Recently, IU’s CommUNITY Education Program thought that it might be a good idea to pose the question, “Can Santa Claus Be a Black Man?” So they created a big poster with this very question and placed it just inside a dormitory. So far so good.
Then, they placed stockings under the words, “Can Santa Claus Be a Black Man?” The stockings read, “Wouldn’t all the presents be stolen?” Would you let him come down your chimney?” “Would he only visit the ghetto?” and so forth.
Let’s go back to the CommUNITY Education Program. According to its Mission Statement, CommUNITY sees its role as generating dialogue and challenging assumptions. And from their name, we can assume that they try to bring people together in some fashion. Certainly, these follow-up questions generated dialogue amongst the IU community, and that is a positive thing. Many students were upset and angry over the stereotypical depictions of Blacks, and well they should be. They made their feelings known on social media, and within hours, the poster was taken down.
According to IU’s VP of Public Affairs, the intent was good but misguided. As we know, good intentions are not enough. Perhaps if we deleted some questions, reworded others, and even added a few.
First of all, let’s get rid of “Wouldn’t all the presents be stolen?” and “Would he only visit the ghetto?” Who came up with these? Clearly, these questions reinforce stereotypes and do not generate critical thinking in the least. Also, they show why students of all colors need to develop the ability to shift perspectives. This should be a required part of their education at IU
What do you think of the following questions?
“How do you feel about a Black Santa?”
“How do you feel about a White Santa?” “And how do you feel about an Asian, Native American, or multiracial Santa?”
“Would Santa’s race factor in to whether you let him down the chimney, or had him over for dinner?
What would you do if you were not sure of Santa’s race, and you saw him kissing mommy?”
Now these questions might make students reflect a bit about Santa, themselves, and their upbringing. Happy Holidays!!!