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Crew Lounge => Conversations => Topic started by: space_invader64 on November 05, 2007, 08:35:57 AM

Title: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: space_invader64 on November 05, 2007, 08:35:57 AM
I’m not normally a stickler for things.  I normally go with the flow.
But yesterday in church, the kids sang Jesus loves the little children.  But they changed the words to be more pc.  They took out the red and yellow back and white line and replaced it with something else.  I think political correctness has gone crazy at this point.

My view is don’t mess with the songs.  If the song bothers you, sing something else.  But don’t change our songs.
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: KingIsaacLinksr on November 05, 2007, 08:39:53 AM
Woah woah woah, wait, they replaced the colors with something else???  My church has never done that and I did go to a recent one where they sang that song.  If that is due to political corectness, then good grief, get a life those who follow that line of bs.  I'm sorry, but I will sing the ORIGINAL version of that song.  If it offends someone, I do not care because you are then taking the song out of context.  Gosh......just shoot me.  Bad enough I can't sing some songs now without getting stares or glares, but changing a kids song...that is bs. 

King Linksr
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: KingIsaacLinksr on November 05, 2007, 08:42:36 AM
(If you didn't notice, I hate political corectness.  I never follow it.  Sometimes I will in public, but the whole thing is blown out of proportion.  I'm sure some relatives aren't too....whats the word, happy with that, but I don't care.  I will speak how I want.  If whatever I say/do offends you, then you are blowing it WAY out of proportion.  I'm usually a nice person who is kind, but if I say something that offends....then that is seriously screwed up.  I try not to, but it seems anything I say anymore is now no longer politically correct...Thats just how I view political corectness.)

King Linksr

p.s.  Yes I mispelled Policictal correctttness.
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: space_invader64 on November 05, 2007, 08:47:25 AM
And I am annoyed that in Kindergarten, kids no longer sit "Indian Style."  I guess they are afraid of offending Indians.  They now sit, "Criss Cross Apple Sause."

The truth is, these changes are silly.  I went to an Indian school in 5th - 8th grade.  Our mascot was the warriors.  Some trouble makers from out of state (I'm guessing people who were non-Indian) wanted us to change our mascot so we wouldn't offend anyone!!!  How dumb.
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: moyer777 on November 05, 2007, 08:56:34 AM
As a musician, Christian and a pastor, I have noticed that there are many different arrangements of similar songs.  I can't speak of political correctness cause I don't know who arranged or picked out the music. I know since so many of the songs we do in church are done over and over, it is always a challenge to make it fresh and relevant to an ever changing audience.  I look at it as a challenge that doesn't ever please everyone.  But like I say, I wasn't there, so I can't tell you why they changed the lyrics.  :)

Messing with classics bugs many people.   :smilie_nono: You should have seen the first time I put amazing grace to a full on blues rock n roll arrangement.  Now that raised some eyebrows!

You should check out my podcast this week.  I had the band do a cool remake of song called "Prepare the way"  it rocks,my friend Kenny did a great job singing it and my friend Tom played a great guitar-- and the song worked great with my new series called "Superhero Jesus"
(http://www.clfgraysharbor.com/images/superhero1.jpg)

Pretty fun stuff.

If you want my itunes feed PM me.

Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: Geekyfanboy on November 05, 2007, 10:51:55 AM
Quote from: Kinglinksr on November 05, 2007, 08:42:36 AM
(If you didn't notice, I hate political correctness.  I never follow it.  Sometimes I will in public, but the whole thing is blown out of proportion.  I'm sure some relatives aren't too....whats the word, happy with that, but I don't care.  I will speak how I want.  If whatever I say/do offends you, then you are blowing it WAY out of proportion.  I'm usually a nice person who is kind, but if I say something that offends....then that is seriously screwed up.  I try not to, but it seems anything I say anymore is now no longer politically correct...That's just how I view political correctness.)

King Linksr

p.s.  Yes I misspelled Policictal correctttness.

okay.. first of all there is no reason to misspell on this forum.. that is why we have a spell check function and second I find so many things wrong with your statement above. I typed out this long argument against your statement but then thought better of it to post it. If you believe that what you say is not offensive and that it's the fault of the person who finds it offensive then that is what you believe. Will just have to agree to disagree.
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: Rico on November 05, 2007, 11:20:52 AM
I can understand both points of view.  It is a tricky subject.  I think the intentions are good but I sometimes wonder how many people are truly offended by simple words in a song.  But these days it seems many groups are concerned more about image than speaking out - so they take the simple route. 

