With Matter in Mind

by Mitch Caudill (’10)

While new to this paper, I believe that it can and should become a leading forum of intellectual discussion and dissent and accordingly I will write to that end. My intent is not to write thesis and treaties, so much as sketch ideas and arguments that can be discussed and debated throughout the school.

Many of you, I am sure, spent Constitution Day (or a legally certified proxy) discussing religion as it relates to school. On of the themes during the discussion, as I found in both my class and from talking to others, was that of offense as a threshold for action or injunction.

That is, that something is okay to do (religiously or otherwise) as long as it does not upset another person.

However, the question then becomes: what if the truth is offensive? The simple matter is that there are several academic truths that offend certain groups or believers.

Chinese nationalists are outraged at the idea that their beloved republic is suppressing Tibet, and blue-blooded patriots shrink at the idea that America has committed atrocities during war.

By barring activities from school that are otherwise educational and beneficial, on the basis of offense and leads to the willful self-blinding of society.

Whether or not a menorah, cross, crescent, or other religious symbol and their practices offend you, there are people who sincerely believe and act on them, and understanding these symbols and religions is integral to understanding the world.

In a school system that is under-funded or under-equipped, the only exposure students may have to foreign religion is an active practitioner, and if they are offended then it is these students who need the exposure more then anyone.