Is Canada 'bizarro' United States?
Just read an article taking place in Nova Scotia, where a Christian was suspended for wearing a Jesus shirt, which really seems like the polar opposite of what goes on in the States. In the US he'd probably be suspended for wearing an atheism related shirt and praised for wearing the Christian one. What do you think about this?
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Tom Holm on -
Maybe the shirt was some kind of distraction, or like jesus was all bloody on the cross and the school was all like "nayh we can't have that its too graphic" and the student was like "freedom of speech and shit." Wait, do they have freedom of speech in canada?
-
Permalink Reply by Marc Poulin on -
Yes we do, we just don't have the freedom to wear stupid shirts. :)
-
Permalink Reply by Arcus on -
It seems to me (though I'm Scandinavian) that it was the correct response. Keep symbolic representations of religion, and non-religion, out of school. It's a reason it's called the formative years.
-
Permalink Reply by Joop Kruisselbrink on -
I think this guy has the right to display his beliefs however far from reality they are unless the school has rules about not displaying religious symbols but that was something he would have to know before attending that school. If you don't agree with atheist students in America being harassed for wearing atheist symbols like clothing then you shouldn't agree with this either. I would not be offended by his message,it says nothing about me or atheists in general but only displays his ignorance.
-
Permalink Reply by ZoonPolitikon on -
[EDITED BY MODERATOR– Personal attacks and insults are explicitly against TA's guidelines.]
-
Permalink Reply by Kris Feenstra on -
No, this sort of thing happens to Christians in the United States as well (which is not to suggest it's the norm in either country). I doubt, in either country, Christians are being targeted; it's likely just overzealous enforcement of (possibly) misunderstood policy.
I think it's a nonissue for the most part provided the school has a well-defined dress code which is enforced with strict equality. It is a mere school policy issue; not a freedom of expression issue.
-
Permalink Reply by Unseen on -
Suspended? From what? Is he in grade school? the Canadian Navy? Is he on the faculty of a public college? Or did Canadian police see him walking down the street wearing the shirt, then hang (suspend) him from a streetlight post?
-
Permalink Reply by Rob Klaers on -
One of the comments below the article said that in relation to local papers there was more detail.. in that it wasn't so much about the shirt as much as it was about the kid himself. Seems while he wore the shirt he was going around an making fun of other people's religions and making a general nuisance of himself in respect pushing his beliefs unto others.
-
Permalink Reply by Kris Feenstra on
-
I had read that as well, but it becomes two separate issues. If bullying or proselytizing at school was the issue then that should have been the sole reason for the suspension.
-
Permalink Reply by Rob Klaers on
-
Its easier to deal to make the shirt an issue, especially if there's currently no rules about bullying or proselytizing in the school.
-
Permalink Reply by Kris Feenstra on
-
There isn't a school in the country that doesn't have rules about bullying. Proselytizing is a different matter, but if he was doing it to the point that there was a problem, then there isn't a school in the country that doesn't have rules against harassment.
What's new today
Forum
An Atheist's Creed
Started by Professor Robert in Religion and the Religious, Atheism and Atheists. Last reply by Dale Headley 32 minutes ago. 16 Replies 1 Like
Blog Posts
Seen a FB about Tornados today in KS and OK.
Posted by Matthew on May 20, 2013 at 8:14pm 2 Comments 0 Likes
Events
Services we love
Check out our new mobile/tablet version of Think Atheist! www.ThinkAtheist.com/m
© 2013 Created by Morgan Matthew.