I look at it this way, since I am fortunate to live where I can personally say pretty much anything I want.  However, groups of people are another story.  They are meant to reflect a group view or opinion and therefore what they say is not up to one person but usually the group.  Now if you as an individual don't like what the group is saying you can certainly leave if it bothers you.  But you have to always keep in mind that there are big differences between how a group works and how an individual can operate.
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: space_invader64 on November 05, 2007, 11:47:16 AM
I know what you mean, Rico.  There are no shortage of people who pretend to be offended by things for attention.

I was talking about it yesterday wondering why anyone would have had a problem with the song as is. We came up with that they might have felt that "Red and Yellow, Black and White" is very limited and would be offensive to Andorians!
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: Jobydrone on November 05, 2007, 12:01:49 PM
Identifying individuals by the colors of their skins is a pretty antiquated way of looking at people these days. We are in the 21st century, after all, and I can understand the reasoning behind eliminating those words from that particular song.  If I understand correctly, not knowing the song you are talking about, it sounds like they are saying something like it doesn't matter who you are or where you come from, Jesus loves you all the same.  I can think of a lot of ways it could be sung, classic or not, that would convey the same message without calling Asians "yellow" or Native americans "Red".

Like Rico pointed out, if someone feels offended by those words, they could certainly just walk out.  Somehow I get the feeling that the pastor or whatever probably would rather that the people who attend his or her sermons not be offended to the point that they decide they have to leave.  

In my opinion, "political correctness" is just a label we have put on the way that we interact with each other as individuals and as groups.  Though some may not choose to acknowledge this fact, we all act differently depending on the situation we are in and the crowd of people we are surrounded by.  I know that I choose my words alot more carefully when I am at work that I do when I am surrounded by a group of my friends away from work.  And again something I might say when I am with my wife I certainly would not say when I am with my wife and her parents.  I have a feeling there are things Rico might say when surrounded by his buddies drinking Gatorade that he wouldn't say on the podcast for fear of offending someone.  My point is that we all alter and change the way we act depending on our environment at the time.  Understanding how our interactions with others work in this way, and identifying and changing behaviors that might be considered hurtful or cause pain to others, seems to me to be a positive thing and something to strive for.   
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: jedijeff on November 05, 2007, 12:08:10 PM
We live in a lot more Global World these days, so some things change to fall more in line with new views of society. I know a few years back, my Company changed the name of the Christmas party to Winterfest. People complained and grumbled, but moved on after a year or two, and Christmas was never cancelled because of it ;). Not saying either is right or wrong, but that somethings change and are different then when we were younger.
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: moyer777 on November 05, 2007, 12:48:28 PM
I have to say that I am massively impressed with the way people are handling this thread.  I have never been on a forum like this - where we can talk about some hard stuff, but everyone seems to respect each other.

Way to go, and thanks for making this a safe place to share our thoughts.  Classy behavior is rare in this world.



Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: space_invader64 on November 05, 2007, 12:54:46 PM
Well, we're smarter than the average chatters, we're star trek fans!
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: moyer777 on November 05, 2007, 01:07:45 PM
 :vulcan

Live long and prosper.


Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: billybob476 on November 05, 2007, 01:10:25 PM
IDIC: Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations

Star Trek fans tend to generally be some of the most open-minded people I've met.
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: markinro on November 05, 2007, 01:28:06 PM
Quote from: space_invader64 on November 05, 2007, 08:35:57 AM
I'm not normally a stickler for things.  I normally go with the flow.
But yesterday in church, the kids sang Jesus loves the little children.  But they changed the words to be more pc.  They took out the red and yellow back and white line and replaced it with something else.  I think political correctness has gone crazy at this point.

My view is don't mess with the songs.  If the song bothers you, sing something else.  But don't change our songs.


They changed the lyrics ?  People are becoming way too sensitive these days.
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: KingIsaacLinksr on November 05, 2007, 02:11:00 PM
Quote from: Jobydrone4of20 on November 05, 2007, 12:01:49 PM
Identifying individuals by the colors of their skins is a pretty antiquated way of looking at people these days. We are in the 21st century, after all, and I can understand the reasoning behind eliminating those words from that particular song.  If I understand correctly, not knowing the song you are talking about, it sounds like they are saying something like it doesn't matter who you are or where you come from, Jesus loves you all the same.  I can think of a lot of ways it could be sung, classic or not, that would convey the same message without calling Asians "yellow" or Native americans "Red".

