Saturday 17 December 2011

Religion 3 - Political Correctness

Recently, I learnt that the CEO of a large chain of grocery stores told his staff that they should not wish customers a 'Merry Christmas' this year fearing that they may offend some non-Christians.  Instead, they were permitted to say "Happy Holidays'.  Well, I can assure you that this person is very offended by this decision.

To wish me 'Happy Holidays' during a freezing December is absolutely ridiculous.  In my view a happy holiday would be a stroll around a warm city such as Rome, or somewhere just as inviting but, believe it or not, I am not going anywhere.

Who are these stupid people who are offended by sharing my joy of Christmas — I have yet to meet or hear from anyone.

Recently, I returned from many years living in China.  During my stay in that country I was often invited to celebrate the birthdays of the Buddha and Confucius.  Those who invited me knew that I was not a Buddhist and they were not concerned in any way ... and I was delighted to join them.  Many years ago, I lived in Oman.  There, I was invited to join the end of Ramadan celebrations — I was treated as an honoured guest of the Sultan and, once again, I was delighted to to join in.

On neither occasion was I expected to either become a Buddhist or a Muslim — just, simply, be respectful of their customs and enjoy their company which, naturally, I was.

Therefore, during the next few days, please wish everyone a 'Happy Christmas', and a 'Peaceful New Year'.

Today, I looked at some Christmas cards and, suddenly, I had a brainwave (No remarks please).  I would buy some Christmas cards that were blank inside.  Then, I would create an insert containing a happy message.  On an obscure part of the page I shall type;  'This insert is removable in order that the card may be used next year but, please, do not return to sender.'

Now, before you all shout that I am creating a new generation of Scrooges, think for a moment — these cards may develop a life of their own, an honorable pyramid scheme, renewable cards that will decorate one's home repeatedly.

Note — It seems too late for this year.  Nevertheless, it shouldn't stop you buying them now.


Happy Christmas!



10 comments:

  1. Very well said my friend
    There is room for everyone under the Christmas Tree.
    Love and peace to you all.

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  2. I thought that it was constitutionally guaranteed?

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  3. See my blog on the Witches. Nothing is guaranteed anymore.

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  4. Now, you've blown it ... no URL link to your blog.

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  5. http://outrampublicblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/follow-up-on-witch-hunt-post.html

    I can't put a link though so you'll have to cut and paste.

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  6. Thanks, that's great. I guess that I shouldn't have used the word "link".

    I wish someone else would connect with these discussions. ;-)

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  7. Oh, THAT blog! I thought that you were referring to a short story that you may have authored about witchcraft.

    Perhaps snoring is evidence of a devilish creature within, and that could carry me to the ducking chair. But it's under control ... honest.

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  8. As a Chinese, I never know when is the birthday of Buddha and Confucius.

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  9. Obviously, the birthday of Confucius (Kong Zi) on the 28th September, is openly celebrated in China because he is not considered a religious deity, but a respected philosopher, acknowledged by the CCP and highlighted by the Confucius Institute.

    Controversially, on the other hand, Buddhism is said to be a religion and, consequently, Buddhists were persecuted during the period of Mao Zedong. The birthday of Gautama Buddha changes with the Lunar calendar, which will be the 28th April in 2012. Thus, in China, it coincides with the Spring Festival. There is a revival of worship at rebuilt temples in China today, although, unfortunately (As with Christian churches) the people pray for material things such as, a big lottery win, or a better school for their children ... rather than peace on Earth (For example).

    Perhaps, I may remind you of a related discussion in my August Blog.

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