If immigrants are always "whining" about keeping their culture, why can't I as a Canadian keep MY culture?

Question

Now, I say whining for lack of a better word. But if they get to keep their native (as in, their homeland) language, style of dress, expressions, and other culture-centric items about them, why aren't I allowed to say "Merry Christmas"? It's part of MY culture as a Canadian native to celebrate Christmas. How come I'M forced to say "Happy Holidays"? If I go to Africa, can I say "Merry Christmas", even if they're celebrating Kwanza? I would be an immigrant to Africa so I should be allowed to keep my culture. Right?

To add an example (although it's not directly me): My brother and sister work at a Canadian restaurant (Swiss Chalet). They're managers tell them to say "Happy holidays" instead of Merry Christmas, or else they get reprimanded.

(This is what happens when I write questions at 20 to 12 at night).

Just so anyone knows, I realize I put "they're" instead of "their".

Yes, I realize my question is allover the place :) I want to keep my culture. The specific example I'm using is my ability to say "Merry Christmas" without people freaking out, and the fact that so many people/entities etc. are switching to "Happy Holidays" to be politically correct and avoid offending people, and attempting to force me to do the same.

Answer 1

I think anyone should keep their culture because it is who you are and what makes you unique. the problem is when people move to a new country and try to change things to suit their needs. that is so selfish. I'd like to see someone protest about bring pork and a bible into Saudi Arabia. I may not agree with them but it is their call and their country.

if my employer tried to pressure about not saying Merry Christmas them I would remind them about my Freedom of Speech and Religion.

it is the duty of immigrants to respect the ways of the country they are moving in to.

Answer 2

Last time I checked, Canada has protections assuring the freedom of religion and the freedom of speech. If anyone is "forcing" you to say "Happy Holidays" then you have a court case. Since you are in the majority, and the majority of weath in Canada is controlled by those who claim to be Christian, dont even try to argue that you are oppressed.

Of course, you could move -- leave that nasty multicultural pluralist democracy in Canada, go to the bible belt in the United States where you can pretend, along with an even larger majority that you are really the ones being oppressed and deprived of rights. You would fit right in.

Added later: If it is a question of required business practice, then I would say it is because that business is aware that they have customers/clients of many faiths and creeds. That is quite different from being "forced". That is like saying that people who work at a company are "forced" to answer the phone with a specific phrase, or "forced" to greet each customer that walks in with a specific greeting. It's a requirement of the job. You can choose to accept the job or not. Get a job working for a church or a christian boss if it upsets you. Otherwise, save saying "merry christmas" to strangers for when you are off work.

Answer 3

Wow... I don't know what the real issue is in this question; "culture" or you being able to say "Merry Christmas," but all I gotta say is you need to stop typing your questions in the heat of anger because that's what it sounds like you did here... something offended you, or made you angry, so that's why your question is all over the place.

“People can only live fully by helping others to live... Cultures can only realize their further richness by honoring other traditions. And only by respecting natural life can humanity continue to exist.” - Daisaku Ikeda

I can't finish answering this question... i feel too irie :-)

(To Be Continued...maybe)

RESPONSE: In your not being able to say "Merry Christmas."

It's not just the Canadians, "eh," that are being pursuaded to say "Happy Holidays" opposed to "Merry Christmas." I personally don't like the fact that I can't be open with that, and just say "Merry Christmas" to greet everyone I encounter.

But the fact of the mater is... it really is all about RESPECT.

Respect.
Respect.
Respect.

I luv that word.

Go ahead and say "Merry Christmas," especially to those you love, those who won't think too much of it. That's up to you... Noone is "forcing" you to say "Happy Holidays."

Even your cousin?. They are being ASKED to say Happy Holidays. She/He does have a choice (that is, of course, if she/he wants to keep her job).

Where am I going with this?

Just because you don't say "Merry Christmas!" doesn't mean you're "loosing" your cluture. YOU are your culture, and the actions you put forth...

HOWEVER, you must "RESPECT" others cultures, just as you want your "culture" respected... you should really say "Happy Holidays" as not to offened anyone else, who may not share your beliefs.

With loved ones it's a little easier, but for those you don't know, just met, or are not that close to, you really should say "Happy Holidays."

“If you want things to stay as they are, things will have to change” - Giuseppe

.pEace.

Answer 4

I'm Canadian and I'm calling you a liar. I say merry christmas all the time, although I'll confess I don't say it too my muslim or jewish friends too often; they have on the other hand said it to ME. (Likewise I've said happy Eide to a friend of Muslim persuation, he knowing I'm not a Muslim has never wished me a happy Eide.)

The essense of the canadian multicultual ideal, (yes we have racists and other idiots here too and that why I say IDEAL), is mutual respect.

In my work there is for example a prayer room. Its used by people of many faiths and they are courteous and respectful of each other.

I never heard of Kwanza. You sure you live in Canada?

Answer 5

I agree with you. I don't bother with saying "happy holidays" and I think it is rediculous to force people to say it at their jobs, because people who aren't celebrating anything you could potentially offend them. I have many cultures in my family (buddhists from Vietnam, catholics from Guatemala, traditional Sioux). I am a Lakota Sioux and I celebrate Christmas. I don't feel its my place to find out everybody's culture beforehand to avoid offending people so I just don't wish random people anything. I'm sure an employer shouldn't be able to fire someone for not wishing someone happy holidays. People should chill out and not be so uptight all the time.

Answer 6

And being an American I shouldn't have to press 1 for English!

I don't mind people having their own religion and language. But when they interfere with MY freedom of choice I get mad!

Answer 7

Say it all you want, just don't expect the government, major corporations, or pretty much any group not based around your specific religion which encompasses more than one person to do so.

Answer 8

Canadian culture is an oxymoron