Like Rico pointed out, if someone feels offended by those words, they could certainly just walk out.  Somehow I get the feeling that the pastor or whatever probably would rather that the people who attend his or her sermons not be offended to the point that they decide they have to leave.  

In my opinion, "political correctness" is just a label we have put on the way that we interact with each other as individuals and as groups.  Though some may not choose to acknowledge this fact, we all act differently depending on the situation we are in and the crowd of people we are surrounded by.  I know that I choose my words alot more carefully when I am at work that I do when I am surrounded by a group of my friends away from work.  And again something I might say when I am with my wife I certainly would not say when I am with my wife and her parents.  I have a feeling there are things Rico might say when surrounded by his buddies drinking Gatorade that he wouldn't say on the podcast for fear of offending someone.  My point is that we all alter and change the way we act depending on our environment at the time.  Understanding how our interactions with others work in this way, and identifying and changing behaviors that might be considered hurtful or cause pain to others, seems to me to be a positive thing and something to strive for.  



Here is the thing though, this is a children's song.  I believe that the song is supposed to teach young people that ALL are EQUAL in his sight.  I cannot imagine HOW you can blow that out of proportion.  But hey, I guess that the new way tells them that we are still racist.....even though the song is not racist.....man I'm confusing myself just writing this...

King Linksr
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: space_invader64 on November 05, 2007, 03:04:01 PM
I had no idea that you all would have interest that it would get this many replies.  It was a random thought of, "I can't believe that they would change the words."

Without this turning into a religous debate (please lets not let it) we all know that there are things in the bible that often finds offence and I  worry that being extra careful not to offend might take priority over other things.  I know at one time they were talking about reediting the bible with some of the contriversal stuff cut out.  That worries me.

I'm often the guy who says, don't take that book out of the library or that guy off tv because some people don't like it/him.  Because some people do. 
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: wraith1701 on November 05, 2007, 03:41:47 PM
Quote from: space_invader64 on November 05, 2007, 08:35:57 AM
But yesterday in church, the kids sang Jesus loves the little children.  But they changed the words to be more pc.  They took out the red and yellow back and white line and replaced it with something else.  I think political correctness has gone crazy at this point.

Wow.  I understand the desire not to offend anyone, but why mess around with the lyrics of a song that is in itself a celebration of diversity?  For what it's worth, I'm a black man, and I don't see anything wrong with the original lyrics. 

By the way; what did they change the lyrics to?
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: space_invader64 on November 05, 2007, 03:46:40 PM
They changed it to something like "Every people, every race" or something simular.

Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: wraith1701 on November 05, 2007, 03:55:35 PM
Quote from: space_invader64 on November 05, 2007, 03:46:40 PM
They changed it to something like "Every people, every race" or something simular.

Oh well; at least the alterations don't change the spirit of the song. 
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: KingIsaacLinksr on November 05, 2007, 04:01:11 PM
Quote from: space_invader64 on November 05, 2007, 03:04:01 PM
I had no idea that you all would have interest that it would get this many replies.  It was a random thought of, "I can't believe that they would change the words."

Without this turning into a religous debate (please lets not let it) we all know that there are things in the bible that often finds offence and I  worry that being extra careful not to offend might take priority over other things.  I know at one time they were talking about reediting the bible with some of the contriversal stuff cut out.  That worries me.

I'm often the guy who says, don't take that book out of the library or that guy off tv because some people don't like it/him.  Because some people do. 


I tell ya, the church I used to go to (because I moved to college) the pastor wouldn't really "care" if you got offended by the bible.  He read it as it was meant to be read.  I just don't see why we even worry about this sort of thing at a church.  If you get offended by what the church says then its 1 of 2 things:

1. Your not a true Christian
2. You took it way out of context.

And if your offended, just leave the church.  Its not like we'll hunt you down or anything.  Sheesh.  ;) 

This subject was replied to so much because changing the lyrics of such a song is just....dumb.  I could figure if they were singing a rap song at church that they would change it...(or not sing it period lol) but changing a song like that for the simple reason of Political Correctness is.....just not right. 

