What if I am a customer who does not believe in Christmas? What if I celebrate some other day that is religious or non-religious? Is not this greeting infringing on my right to eschew the Christmas celebration?
2006-12-13 12:36:12 · 15 answers · asked by sokrates 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Other - Holidays
We live in a pluralistic society. Whenever a business or individual wishes me a merry christmas, I am cordial and say "thank you" or be safe. But I think the greeting is intrusive. What if I am part of a religion that does not believe Christ is God or the Son of God? Furthermore, it is simply not true that Christmas is a cultural holiday. It is religious as well. While freedom of religion is a right in this country, freedom from religion also seems to be a right. I am a religious person but I recognize the pluralistic society the United States has become. Not even all Christinas celebrate this holiday. Why cannot this religious holiday be kept private, instead of being a public celebration. Bah humbug!
2006-12-13 12:49:28 · update #1
Working with the public day in and day out I wish I could say Merry Christmas because Christmas does not have the same meaning in these days that it use to. If a customer says Merry Christmas to me first then I will gladly respond to them the same way otherwise I just say Have A Good Day.
2006-12-13 13:21:26 · answer #1 · answered by Dee 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No-one's suggesting banning "Merry Christmas"--some businesses are CHOOSING not to use it. That's a big difference. They should have the right to make that choice without being falsely accused of trying to "ban" something.
No one has the right, the desire, or the intention of banning "Merry Christmas", however there is a VERY aggressive movement that is attempting to effectively "ban" ANY other greeting, through boycotts, lawsuits, and intimidation.
But strangely enough there doesn't get half the airplay is the so-called "war on Christmas"
2006-12-14 00:13:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. I thought businesses had the right to do what they want. If customers do not like it they will take their business elsewhere, and it will be a case of "survival of the fittest"
2. You might ask that question more logically about Government bureaucrats. However an individual wishing you "Merry Christmas" is not forcing you to say the same thing. You might respond "And a happy Hanukkah to you" Or "Happy holidays". Or whatever does it for you. No greeting infringes on any person's rights. that, to me, is the epitome of ..... well, I'm not sure I should say it. After all, I don't want to infringe on your right to say things that make no sense to me.
2006-12-13 20:41:14 · answer #3 · answered by Mr Ed 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Of course not!! If you are a customer who does not believe in Christmas, that is just fine. The Merry Christmas greeting is a greeting of good cheer and nothing more. If everyone has to be greeted only using the terms of their particular religion then we are in a very sad place! Will you be the first to have your particular religion tattooed upon your forehead so everyone will be able to greet you properly? Also tattoo the greeting you wish to hear so no one will make a mistake and accidently hurt your feelings.
2006-12-13 20:42:35 · answer #4 · answered by papricka w 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Absolutely not! If you don't celebrate the holiday that's fine, but let those of us who do enjoy it. It does not infringe on anybodies rights and it causes no harm to them when they hear "Merry Christmas". If you are that thin skinned that a greeting upsets you this much you are going to have a real hard time getting through life. People are going to say things that offend you and hurt your feelings a whole lot more than "Merry Christmas" will.
2006-12-13 20:45:41 · answer #5 · answered by jim h 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Doesn't bother me at all. I just say "Happy Hanukah" in return. Anyone who gets offended by a good spirited holiday greeting, irregardless of religion, needs to pull that stick out of their anus.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, and Happy Kwanza to all.
I do have to add that I am very pissed off at Macys because I was expecting them to carry electric menorahs for Hanukah as they carry Christmas tree ornaments. I go there like an idiot, expecting to find one, and nobody knows what I am talking about. How come I know more about other religions, yet others are so ignorant of mine?
2006-12-13 20:46:18 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nonsense. I don't consider myself a Judeo-Christian and I'm willing to wish anybody a "Merry Christmas" anytime. It's the only time of year when strangers, packed into crowded stores and waiting in long lines, will give each other that greeting and somehow patience and good-will rules the day.
I'm glad to join in and help anybody celebrate those religious traditions that promote kindness and tolerance.
The only people who are actually offended are Marxists, because Marxism, which worships the state, is entirely intolerant of religious diversity. Screw 'em.
2006-12-13 20:49:58 · answer #7 · answered by Boomer Wisdom 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Christmas is more of a cultural holiday than a religious one.
As a non-Christian, I think things are going a bit too far if banning "Merry Christmas" is a halfway-serious concept.
2006-12-13 20:39:39 · answer #8 · answered by kent_shakespear 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
NO, the Merry Christmas greeting should not be banned from businesses! You don't have to respond. Remember, "One Nation Under God" - and just live your life the way you want.
2006-12-13 20:42:29 · answer #9 · answered by Ms. G. 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
If you are offended by someone saying "Merry Christmas" to you, then you should give them your greeting: Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, Happy Kwanza, whatever. If you don't like Christmas, keep it to yourself. Others celebrate it, even if you don't.
2006-12-13 20:40:39 · answer #10 · answered by Milwaukee_Baby 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