B2 – Upper Intermediate
Santa Claus has been popular for a very long time. He’s called by different names and always portrays a loving soul. But do you think it’s time to give him a make-over?
Read the article below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.
Do-gooders and political correctness nuts have gone too far, having attacked Santa Claus and the Christmas tradition. For hundreds of years, jolly Santa has slaved away each year, prodded (nicely) his elves to get all those toys completed on time, and checked his naughty and nice list twice. On Christmas Eve, he has managed without fail to circle the globe and visit every home. His “ho ho ho!” resounds through the night, while his belly jiggles like a bowl full of jelly. Yet some have now suggested that an overweight Santa portrays an unhealthy image for kids. Equally ridiculous, “ha ha ha!” may be preferential to “ho ho ho!” because the latter term denotes a prostitute in American slang.
Let’s face it: It comes down to mom and dad’s eating habits, not Santa’s, which have a far greater influence on kids. Regardless of the trend among many First World countries to produce obese children, which in turn creates alarming health problems, few kids express the desire to have a spare tire to emulate Santa. Parents and educators should assume greater responsibility for the diets of the young, and understand that healthy choices should be advocated as well as practiced.
Equally troublesome are the attacks on Santa’s laugh. Although “ho” may have negative connotations, only an adult would understand the reference. What’s more, it’s American slang, so kids (and possibly adults) elsewhere in the world won’t likely understand all the fuss. If a child still gives credence to the big guy, then it seems unlikely there will be any association apart from a very distinct laugh.
Will this madness never end? Leave Santa Claus’s sacrosanct weight and laugh alone.
Source: headsupenglish.com
Discussion Questions:
1. What do you think of political correctness?
2. What would you do if Santa’s image were changed?
3. If Santa’s image were modernized, would it somehow change Christmas?
4. Do you agree that parents and educators should assume more responsibility for children’s health?
5. Which has a greater influence on children, parents, educators, or the media?