King Linksr
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: space_invader64 on November 05, 2007, 04:32:56 PM
Oh, no.  What have I started?
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: moyer777 on November 05, 2007, 04:36:23 PM
It's ok.  Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, as long as no one gets nasty about it. :)

This would make a great star trek episode.

:laugh:
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: space_invader64 on November 05, 2007, 04:57:58 PM
I know. I posted something here once and it got out of control.  Then I wished I hadn't posted it.  So now I start to worry every time I post something that it might happen again. It's in the archive if you are wondering what.  I don't want to talk about it.
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: Rico on November 05, 2007, 05:08:12 PM
I appreciate everyone keeping this pretty civil so far.  As a suggestion, perhaps take the religion part of this topic out of the equation and just discuss the idea of political correctness.  For example, one thing I have a big issue with is censorship in general.  And this is sort of related to that.  Maybe a new topic would be in order.  Just some thoughts.
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: Geekyfanboy on November 05, 2007, 05:15:02 PM
Yeah Religion and Politics can always lead to heated discussions. That's why we normally do not discuss them in the forum. This thread has done fairly well.
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: Jen on November 05, 2007, 05:18:20 PM
I agree with Rick, everyone is playing nice and that's hard to do with subjects like this. FYI, I appreciate all of your opinions.

"Red and yellow black and white" the next line is: "they are precious to his sight". Color and "sight" are linked and colors are beautiful. I'd like to hear the new words to the song. Do you remember them?

I agree, I think it's becoming ridiculous. And personally, I don't like Christmas being called "Winterfest".
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: KingIsaacLinksr on November 05, 2007, 05:21:40 PM
Hey, I'm a nice guy.  :( 

Winterfest reminds me way too much of WOW's version.......its pretty sad.

King Linksr
Quote from: space_invader64 on November 05, 2007, 04:32:56 PM
Oh, no.  What have I started?

FYI, You've started War man, prepare to die!!! MWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

lol jk
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: Jobydrone on November 05, 2007, 06:14:59 PM
Quote from: Kinglinksr on November 05, 2007, 04:01:11 PM
This subject was replied to so much because changing the lyrics of such a song is just....dumb.  I could figure if they were singing a rap song at church that they would change it...(or not sing it period lol) but changing a song like that for the simple reason of Political Correctness is.....just not right. 

King Linksr

I don't think it's ever "dumb" to take people's feelings into consideration, even and especially when children are concerned.  Believe me, I'm the last person that would ever advocate censorship or suppression of opinions/ideas/art or anything like that.  I'm just thinking about this specific instance of the example given, and stating my opinion that the "new" lyrics seem more in sync with the intended meaning of the song, and less likely to hurt anyone's feelings.
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: Jen on November 05, 2007, 08:04:42 PM
I'm sorry, I guess I'm failing to see why the colors in this song are derogatory. They signify a beautiful, symbolic, artistic difference. Using the colors is more expressive than the words "Native American, Asian American, African American and Caucasian American, they are precious to his sight." Color in art, aids the visual representation. It paints a world that is pretty bland otherwise. 
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: markinro on November 05, 2007, 09:55:11 PM
Besides, it has to rhyme "pretty yellow, black and white -- they are precious in His sight".  What's next ?   The collected works of Sir Marles Pickens or Edmund Welles, the well known dutch author.
:D
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: KingIsaacLinksr on November 06, 2007, 12:08:08 AM
Quote from: Jobydrone4of20 on November 05, 2007, 06:14:59 PM
Quote from: Kinglinksr on November 05, 2007, 04:01:11 PM
This subject was replied to so much because changing the lyrics of such a song is just....dumb.  I could figure if they were singing a rap song at church that they would change it...(or not sing it period lol) but changing a song like that for the simple reason of Political Correctness is.....just not right. 

King Linksr

I don't think it's ever "dumb" to take people's feelings into consideration, even and especially when children are concerned.  Believe me, I'm the last person that would ever advocate censorship or suppression of opinions/ideas/art or anything like that.  I'm just thinking about this specific instance of the example given, and stating my opinion that the "new" lyrics seem more in sync with the intended meaning of the song, and less likely to hurt anyone's feelings.

Ok, my bad.  Its just dumb that they could think that a children's song is offsensive in this case.  Especially since it promotes as Jen says, a beautiful combined world.  I just don't see why it needs to be changed. 

