about the fact that her parents might be pushing some agenda but I can see where that's probably the case. I do know the family claims they don't want publicity about this situation - then why create one?

I don't think she should sing that song and I also don't think other 3rd graders should be doing anything not G rated.

It's not part of the education process. It's a talent show. Granted, it's held at the school but this NOT a case of the school promoting religion.

Would a student not be allowed to give a "what I did on my summer vacation" report if they visited Jerusalem on a pilgrimage?

The kid (in either case) is not asking others to partake, participate or convert. In fact, they don't even have to listen!!

 

[Charade]

Its not rare in a school setting for this to happen. I think there is a thread somewhere on here where some high school kids had the same thing happen to them.

So you'd be ok with tell a student to remove (or cover up) their "God is great" t-shirt or remove their cross?

Sorry Chad, but that's a clear violation of the 1st amendment.

 

[yoopermom]

My DM is an elementary vocal music teacher in an urban area. At her "winter programs" the students sing "generic" Xmas songs (Frosty, Rudolph, etc), Kwanza songs, Hanukah songs (sorry I've massacred those spellings),etc.

She gasped in shock when she came to our rural area and heard DS's public elementary school children singing "religious" songs at the "Christmas" concert, as well as more generic Xmas tunes.

So which of our schools are "right"?!?

Terri

 

[chadfromdallas]

So you'd be ok with tell a student to remove (or cover up) their "God is great" t-shirt or remove their cross?

Sorry Chad, but that's a clear violation of the 1st amendment.

No, not really. If the shirt is a violation of the school rules or a nuisance, the student can be asked to remove it...

 

[lyeag]

You know, I posted this because of the high school girls and their talent piece that I mentioned in the OP. Why is it ok, (the principal stated it was after hours and they had more "relaxed rules") for girls to dress like "ladies of the evening" for a talent contest?


Someone posted about a song about the Koran. I would be all for it. Agree with the content? Maybe not, but people step up to the plate for all types of self expression in school these days. Why is religion the one thing that is to be banned?

We have all heard about students suing because they couldn't bring a gay partner to prom, or the " I heart my (insert female body part)" buttons. Why is this considered different? Isn't music an art?

 

[Charade]

It's because it's the "R" word.

 

[chadfromdallas]

We have all heard about students suing because they couldn't bring a gay partner to prom, or the " I heart my (insert female body part)" buttons. Why is this considered different? Isn't music an art?

How does someone bringing a partner to a prom correlate to this situation?

 

[DawnCt1]

My DM is an elementary vocal music teacher in an urban area. At her "winter programs" the students sing "generic" Xmas songs (Frosty, Rudolph, etc), Kwanza songs, Hanukah songs (sorry I've massacred those spellings),etc.

She gasped in shock when she came to our rural area and heard DS's public elementary school children singing "religious" songs at the "Christmas" concert, as well as more generic Xmas tunes.

So which of our schools are "right"?!?

Terri

Your's is correct. It is not suffering from "Christophobia". It's okay for little girls to dress up as hookers but Heaven forbid that they mention anything to do with God.

 

[chadfromdallas]

Your's is correct. It is not suffering from "Christophobia". It's okay for little girls to dress up as hookers but Heaven forbid that they mention anything to do with God.

Both can be just as harmful

 

[Charade]

OMG!!!!!

I just remembered that we had JCSS (Jesus Christ Superstar) at my high school (back in the mid 70's).

Oh the horror!! Scarred for life I am.

 

[Charade]

Both can be just as harmful

Oh really?

Please explain.

 

[chadfromdallas]

Oh really?

Please explain.

One can incite hate, the other can incite rape

 

[Puffy2]

I have special powers.

Peachgirl, that's hysterical, especially since Charade loves to use that phrase. And Charade, you are welcome to use any phrase you like, I just thought Peachgirls response was funny...


I didn't read the article, but if the talent show was held after school hours (and the students aren't hostage to the event) - the girl should have been able to sing any song she liked , religious or not. It's a talent show - people expect a variety of talent and entertainment. And this is coming from a LIBERAL. So there.

 

[Puffy2]

Your's is correct. It is not suffering from "Christophobia". It's okay for little girls to dress up as hookers but Heaven forbid that they mention anything to do with God.

And if that info (about the little girls looking like hookers) came from Hannity's show, I'd have to have more documentation of the issue - with photos provided, to make a judgement. Faux News is notorious for leaving out important details of a story just for the sensational value. I've seen it many times first hand.

 

[peachgirl]

Someone posted about a song about the Koran.

Actually, I said a reading from the Koran, not a song about it. Would you object to that?

And if that info (about the little girls looking like hookers) came from Hannity's show, I'd have to have more documentation of the issue - with photos provided, to make a judgement. Faux News is notorious for leaving out important details of a story just for the sensational value. I've seen it many times first hand.

I agree and just to set the record straight, it wasn't little girls, it was high school and it was from the musical Chicago.

I didn't read the article, but if the talent show was held after school hours (and the students aren't hostage to the event) - the girl should have been able to sing any song she liked , religious or not.

I don't know the hours, but my objection is because it is sponsored by the school. If it were a outside organization using the school then it would be a different matter entirely.

Anyone who knows anything about music knows that this song isn't a solo type song. It's also a really lousy choice for a talent competition. No one in their right mind would use it to showcase their singing talent although I happen to really like the song (has a good beat, easy to dance to) ....

 

[JoeEpcotRocks]

I thought schools promote diversity. What's wrong with a religious song after school?

Is it freedom of religion or freedom from religion?

Isn't God Bless America sung in some public events?

 

[lyeag]

How does someone bringing a partner to a prom correlate to this situation?

I mentioned it because I get the feeling a lot of this religious phobia isn't so much a desire of most people to separate church and state, it is more of a fear of offending people. Some people might find religious view offensive, some might find homosexuality offensive. The prom reference is about how people stick up for their right to express who they are. Religious views are personal expression also.

I just got in from cutting the grass and I was thinking about this thread a lot. I found it interesting that no one complained about the song, but the principal nixed it. Was he just trying to cover his butt? Chances are, few in the audience would have been offended, but on the off chance someone might have been he kept the song out. Has that what it has come down to? Being afraid that someone MIGHT be offended and decided to sue? Gee, I would be a rich woman if I decided to use litigation every time I was offended.

For those who are offended at religion of any kind or the lack of religion in others- TOUGHEN UP BUTTERCUPS!!!!!

 

[disykat]

I agree - that song is not appropriate for a talent show. If it were my child, I would encourage her to sing a secular song at a secular show. I would make an exception if it were a very familiar tune well-known in the secular community, like Amazing Grace.

I am a Christian, and I think the parents are making a poor choice. One of my personal reasons for objecting is, that as a Christian musician, I do not sing sacred music as an acknowledgement of my "talent" but rather an offering as a gift I have. A talent show is a secular venue IMO.

 

[inaminute]

Then you wouldn't have any objections to allowing a student to do a reading from the Koran for their performance?

As part of a talent show? No problem whatsoever.

As part of the school curriculum? No way.

 

[jgmklmhem]

The kid is in grade school for goodness sake. My 5yo signs in the church choir and probably only knows religious songs all the way through. That is probably why she chose the song. It is probably one she has sung in church choir...she wanted to participate in the school show and chose a song she knew. I could care less is other kids read from the Koran or did religious dance etc...if that is their talent then good for them. The girl is probably just singing a song she has performed before (say in church) and is comfortable with.