Today, at work I was setting a Christmas card for a client. They supplied the picture and text and all I had to do was drop them in. So, I did. 15 minutes later the client called me "Better change the wording on the inside to 'HAPPY HOLIDAYS' instead of 'HAPPY CHRISTMAS' incase it offends anyone" he said.It seems businesses are becoming less and less festive too, the BBC have been broadcasting a number of Christmas-related issues lately, including this one: 'Firms 'ban festive decorations' for 'fear of offending people from other faiths'.
Whats going on?!
I understand England is a multi-cultural society, but, come on, Christmas is part of our tradition, as well as a load of other places. Saying we shouldn't put up decorations or say 'Happy Chrismas' incase it offends anyone who dont celebrate Christmas is obsurd!
My friend is Jehovah Witness believer. She doesnt celebrate Christmas but doesnt get offended by the decorations or when someone gives her a card. "Its part of your belief, I have no right to stop you celebrating what you believe in. If someone gives me a card, I'll accept it, but dont expect one back, thats all." she once said to me.
I cant believe that any faith/race etc can be offended by Christmas decorations etc, and if they are, they should realise and except that its part of English culture (OK, German...). I respect other faiths, so I'd like mine to be respected by them. Being human is all about tolerance - everyday we have to put up with things we dont like or dont agree with. But we dont rebel against all of them - we just accept it.
Somebody sure likes stirring things. 'Muslim women, dont wear your veils' and 'BA's crucifix wearing staff' etc...
I question: Does the government resent the fact that the UK is multicultural?
If not, STOP STIRRING RACIAL HATRID.
You're not helping an already confused and scared country thats afraid to say what it really means.
6 件のコメント:
I totally agree. It's one thing to try not to offend some people, but changing your culture to fit people who come to your country is another, and is insane, I think. People from various cultures have come to our country with our traditions, why should we have to change them?
It's like asking Japan to ban public baths, and make everyone speak in English because the nudity offends us, and we're "offended" by everyone speaking a language we don't understand.
Anyway, if you start this plan of changing things because it offends people, where does it end? You'll always "offend" some people and it'll never stop.
While we're at it, UK TV 'offends' my sensibilities so I think we should ban it. Oh and the Daily Mail.
For companies sending out cards it is understandable to say 'happy holidays'.To give you an idea, I've done much businesss with some Jewish firms and if I were to send them a Happy Christmas card it would ensure the termination of contacts.
All in all true Christmas is dead. It is now just a money making machine fed by the hordes of ignorant people that think it is really a good time to shop. Hypocritates mostly, people that claim to be Christian but are so far removed they don't know left from right. I say with pride that I am atheist but lead a more pure life-style than these so called religious folks.
Respect to those that hand make cards and gifts and spend time with their family and friends.
Click me to read me
This says it all?!
@Ben - You said it much better than me - where does it end? You cant be everyones friend all the time. Celebrate Christmas if its your faith - dont shy away from it!
Maybe Christmas has lost its meaning a bit now, its all to do with present giving, eating too much and drinking. Thats why its even more obsurd why people from other religions cant/wont except it...
@anonymous - thanks for the link. I still dont get the idea of a christmas card thats not allowed to say 'happy christmas' but 'happy holidays'. People know why companies are sending it - its because its christmas. What different does a word change make? And so what if they are Jewish? They know when Christmas is, and as it says in the link, if they sent your company a 'Happy Hanukah' card, you wouldnt be offended, just happy to recieve it and share in their joy of celebrating what they believe in. You wouldnt send one back. But you wouldnt terminate any contact with them because of it! Grow up! >_<
Oi! you deleted the last post? >_< Did you see my message? i dont know whats happening in england right now, but is nowhere having christmas decorations? I cant believe it..!! London's Oxford/Regent Street is famous for its christmas illuminations, which is the same as decorations. If they banned it, which I'm sure they will never do, they are just stirring as you say, but if they were, then tourist money would fade too.
Hi Mimi
Yes, I saw your last message. Sorry I deleted it. Thanks for your advice ^^
No, Christmas decorations are going up as per usual as far as i can see, lots up in canary wharf anyway. Its just the government/bbc stirring things for reasons i dont understand.
any plans for coming back to England in 2007? (even for a visit?) -- i might be going to Tokyo summer 2007... im working loads of overtime to pay for it!^^
mainichi mainichi ganbattemasu yo!
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