King Linksr
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: Jobydrone on November 06, 2007, 06:37:40 AM
I guess my last words on the subject are that, in this particular case, it seems okay to me to change the lyrics of this song in a way that doesn't change the inherent meaning, with the goal of not reducing groups of people to descriptions of their skin colors.  I can't speak for anyone but myself, but I think I can see how a Asian child might not understand why they are being called yellow.   I know it's nobody's place to tell anyone that their feelings are wrong or silly if they are offended by being called black, yellow, red, or white.  I also respect and get the fact that people that who grew up singing this song a certain way might feel burned at the thought of changing the lyrics because of what they perceive as unimportant or exaggerated reasoning. 

Interesting debate, I love talking and thinking about this kind of stuff once in a while.
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: Jen on November 06, 2007, 07:11:37 AM
To me it has less to do with race and more to do with beauty. It's best to agree to disagree with regards to that song, we could go on forever debating that subject.  :)

Here's another topic in the same vein but not religious in nature:
In the UK they have decided that Santa is too "fat". Mr. Claus is a bad influence on children, so they want a slimmer representation of Jolly Old Saint Nick rather than the full figured variety.

I grew up watching Sesame Street and the Cookie Monster was one of my favorite characters. He now eats carrots and apples because cookies are "bad" for children. I was fortunate not to have a weight problem growing up and I realize many kids struggle with it. There are many factors that lead to that problem and many ways to combat it. My mom didn't rely on others to keep us healthy, she saw to it that we didn't eat junk food. Where I'm I going with that? I wasn't negatively effected by Santa or the Cookie Monster's propensity for eating cookies and gaining weight. I think they've gone too far and it's just another example of too much regulation.

These measures remind me of the great novel, "A Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley, in which people create a utopia where everyone is super happy, healthy and technologically advanced. In this novel, "war and poverty were eliminated and everyone was permanently cheery due to government-provided stimulation. The irony being that these things were achieved by removing many things that people consider to be central to their identity — family, culture, art, literature, science, religion, and philosophy." Check out the link below if you haven't read the book.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brave_New_World
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: KingIsaacLinksr on November 06, 2007, 08:06:14 AM
Quote from: Jen on November 06, 2007, 07:11:37 AM
To me it has less to do with race and more to do with beauty. It's best to agree to disagree with regards to that song, we could go on forever debating that subject.  :)

Here's another topic in the same vein but not religious in nature:
In the UK they have decided that Santa is too "fat". Mr. Claus is a bad influence on children, so they want a slimmer representation of Jolly Old Saint Nick rather than the full figured variety.

I grew up watching Sesame Street and the Cookie Monster was one of my favorite characters. He now eats carrots and apples because cookies are "bad" for children. I was fortunate not to have a weight problem growing up and I realize many kids struggle with it. There are many factors that lead to that problem and many ways to combat it. My mom didn't rely on others to keep us healthy, she saw to it that we didn't eat junk food. Where I'm I going with that? I wasn't negatively effected by Santa or the Cookie Monster's propensity for eating cookies and gaining weight. I think they've gone too far and it's just another example of too much regulation.

WHAT???!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
not the cookie monster toooo!!!!   :'( :'( :'( :jawdrop :jawdrop >:( :'( :'( :'( :'(
Quote from: Jobydrone4of20 on November 06, 2007, 06:37:40 AM
I guess my last words on the subject are that, in this particular case, it seems okay to me to change the lyrics of this song in a way that doesn't change the inherent meaning, with the goal of not reducing groups of people to descriptions of their skin colors.  I can't speak for anyone but myself, but I think I can see how a Asian child might not understand why they are being called yellow.   I know it's nobody's place to tell anyone that their feelings are wrong or silly if they are offended by being called black, yellow, red, or white.  I also respect and get the fact that people that who grew up singing this song a certain way might feel burned at the thought of changing the lyrics because of what they perceive as unimportant or exaggerated reasoning. 

Interesting debate, I love talking and thinking about this kind of stuff once in a while.

Though lets be honest here, I didn't really get what the lyrics meant till I was 10.  Maybe for some its sooner or later.  Ah well.  Its an interesting debate that can go on forever.  Especially with me around  ;)

King Linksr
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: space_invader64 on November 06, 2007, 08:28:27 AM
I just graduated from college with a minor in history and I had this professor who's views were pretty Christophobic.  He made us use BCE (Before the Common Era) and CE (Common Era) in place of BC (before Christ) and AD (Anno Domini).  Because  those dates offended him.  Anyone using BC or AD would get an automatic zero!

