What do you think about offices displaying overtly religious artifacts & symbols (like statutes, posters & rosaries) in the general work area where people of mixed religions work? Should offices remain non-denominational or should bosses be allowed to display their religious beliefs in their own businesses despite how this may make other employees feel?
(NB: Australian work place)
2007-08-21 13:45:02 · 11 answers · asked by Veewilson 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Thank you everyone for your thoughts - I guess there is no 'right' answer as it is a matter of opinion. I personally believe that it is OK in private offices (discretely) but as a law office I don't think it would put our non-catholic clients at ease to be waiting in reception with a virgin mary picture! I have a small buddha on my desk & I have a pentagram tattoo on my lower back - which is tolerated (freedom of religion/expression!) but my boss has actually said he was disappointed I wasn't catholic once! When I once arrived at work to find a prayer print out in my intray, I returned the favour by placing a spell for tolerance up on my desk for the week! I appreciate that all answers (except one in my opinion) showed thought and contemplation on the issue! (I would not 'leave' my job because of the religious views of my peers - the question was not what should I do but what do you think)
2007-08-22 12:30:43 · update #1
Hmmm good question. I like to think of myself as accepting of diversity, so it doesn't bother me if someone has a religious symbol in their work area. I think it's personal and as long as the person doesn't try to impose their beliefs on others actively, I'm OK with it. It doesn't seem appropriate in the workplace, but lots of people do have artifacts and symbols around them. I'd prefer if it were discrete and tasteful OR they should leave it at home.
2007-08-21 16:21:46 · answer #1 · answered by Treece 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think it is very inconsiderate for anyone to force their religon on someone. Such as a school or work enviroment.
If someone asks a question about religion then we have a right to state how we view the situation. Such as after a ghost story and they ask where do I believe the dead are?
I am against even school prayer. Who is teaching our kids to pray? an athiest? a homosexual teaching alternative life styles? Religion should stay in its proper place. That doesn't mean we can't talk to people about religion. But to put a wierd doll with the straight purple hair on my desk? What are those nomes? Keep your religious artifacts at home.
2007-08-21 14:00:22 · answer #2 · answered by Ruth 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Find a tattoo site-- many tattoos are symbolic- religious, cultural, etc. I've seen some pretty cool crosses-- various shapes, designs, proportions, etc.... Depending on your own religious bend, maybe you could include a Star of David (two equilateral triangles- one right-side up, the other upside down). I think it would be cool if you had some kind of display with each symbol- something to give the symbols context. I am curious about how your room turns out- let me know?
2016-05-19 03:13:50 · answer #3 · answered by terri 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless the office is something run by the One Holy, Roman and Apostolic Church [you know who you are] it wouldn't fly in the US...there'd be a picket-line out front and 27 attorneys perched in a row in the outer office. Not sure what the "separation of church and state" amounts to in Australia, but certainly what you describe would be oppressive -- particularly if I were a Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, Taoist, Shinto or even Unitarian-Universalist employee!
Suggestion: get a mezuzah to put by the door jamb going into your office...it's called 'equal representation', right? Or possibly a small photo of your late grandpa with some incense burning in front of it...show the flag! Get equal! Get even!
2007-08-21 13:59:09 · answer #4 · answered by constantreader 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't agree with it, but I HAVE worked at a place like that. t was a family-owned shop and they talked about their religion all the time and also displayed their political beliefs- which I'm sure put off plenty of customers! That personal stuff des not belong in the workplace.
2007-08-21 16:09:12 · answer #5 · answered by nanny411 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it's completely fine for businesses to display religious items in the workplace. I'm not sure about the exact protections in Australia, but in the United States this would be covered by our laws protecting free speech. If customers are offended by the expression they can choose not to take their business there anymore. Business owners might decide not to display such items if they are afraid that their customers might be offended. I don't see such expressions as "forcing" one's religion on people.
2007-08-21 19:28:47 · answer #6 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Are you able to display whatever belief system you believe in? If so then go ahead and do it.
2007-08-21 15:47:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think displaying an artifact is not offensive,, as long as you are not forcing your views on anyone I think it is just fine.
2007-08-21 14:02:47 · answer #8 · answered by Jai 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You live in a free country. Get another job if your offended.
2007-08-21 13:55:13 · answer #9 · answered by The Voice of Reason 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a tough question.. I just think people should keep it tasteful and moderate out of respect for others.
2007-08-21 13:54:07 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