Are we becoming too politically correct about the holidays? Not PC enough?

[BikerGoddess]

Re: Are we becoming too politically correct about the holidays? Not PC enough?

lol @ Bob! Can I use that in my 'winter celebration' cards?

Personally, I don't understand how people can get worked up about how other refer to anything (unless they're calling you unflattering names...). Yes, some words have negative connotations and if the speaker has enough influence, it could cause some people to have (in my opinion, of course) the wrong idea about something. But who can realistically say it has any impact on your personal life if Target puts "Merry Christmas" banners up in their store or not?

Ignoring the historical basis of what are commonly considered Christian traditions, what does it matter what retailers do? If you're into the 'reason for the season' thing, then why are you focused on clearly capitalistic manuevers? If it's all about gift giving, then what matters the lack of spirituality?

I say that all the angst over print ads and decorations should be directed toward something that actually pays dividends, like, I dunno, manning a soup kitchen this winter.

Laura

[PrinceJeff]

Re: Are we becoming too politically correct about the holidays? Not PC enough?

Here here!

[Heidi3]

Re: Are we becoming too politically correct about the holidays? Not PC enough?

personally being in the minority here and a nonChristian .. I can and do understand how this can be upsetting...from what I can see ...so far in my life...I can and do have to look at the world from your view and you absolutely will not look at the world from mine ...go figure

seems so simple to a Christian I guess

[Sheshy]

Re: Are we becoming too politically correct about the holidays? Not PC enough?

Well said Laura!

lol @ Bob! Can I use that in my 'winter celebration' cards?

Personally, I don't understand how people can get worked up about how other refer to anything (unless they're calling you unflattering names...). Yes, some words have negative connotations and if the speaker has enough influence, it could cause some people to have (in my opinion, of course) the wrong idea about something. But who can realistically say it has any impact on your personal life if Target puts "Merry Christmas" banners up in their store or not?

Ignoring the historical basis of what are commonly considered Christian traditions, what does it matter what retailers do? If you're into the 'reason for the season' thing, then why are you focused on clearly capitalistic manuevers? If it's all about gift giving, then what matters the lack of spirituality?

I say that all the angst over print ads and decorations should be directed toward something that actually pays dividends, like, I dunno, manning a soup kitchen this winter.

Laura

[MotherOfGizmo]

Re: Are we becoming too politically correct about the holidays? Not PC enough?

Best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral, winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most joyous traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, but with respect for the religious persuasion of others who choose to practice their own religion as well as those who choose not to practice a religion at all;

Additionally,

a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling, and medically uncomplicated recognition of the generally accepted calendar year 2006, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions have helped make our society great, without regard to the race, creed, color, religious, or sexual preferences of the wishes.

(Disclaimer: This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for her/himself or others and no responsibility for any unintended emotional stress these greetings may bring to those not caught up in the holiday spirit.)

I love it!

[cleochatra]

Re: Are we becoming too politically correct about the holidays? Not PC enough?

Perry that was GREAT!

LOL!!!

And I'm a Glenn Beck fan, too (to the sick freaks out there).

[slimndown]

Re: Are we becoming too politically correct about the holidays? Not PC enough?

Cleo - fellow sick freak - how do you listen? Are you an insider? Do you you stream online from your favorite radio station? If so, what is it?? I'm a cheapskate so I don't want to be an insider unless I have to but all the stations I have access to online seem to be paring down his airtime .

Uh-oh, busted for running amok.....sorry guys

[cleochatra]

Re: Are we becoming too politically correct about the holidays? Not PC enough?

I'm not an insider. The local station just started carrying his show! I'm too cheap to listen to Glenn Beck for money. I like the guy, but he's not my smack daddy.

[not2late]

Re: Are we becoming too politically correct about the holidays? Not PC enough?

personally being in the minority here and a nonChristian .. I can and do understand how this can be upsetting...from what I can see ...so far in my life...I can and do have to look at the world from your view and you absolutely will not look at the world from mine ...go figure

seems so simple to a Christian I guess

Heidi's post is making me think....

How many people where would be offended if a store clerk said "Happy Ramadan" to you during Ramadan? Or "Happy Samhaim" to you during Samhaim? Or "Happy Channukkah" during Channukkah? Or "Happy Moon Festival" during the Moon Festival?

Frankly, that won't bother me at all and I'm neither Muslim nor pagan nor Jewish nor Chinese. But I guess that's just my world view---it takes alot for me to be offended by conversational greetings (unless it's along the line of "Hey B*****!" ).

[MotherOfGizmo]

Re: Are we becoming too politically correct about the holidays? Not PC enough?

I don't understand why non-christians would be celebrating Christmas to start with. Why not pick another time of year and make up your own holiday instead of trying to mess with a christian holiday?

I wouldn't be offended if someone told me Happy Ramadan or whatever, its not my holiday to celebrate and I would never ask them to change their greeting to Happy Holiday, why would I? Doesn't make any sense. They put up "Happy Cinco de Mayo" signs here in the stores for the Mexicans on their holiday and no one complains...what is with all this crap?