All my other professes told us to use which system we wanted as long as we were consistant.  One professor said that he doesn't get why it's such a big deal to some historians because Jesus, if nothing else, is a historical figure and his birth sets a good time in history to keep time from.
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: KingIsaacLinksr on November 06, 2007, 08:30:14 AM
Quote from: space_invader64 on November 06, 2007, 08:28:27 AM
I just graduated from college with a minor in history and I had this professor who's views were pretty Christophobic.  He made us use BCE (Before the Common Era) and CE (Common Era) in place of BC (before Christ) and AD (Anno Domini).  Because  those dates offended him.  Anyone using BC or AD would get an automatic zero!

All my other professes told us to use which system we wanted as long as we were consistant.  One professor said that he doesn't get why it's such a big deal to some historians because Jesus, if nothing else, is a historical figure and his birth sets a good time in history to keep time from.

Wow, thats a new one.  I've never had a professor who threw that at me before.  I think the most it ever got was umm...idk.  It really wasn't an issue in High School.  And as far as I can tell from this school, they don't really care.  Not that time is an issue here anyway XD

King Linksr
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: markinro on November 06, 2007, 04:47:12 PM
Professors need to get off their high horse and go back to teaching instead of using the classroom as their small-minded kingdom.  I would have told him to chill out dude.
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: wraith1701 on November 06, 2007, 05:28:44 PM
Quote from: Jen on November 06, 2007, 07:11:37 AM

Here's another topic in the same vein but not religious in nature:
...I grew up watching Sesame Street and the Cookie Monster was one of my favorite characters. He now eats carrots and apples because cookies are "bad" for children.

No way.  You have got to be kidding!!! :blink

They might as well just change his name to "The Carrot Monster".
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: markinro on November 06, 2007, 05:31:55 PM
Quote from: Jen on November 06, 2007, 07:11:37 AM
To me it has less to do with race and more to do with beauty. It's best to agree to disagree with regards to that song, we could go on forever debating that subject.  :)

Here's another topic in the same vein but not religious in nature:
In the UK they have decided that Santa is too "fat". Mr. Claus is a bad influence on children, so they want a slimmer representation of Jolly Old Saint Nick rather than the full figured variety.

I grew up watching Sesame Street and the Cookie Monster was one of my favorite characters. He now eats carrots and apples because cookies are "bad" for children. I was fortunate not to have a weight problem growing up and I realize many kids struggle with it. There are many factors that lead to that problem and many ways to combat it. My mom didn't rely on others to keep us healthy, she saw to it that we didn't eat junk food. Where I'm I going with that? I wasn't negatively effected by Santa or the Cookie Monster's propensity for eating cookies and gaining weight. I think they've gone too far and it's just another example of too much regulation.

These measures remind me of the great novel, "A Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley, in which people create a utopia where everyone is super happy, healthy and technologically advanced. In this novel, "war and poverty were eliminated and everyone was permanently cheery due to government-provided stimulation. The irony being that these things were achieved by removing many things that people consider to be central to their identity — family, culture, art, literature, science, religion, and philosophy." Check out the link below if you haven't read the book.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brave_New_World

Quote from: Jen on November 06, 2007, 07:11:37 AM
To me it has less to do with race and more to do with beauty. It's best to agree to disagree with regards to that song, we could go on forever debating that subject.  :)

Here's another topic in the same vein but not religious in nature:
In the UK they have decided that Santa is too "fat". Mr. Claus is a bad influence on children, so they want a slimmer representation of Jolly Old Saint Nick rather than the full figured variety.

I grew up watching Sesame Street and the Cookie Monster was one of my favorite characters. He now eats carrots and apples because cookies are "bad" for children. I was fortunate not to have a weight problem growing up and I realize many kids struggle with it. There are many factors that lead to that problem and many ways to combat it. My mom didn't rely on others to keep us healthy, she saw to it that we didn't eat junk food. Where I'm I going with that? I wasn't negatively effected by Santa or the Cookie Monster's propensity for eating cookies and gaining weight. I think they've gone too far and it's just another example of too much regulation.

