For the Holiday Season, I got this debate brought forward in my mind. This one is not as controversial but I still want here you thoughts:
Is Merry Christmas an exceptable greeting for the season?
Yes or No (or do you not care?)
(Thank you to all, who posted on the first post and continue posting)
Kick Ass and Chew Bubble Gum
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
I think its a perfectly fine greating for the holiday season, however, here in Canada, we are Multicultural and not everyone celebrates Christmas. I celebrate Yule but I do not find it in any way offensive when someone wishes me a Merry Christmas because I do the Christmas thing with family. Those who don't have anything to do with Christmas may get offended that thier holiday isn't given as much attention. A person who celebrate Kwanza for example, may not want to be wished a Merry Christmas. If you were to argue that Canada has a culture of its own, that we speak french and english and are predominantly Christian, I'd have to point out that we are the most multicultural country in the world and we can't just ignore the fact that those of other faiths and practices still live here. They shop in our malls and they deserve to be wished a happy holiday just like the Christians. Since it is nearly impossible to tell a persons faith just by looking at them it is best to give a generic holiday greeting.
I would have to agree with the Guru on this one. I do not mind getting wished a Merry Christmas, although it warms my heart even more when I am wished a happy solstice (as one of my profs did). In this I would have to go with the stance of "it is the thought that counts". Unfortunately Christmas is no longer all about the birth of Jesus but tends to refer to more than that (no offence to any Christians), so to wish someone a Merry Christmas has become more than just the faith they follow but more of a well wishing for the season. Happy Holidays works as well.
In Lincoln Park this year there was a man who decorated to the hilt, lights, those blow up figurines, the Nativity Scene and what not, including a huge lit sign that said "Merry Christmas." SOme people in his neighbourhood found this offensive and demanded he take it down. THe matter was put over to local officials who boiled it down to this: Private property, can't help you, he can decorate as he sees fit. So the sign stayed, and I was happy.
I think it's the thought that counts. The pretense of a Holiday greeting shouldn't matter, because it is in fact, a well wishing. All over the world, despite race, religion or belief system the creed is the same, the message is the same: Peace on Earth and good will towards ALL men.
A few things to say about this:
First of all, we are the second most multicultural country on the planet: Australia is the first, though we have the most multicultural city in the world, Toronto.
As for merry christmas, the question that every person ask is if they would be hurt by "merry yule" "happy kwanza" "wonderful festuvus" or anything else that I have missed. Honestly, I find it really tough for anyone to find it offensive. Really, is it so rough that people can't be wished a peaceful ceremony from someone else? That's like me screaming at someone for speaking spanish to me... because I happen to speak english.
I think what truly bothers me is this debate has taken over the news, while somehow the world isn't looking to the fact that the first day of Hannukah and Christmas were on the same day. That's a pretty cool thing, you know? Perhaps a reason to be happy and come together, and start opening arms to other religions as well..
Wait, that'd be something like "heaven". Better start yelling about two words.
Post a Comment