Having said that, I could care less if Walmart puts up a sign saying Happy Holidays, what matters is what I say not others. This nation of the offended is really starting to get on my last nerve!

I heard on the news this morning that people were pitching a fit because the Christmas cards from the White House say "Happy Holidays" instead of Merry Christmas. People should just stop sending cards all together, there is no way that you are going to make everybody happy, its ridiculous!

[cleochatra]

Re: Are we becoming too politically correct about the holidays? Not PC enough?

I am never offended if someone were to wish me a holiday I didn't personally celebrate for whatever reasons. I mean, just because I'm not Chinese doesn't mean I wouldn't relish "Chinese New Year's Greetings". You don't have to be a religious native of New Orleans to partake in Mardi Gras.

You don't have to be African American to appreciate and take time on "Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday" to appreciate all he did for us at the risk of his own life.

I don't have to be a Mormon to be flattered when I'm told one's praying for me. Why not? We could all use prayers and good vibes.

I think people look for ways to be offended rather than looking for ways to
just
get
along.

[matawguro]

Re: Are we becoming too politically correct about the holidays? Not PC enough?

The Philippines is 85% Catholic. A couple of years ago, President Arroyo declared Eid ul-Fitr (end of Ramadan), a national holiday. While people were cynical about the reasons behind the declaration, nobody really complained. Most people just welcomed the fact that they had one less day for work.

The Philippines also suffers from Islamic extremists and militants. Recent surveys have shown that the majority of Filipinos are prejudiced against Muslims. Yet most Filipinos won't stop a Muslim from practicing his faith.

Around a year ago, a local mall decided it would build a small prayer room for the use of the Muslim retailers taking up shop. The mall already has a chapel which holds mass every Saturdays, Sundays, and First Fridays, which catered to Catholic patrons and retalers. A small prayer room for the Muslim retailers seemed reasonable.

However, objections were raised by nearby homeowner's association. Issues such as terrorism and safety were raised. The homeowner's association was immediately slammed by various newspaper columnists and the general public as being uninformed bigots.

I guess there's a difference between openess and tolerance. One promotes compassion and understanding while the other promotes compromise.

I personally think political correctness is absurd and abhorrent. Let's face it, being on Atkins is politically incorrect. For some odd reason, a lot of people are offended by the fact that we are on this WoE. Some organizations, like PETA, tend to target us specifically. We are not ashamed to say that Atkins rocks, and we don't ram our WoE down the throats of other people.

I am an Atkineer, a Catholic, and a Filipino. I reserve the right to say "Merry X'mas" in Tagalog while eating roast pig during a Christmas party. If someone is offended by it, tough. That's their problem.

Edit:

I'd just like to add that my views are that of someone from a different culture. I'm not sure if political correctness is a a purely American phenomenon or not. While I am against the the notion of political correctness, I have to say I am not completely familiar with the setting where it has taken root. My views are still basicaly that of an outsider.

[snowlily]

Re: Are we becoming too politically correct about the holidays? Not PC enough?

See, this is what is great about living in the great ole' USA! I have my choice of religion and everyone else has theirs!

Everyone should just respect the others holidays and keep their mouths shut! Do I celebrate or agree with other religions, probably not! Will I go around telling them to stop practicing or celebrating? Absolutely not! That's their right!

Am I offended by the thoughts and actions of some people/organizations at Christmas time? Absolutely! Does it truely matter? NO! what matters is that I as an individual know that all that matters is how I choose to celebrate this day! Who cares if so and so store says happy holidays or merrry Christmas! They can post bah hum bug for all I care cause thats not what Christmas for me and my family is about. To some its about presents, and being with family, or simply getting a day off work/school. To us, its celebrating the birth of our savior. (No matter which day he was actually born!) There are certain race holidays that some celebrate because of their personal preferences, and some that, again, just want a day off work. Some I dont agree with, but I'm not gonna make a big deal of it. I shut my mouth do my own thing and let them enjoy their day. (Unless I get personally attacked in some way.)

People should celebrate the things in life that are important to them and their families! The biggest thing lacking from this is RESPECT! We are all different! and boy how boring it would be if we all agreed.........LOL!

I definately LOVE being me! LOL!
AND YOU CLEO ARE SUCH A WISE LOVELY WOMAN! I've missed being on here reading you guys everyday!!!!

[cleochatra]

Re: Are we becoming too politically correct about the holidays? Not PC enough?

I've missed you so much, Snowlily!!!

[PrinceJeff]

Re: Are we becoming too politically correct about the holidays? Not PC enough?

I am an Atkineer, a Catholic, and a Filipino. I reserve the right to say "Merry X'mas" in Tagalog while eating roast pig during a Christmas party. If someone is offended by it, tough. That's their problem.

Just be sure to tell Jesus "mahal kita" (sp?) every day and all is well!