I get what the guy is saying when he states the history behind it, but a disruption? C'mon! A sneezing fit is more of a disruption. And how long does it take to say "Bless you" or "Gesundheit"? Is that really a disruption?
I think the one angle they're missing is the civility in the phrase. Throw aside the religious, superstitious, and disruption stuff, and just look at it for exactly what it is: One human being in a moment of vulnerability, and another showing concern. Should we really punish that sort of behavior?
Group: Super Administrators
Posts: 26651
Joined: May 2004
Posted on: Sep. 30 2011,08:45
If they were pulling a NY Giants and fucking with him, he's right to get upset. However, the debate has expanded beyond his classroom, and that's what I was addressing.
TPRJones I saw The Fault in our Stars opening night.
Group: Privateers
Posts: 12384
Joined: May 2004
Posted on: Sep. 30 2011,12:09
He sounds like a wonderful teacher. Â [/sarcasm]
If they were screwing with him, then he should address their screwing with him. Â Turning it into something about the general "Bless You" was stupid. Â Unless that was the original point he was trying to make. In which case it's worse than stupid.
I'm not religious. Â Saying "Bless You" is not about religion. Â It's about politeness and courtesy. Â And that is something we desperately need our teachers to encourage, not punish.