Do you think that Canada makes it worse for everyone with different religious beliefs to co-exist by restricting traditions, among other things, (i.e. the use of the word "Christmas", Christmas tree in government places, etc.) that have been here for quite some time? Restricting traditions for, say a Christian, in an attempt to 'please' another, say a Muslim, will create resentment (whether they admit it or not) from the 'group' that were forced to conform to this new colourless, non-distinct society, for fear of "offending" because of different religious beliefs and observances.
But we are exactly the opposite. We are all different and that is what makes it beautiful - why suppress it? Who is really getting offended?
2006-12-15 02:13:46 · 14 answers · asked by SnL 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
That IS the question isn't it? This year it has hit so hard to me personally. Christmas is a beautiful season and calling it "the holiday" takes much of the beauty and joy out of it for me. If one more person wishes me a "happy holiday" I'm going to scream! I can't think of a single Muslim or Jew who would be offended by the use of the term Christmas.
What we have to recognize is that OUR freedom is THEIR freedom (and this applies to everyone). If OUR freedom to celebrate and acknowledge OUR holiday - Christmas - by name is taken away, how long until THEIR freedoms are likewise expunged.
We have to fight this and I'm glad that someone else feels this way!
Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!1
2006-12-16 01:32:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I am Canadian and I don't think Canada has gone out of its way, I don't see much difference this year than any other years..those who don't believe in Christmas just choose not to celebrate it, not resent believers.
All around my city the buildings all have christmas trees, santas, wreaths, nativity scenes, colorful lights and big merry christmas and 'happy holidays' signs. Christmas is my favorite time of year and even if they call it the holidays i still know what they are talking about, they do that to include cultures all over the world and pre-existing cultures in Canada and I don't see anything wrong with that.
When immigrants come to Canada they should accept that there will be other religions and cultures and traditions celebrated, not only there own. most traditons are celebrated in the families home or at church and immigrants don't have a say or a problem with what goes on at home or at your church. They have to adjust to Canada's culture and beliefs, because there is no way that they can ignore it.
I am proud of Canada's multiculturalism I haven't heard anyone here in Canada complain about this, you're the first to bring it up!
2006-12-17 11:56:26 · answer #2 · answered by crazybethey 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because Christians have got too big for their boots in demanding only their Christmas and beliefs should be celebrated and criticising everyone else.
It is not just Canada. Chicago has had to step in to stop Christian extremism at Christmas. In the UK the universities are taking action to curb Christian groups who are becoming extreme.
This time of year should be inclusive. It is not a colorless time of year - all the other religions and non believers tolerate and encourage each others happiness. The reason Christianity is running into trouble is because it is trying so hard to be exclusive, dictatorial and possessive of the season!!!
The message should be peace and love, happiness and joy. Four words that used to be associated with Christianity the world over but sadly now only used by Christians from outside America and the UK!!!!
2006-12-15 11:10:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I think it is worse. I don't know about Canada, but the US is a different story.
Okay, we try not to offend non-Christians, so we leave out the age old Christmas traditions.
Then that offends us Christians because to accommodate other beliefs, they are blocking out ours.
Christmas is all about Christianity. If you don't like it, don't celebrate it, and don't take work off.
And for all those who say it comes from an earlier pagan holiday, no. Common misconception. The Church made it on the same day as a pagan holiday so people would celebrate Christmas instead of the pagan holiday.
So, I don't think so many should be offended. I am not offended by "Happy Holidays," but when they are afraid to say "Merry Christmas" for fear of offending, I don't like it. No one is offended if someone says "Happy Kwanzaa," or "Happy Hanuka." If blacks and Jews can say their special holiday greeting, why can't the Christians?
God Bless, and Merry Christmas!
2006-12-15 10:20:49 · answer #4 · answered by ♥ Rose♥ 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Well, I'm not Canadian and I believe in majority rule but I think religion is something personal everyone should keep to themselves.
Putting Christmas trees in government buildings, though I don't think there's anything wrong with it, is unnecessary and will not make you any more or less christian. People tend to make too much out of these situations. Just be a good christian and celebrate Christmas like God would want you too. Forget everything else.
2006-12-15 10:18:52 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Sure, differences are great, in the sense that we're all different. It's when it becomes a case of 'those people are different' that there's a problem. If government buildings are decorated only for a Christian holiday, then what's being suppressed is every other culture.
I don't know about you, but I don't find that I need to see the word Christmas next to a tree in a department store to know what time of year it is.
2006-12-15 10:24:25 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
It is not Muslims who get offended by Christmas.What i can't understand is why people can't see that Muslims have lived in western countries for a very long time.If there has never been an issue before.This propaganda is being spun by people in government and media not Muslims.
2006-12-15 10:18:48 · answer #7 · answered by Sherzade 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Canada should quit worrying about hurting everyones feelings. Can we just say screw religion and get to the details that really matter? How about working on doing something a little more productive than pissing around with political correctness.
Merry Chr....Happy Han....Happy Kwa....
Aww screw it Happy Holidays!
2006-12-15 10:16:43 · answer #8 · answered by SquirrelBait 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Another example of Political Correctness gone mad.
I propose to form a group and all religious and indeed non-religious people are free to join. I call it 'Stop The Orders Preventing Christmas Reindeers and Parties' or in short,
STOP CRAP. You are all invited to join: Muslims, Jews, Blacks, Whites, Yellows, Browns, Mormons, Sikhs, Lesbians, Dwarfs and reluctantly the Irish and government officials........................
(Nollaig fe hein is fe bhaise duit - Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year to everyone wherever you are, whatever you are (or think you are) - Peace to you all.....................
2006-12-15 10:29:14 · answer #9 · answered by thomasrobinsonantonio 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can not ignore your hand, or foot, lungs, arms, eyes, but as a living being, you need them, but don't give favor to one above the other. You may use one like a piano players hands, as people will adopt a belief and focus to that one doctrine. For any country to supress belief and try to be all to all, does not work.
2006-12-15 10:23:46 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