These measures remind me of the great novel, "A Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley, in which people create a utopia where everyone is super happy, healthy and technologically advanced. In this novel, "war and poverty were eliminated and everyone was permanently cheery due to government-provided stimulation. The irony being that these things were achieved by removing many things that people consider to be central to their identity — family, culture, art, literature, science, religion, and philosophy." Check out the link below if you haven't read the book.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brave_New_World

I heard about Jolly Ole' St Nick the other day.  Guess they will have to re-write some songs :)
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: KingIsaacLinksr on November 07, 2007, 08:25:00 AM
Yea, I guess jolly fat saint Nick will be skinny crabby Saint Nick.

Hey, you can't deny he wouldn't be crabby due to his new diet. ;)

King Linksr
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: markinro on November 07, 2007, 11:01:32 AM
Quote from: Kinglinksr on November 07, 2007, 08:25:00 AM
Yea, I guess jolly fat saint Nick will be skinny crabby Saint Nick.

Hey, you can't deny he wouldn't be crabby due to his new diet. ;)

King Linksr

There's only one way I know to loose that much weight by christmas.  Don't stand downwind of him
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: KingIsaacLinksr on November 07, 2007, 01:02:16 PM
Ahahhahahahahahahahahahahah

King Linksr
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: space_invader64 on November 15, 2007, 05:22:31 PM
Santa now has to say Ha Ha Ha so he won't offend women!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20071115/wl_asia_afp/lifestyleaustraliachristmasoffbeat
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: Jen on November 15, 2007, 05:23:35 PM
I'm offended that they think I'll be offended!  ::)
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: markinro on November 15, 2007, 06:17:47 PM
I heard it this morning - people are becoming way too thin-skinned.  Now we have beanpole Santas who can't say hoe, hoe, hoe around the kiddies.  Maybe they can say tramp, tramp, tramp.
:D
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: space_invader64 on November 15, 2007, 06:38:57 PM
I think if people see a santa claus and he says ho ho ho and you think something dirty, you have major problems to begin with.
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: Jen on November 15, 2007, 06:46:20 PM
You ain't kidding. Sheesh.
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: KingIsaacLinksr on November 15, 2007, 11:41:41 PM
Quote from: space_invader64 on November 15, 2007, 06:38:57 PM
I think if people see a santa claus and he says ho ho ho and you think something dirty, you have major problems to begin with.

/agreed.  Geez, we might as well start banning Jabba the Hutt from saying "Ho ho ho solo."  because obviously he is going to offend all the women...not to mention the princess Leia thing....;)

King Linksr
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: PepperDude on November 18, 2007, 03:43:54 PM
I think that Changing Christian songs, history textbooks, Cookie Monster's diet, Santa Claus' appearance and trademark greeting is ridiculous. I wish the PC police would stop their silliness which only creates controversy.
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: markinro on November 18, 2007, 04:08:13 PM
Quote from: Kinglinksr on November 15, 2007, 11:41:41 PM
Quote from: space_invader64 on November 15, 2007, 06:38:57 PM
I think if people see a santa claus and he says ho ho ho and you think something dirty, you have major problems to begin with.

/agreed.  Geez, we might as well start banning Jabba the Hutt from saying "Ho ho ho solo."  because obviously he is going to offend all the women...not to mention the princess Leia thing....;)

King Linksr

Jabba says ho, ho, ho ?   I thought he was just hungry for some ho-ho's.   Uh-oh, looks like they will have to change the name of those as well.   Anyone have some suggestions ?
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: KingIsaacLinksr on November 18, 2007, 04:10:02 PM
Quote from: markinro on November 18, 2007, 04:08:13 PM
Quote from: Kinglinksr on November 15, 2007, 11:41:41 PM
Quote from: space_invader64 on November 15, 2007, 06:38:57 PM
I think if people see a santa claus and he says ho ho ho and you think something dirty, you have major problems to begin with.

/agreed.  Geez, we might as well start banning Jabba the Hutt from saying "Ho ho ho solo."  because obviously he is going to offend all the women...not to mention the princess Leia thing....;)

King Linksr

Jabba says ho, ho, ho ?   I thought he was just hungry for some ho-ho's.   Uh-oh, looks like they will have to change the name of those as well.   Anyone have some suggestions ?

How about who-whos?

King Linksr
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: markinro on November 18, 2007, 04:13:43 PM
Hmmmmm...Westaff is the company who gave the warning.  They have an office here in Michigan.  I'm tempted to add them to my christmas list.
Title: Re: Something bothered me at church yesterday.
Post by: alanp on August 06, 2008, 08:13:30 PM
Ha Ha, I saw this on youtube and it fits really well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYaTSbCGY50