What is wrong with displaying religious totems in public spaces?

Question

and why shouldn't people wear religious totems about their persons at work?

A religious totem is an item of religious significance.

It can be any religious symbol and worn it can be an item of dress or piece of symbolic jewellery etc.

Answer 1

Religious displays of all sorts can be problematic.

While the display of religious identity and belief can be positive, it can also be intimidating and offensive to others.

One example is the movie "Passion of the Christ." While many Christians saw it as a re-affirming religious experience, many Jewish people were uncomfortable by the portrayal of Jews; and others were uncomfortable with the violence.

Another example is the wearing of t-shirts. Being Jewish and surrounded by people wearing "3 nails+1 cross = 4given" t-shirts can feel a little awkward.

Personally, I'd always wear or display humble religious totems, and always err on the side of "Political Correctness", since I don't want to use my faith as an intimidation technique.

Answer 2

It's not considered to be "politically correct" anymore to display religious totems in public because you might take a chance of offending someone outside of whatever particular faith you are displaying. Some Muslims object to the displaying of the Manger displaying where Christ was born, while others might object to the Menorah. I believe everybody is entitled to their own views on whatever religion they choose, but please don't super-impose your beliefs on others.

If you are wearing something religious at work, whether it's a cross around your neck, or a yarmulke on your head, as long as it's not over-the-top or in-your-face, I see no reason that something tasteful shouldn't be allowed to be worn.

There's a reason that religion is one of the "forbidden" topics of conversation, other than politics, it's just too volatile a topic for some people to discuss rationally...those same people might become offended by any religious display of faith other than their own.

Answer 3

Totems? As in poles?
If it's a work of art, I suppose it is acceptable. But most people think it is superstition and a form of self righteousness. Also,if you have one for one religion, you will have another religion demanding equal space. And before you knew it, you woulnd't be able to walk before falling over a totem pole.
And of course, wearing a totem pole around your neck at work would knock out all your colleagues. Sorry, health and safety would have a field day.

Answer 4

Given the litigious nature of our society, a religious display can be risky. A prominent cross or t-shirt may be offensive to non-believers and to those who aren't Christian. In the workplace, it's theoretically possible to be charged with creating a hostile work environment, which is actionable under Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) rules. The EEOC already has rules in place for sexual harassment; I suppose it's only a matter of time before someone gets tired of having Jesus pushed in his face day after day and files a complaint for religious harassment. My advice: Keep your religion in your head, in your heart, and off your chest and desktop, unless you like being sued -- or fired -- on "principle."

Answer 5

I'm pretty sure that the freedom of expression of ones faith is still fairly legal in this country. Having said that, it should be noted that ones expression should also be confined to what the society they live in deems non-offensive to others. It's more a matter of common sense and intent then a sincere and ardent wish to appease your deity. But don't be dismayed, society's morals and customs are ever changing and evolving. They become desensitized over time to the point irrelevance.

Answer 6

I don't have a problem with it as long as everyone is allowed to wear whatever is significant to them and no discrimination takes place against anyone. If someone can wear a hijab to work someone else should be able to wear a cross or a pentagram.

If this offends some people i think they need to rethink their place within what is supposed to be a diverse, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural equality driven society.

Answer 7

What's a religious totem?

Has it something to do with Native American culture?




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Answer 8

It may offend. Although, if someone can wear a turban or yarmulke and get away with it, I don't think a cross should be that much of a problem.