I have a contention with this song

[Moxiechick]

I have a contention.
"...He knows if you've been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake!"

To be good for goodness sake implies that one should be good because the quality of being good is it's own reward- for the sake of goodness. This song, instead, seems to imply that one should be good for fear of reprisal from a gift bearing authority figure. I don't care for the discrepancy. What is this teaching our youth?

 

[maple]

I don't know...different times I guess? Or maybe same issues different genre?

Some don't have issues with convincing their children that there are characters as Santa, Easter bunny, tooth fairy, leprechauns who are "real" as opposed to truth beknown they are all fictiteous characters. It's a matter of choice...to be or not to be? That is the question.

Often I feel children and maybe even some adults learn songs, sing them, as tradition or habit that really focusing on meaning. How many people will sing Silent Night but not believe in the lyrics?

I was always hung up on that line as well. Suppose you could always change that line and teach your children a new one if it pleases you or don't participate in the song would be another option and if you hear some carolers in the mall singing it you could always cover your ears and run the opposite direction....

 

[Dunkopf]

That's one of the reasons I don't listen to Christmas music anymore. The only one's I liked were the holy ones. They are now empty to me. So I don't listen to them. I liked a few that weren't holy. Most were.

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
I would call that overthinking an old Christmas song.

Now break down Rudolph for us, please.


OH even better Leroy the Redneck Reindeer.

 

[Moxiechick]

I'm not condoning nor condemning the cultural aspects of Santa Claus, the Easter bunny or what have you. Bring on the Festivus Fairy is you will, but at least be consistent! That is all I ask.

I also hate how Frosty the Snowman doesn't know what either a traffic light or a lamppost is, yet he can navigate through the town to the train station without so much as the use of a Gps. I'm fine with the allusion to death and reincarnation inherent in this tale. I do think the story could delve deeper into the ethics of bringing a being to life, that is doomed to death within mere days (in pleasant weather) and that the children, as his creators are responsible for this. But I would settle for Frosty having to ask for directions to the station, as befits his innocence.

 

[dacjohns]

And I thought I was cynical.

 

[HeatherLynn]

Please tell me this topic was brought on by some really strong eggnog

 

[Moxiechick]

Quote:
I would call that overthinking an old Christmas song.

Now break down Rudolph for us, please.


OH even better Leroy the Redneck Reindeer.

Oh don't get me started on Rudolph! Sure, Santa can follow Rudolph's red nose, but wouldn't it be prudent if Rudolph could see beyond the end of his snout? That is just a disaster waiting to happen! There would be perhaps a three second notification time between Rudolph noticing the impending cliff face, and having a sleigh impacted into his rear end. I do think it is a good lesson against bullying though, despite the near certainty of a tragic demise.

 

[LovinMyPeeps]

Quote:
Christmas music is empty? The whole holiday is empty! It revolves around who gets that new Windows 2 billion and 10 driven Sony piece of crap for that year and the people willing to stand in line all night at Walmart to trample other people and knock down little old ladies to get one... seriously? The problem is way deeper than just song lyrics.

 

[Moxiechick]

Oh, btw....

I'm just in a silly mood tonight. No eggnog, just me being silly, with a dint of truth and ponderment for good measure.