Sparta Celebrates Diversity Amidst The Holiday Season

Written by: Kanita Tariq 

   There are countless holidays celebrated in the winter season all around the world. As families light their menorahs and decorate their Christmas trees, it's important to remember and respect cultures that are different than yours. Whether it's a completely different holiday or a banter between real and fake trees, everyone celebrates the holiday season in a way that is unique and special to themselves and their loved ones.
   I don't celebrate Christmas, but my family and I are sure to ring out the year and join in on the winter festivities as much as we can. Whether it's a breakfast at iHop, lunch with friends, or Santa themed pajama pants, my sister and I definitely don't miss out on any of the signature holiday traditions. I happily wish my peers a Merry Christmas, and don't mind one in return, either.
   Not everyone celebrates Christmas at Sparta High, and those families either join in on holiday festivities or spend the day just like any other one - with all the stores closed and a day off from school, of course.
   Freshman and proud Palestinian Sawsan Srour isn't one to miss out on Christmas celebrations with her family. "My family is full of people from all cultures and traditions. Christian, Jewish, Muslim...we have it all. We have a Christmas tree, we open and exchange presents and spend time together. Even though we aren't all Christian, we are all still a family. Even though we have differences, it's about coming together and respecting one another's traditions. We all love each other."
   For sophomore Sue Hassan and her family, Christmas is just another day. "We just stay home," she says.
  It's Christmas time and the media is a frenzy - we can't help but wonder why other holidays celebrated by religious and cultural minorities aren't represented more. Audrey Talon believes that the media plays a little role in these cultural divisions. "There are so many resources that people can use to educate themselves on other cultures. Schools should do more to ensure that all students feel included."
   It seems that this year most of all, students who don't celebrate Christmas tend to feel the most excluded. It gets us thinking - what would make it better? What can be done to ensure no student feels isolated from his/her classmates?
   "Muslims are always represented negatively in the media. I wish people would just treat us as people," Sawsan says.
   Sue agrees, sighing, "I wish we were just included."
   So, should schools 'normalize' celebrations for holidays such as Ramadan and Eid?
   "It's hard," says Sue. "It seems like people just don't care."
   "I think it's important to start the conversation, though," says Sawsan. "When Ramadan comes around, let's talk about it."
   There may be a long way until all students feel completely comfortable representing their cultures and religions. In order to make that happen, we here at SHS can start the conversation. Ask questions and educate yourself. Make new friends and learn new things. Until then, we as a student body can be the best versions of ourselves to stand as a united front to make sure no student ever has to be ashamed of who they are.

 
   

Thank you to these two lovely ladies for meeting with us!
Sue Hassan and Sawsan Srour with Elise & Kanita.