Are you Offended by the Implication of Merry Christmas in Commercials?
@maximumgravity1 (245)
United States
November 21, 2010 9:51pm CST
A pet peeve I have long held is the political correctness of the term "Happy Holidays". I personally hope to offend no one, but honestly don't go out of my way in being myself to ensure that I don't offend anyone. I often take the attitude that Popeye used to express: "I am what I am, and that's all that I am".
As such, for me, I wish people Merry Christmas if I won't see them at that holiday, and Happy Holidays if I wont see them the entire Holiday Season through New Years Day.
However, I know that television has been shunning away from making any religious references at all during the Holidays. It used to be tradition to see a broadcast message of "Happy Thanksgiving", "Merry Christmas", or "Happy New Years". In the last decade or so it has been changed to "Happy Holidays". In the last two or three holiday seasons, I haven't seen much of anything from broadcasters at all.
I understand the reason behind this action is to avoid offending other faiths; Islam; Judaism, Hindu, etc.
For me personally, the opposite would be true if I were wished a Happy Hanukkah, or Happy Kwanzaa, or any blessings from a Muslim or Hindu. I would find that quite unique, and even slightly special. It would probably stick with me all day and likely something that truly would make me happier every time I reflected on it for the next week. To be wished well based on someone else's traditions shows me their acceptance of me into that culture. Maybe a bit hokey, but that is how I would feel.
Ironically, "all bets are off" when it comes to commercials. There seems to be a bit of double-standard. The implication of all commercials is always showing the Christmas tree, and the Christmas lights, and Santa Clause placing gifts under a tree. which are both strictly Christmas symbols. Even the Foldgers coffee commercial that has been running for 25 years shows "Peter" coming home from the military at Christmas time (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4kNl7cQdcU).
So, what happened to the cultural and religious sensitivity? Why is it mandatory to be Politically Correct in speech, but can be as biased as you want in visual cues? Does anyone that finds being wished a Merry Christmas offensive, find this visual implication equally offensive? How do those of you in Islamic or Hindu nations feel about this? Thank you for the comments
6 responses
@DasJaeger (11)
• United States
22 Nov 10
I like how you didn't go as raving mad as I may have when writing something like that. Honestly, I find the hyper-sensitivity in the States (I live there, no biting off of the head, please) absolutely deplorable. I've taken up the mantra that "Politically Correct is incorrect" and anyone who wishes me some generic "happy holidays" really needs to take up for their own faith or lack thereof and show some individuality. The commercials I find to be just fine for the same reason--they show a traditional Christmas scene, not giving two hoots about who doesn't celebrate what. A good deal of Americans celebrate Christmas (whether they're Christian or not), and while I don't put myself among the church-going ranks, that Foldgers commercial made me cry. Like a baby.
Of course, that means that an Atheist doesn't have to wish anyone a marry or happy anything. So be that. They can go party-poop in their own corner.
1 person likes this
@maximumgravity1 (245)
• United States
22 Nov 10
LOL - DasJaeger, you sound like my wife. She definitely gets upset when people try to be too politically correct. She has had a lot of frustration with this in Day Cares she has worked in.
I do tend to agree with you though, I am sort of tired of people being "spineless" here in the US. TAKE A STAND! Believe in something - or the right to believe in nothing - but do it unashamedly and not worry about who disagrees with you. At least people will know you have convictions in yourself and not afraid to be known for those beliefs.
@maximumgravity1 (245)
• United States
22 Nov 10
LOL - that is exactly what my wife said last night when her and I were discussing this. Especially the grocery store and wal-mart register people.
@DasJaeger (11)
• United States
22 Nov 10
Your wife sounds like a very interesting person. ;)
It really is frustrating to watch a nation that was founded on the principles of individual freedoms try to pander to everyone who they think gives two licks. Even if they don't give two licks. I'm sick of having to worry, which is why I resolve that any and all Mylotters with an ounce of resolve should, whenever wished "Happy Holidays", stiffen up, look them in the eye and give them a good solid "MERRY CHRISTMAS", or Hanukkah, or whatever they right well please.
@rowantree (1186)
• United States
22 Nov 10
I don't mind if someone wishes me Merry Christmas and I wish them the same if I know they aren't the same religion as me. I'm Pagan and I wish people Happy Yule. I always took it as the term "Happy Holidays" applies to all of the different celebrations during the same time period - there's Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Yule and of course, Christmas. I hope I didn't leave anyone out, but I might have.
I feel that when someone says Happy Holidays, it is a wish that the person has a pleasant experience, no matter what holiday they celebrate. It's also handy when you don't know if the person celebrates Christmas or Hanukkah.
I do want to note though that it seems that the term Merry Christmas has become everyone's way of saying good bye during the holiday season and that does get a little annoying, but it's only once a year!
1 person likes this
@maximumgravity1 (245)
• United States
22 Nov 10
Thanks for posting the info about Yule. I find it a bit ironic that most people don't know that the Yule tidings and Yule Log sung about in Christmas traditions is from Pagan festivals. But that is for another topic. I too think that Happy Holidays encompasses all traditions and religions and can't honestly understand anyone being offended by being wished "good blessings" from another person - no matter which religion and traditions they celebrate.
@headhunter525 (3548)
• India
23 Nov 10
I guess you are talking about American culture since your profile says so.
I am from New Delhi, and I am a Christian. Let me tell about our culture here. We have so many religious festivals. And in all the festivals the President and Prime Minister would wish the adherents of a particular religion. And among the general public we wish each other. On Diwali I wish Hindus "Happy Diwali"; on Id I wish Muslims "Id mubarak". And on Christmas they wish me "Happy Christmas". And this goes on. New Delhi's population of Christian is nearly 1%. However, weeks before Christmas many many Hindu shops will put "Happy Christmas" boards and banners. Well, I don't think these shopkeepers bother much about Christmas. But because it's festive season they are able to sell. I have never met all in my life any Hindu/Muslim/Sikh who has problem wishing me 'Happy Christmas" or who may feel offended when I wish " Happy Christmas" to them.
@maximumgravity1 (245)
• United States
23 Nov 10
That is actually quite refreshing to hear. I really can't imagine someone being offended by wishing someone good blessings based on their own particular religious beliefs. I think it is a bit easier to get away with here in the US, as there are so few other open religions. But the problem with making anything "political", you end up with a tainted view of whatever the topic is - even "correctness". So it is of little surprise that there are very few people openly offended by other religions. Just part of the political agenda I suppose.
1 person likes this
@ersmommy1 (12588)
• United States
22 Nov 10
It's that time of year. I am just glad it puts most people in a good mood. I hope not alot of folks are put off by the commercials. If so, they always have the option of leaving the room. Or they can just shut off their television.
1 person likes this
@maximumgravity1 (245)
• United States
22 Nov 10
Sadly, I believe I am one of the few people that actually gets grouchier this time of year. I have gotten so disgruntled with the entire season as one giant money making ponzi scheme, I usually can't think straight come December 25. I also get quite irritated that we can have almost 3 months of "build up" to a single day, where charity's are getting record donations, people are being nice because it is the holiday season, and then in the flip of a single calendar day, everyone is back to being their cold, selfish selves.
@piya84 (2580)
• India
23 Nov 10
I am from India.I am hindu and no i dont get offend by Merry Xmas words.We had British rule for few century and Christmas is huge festival here though India's Christian population is just 2%.
Its a festival of lighting,dancing on street and eating cakes and cookies,shopping.
People who get offend must not be form Indian communities.All Indians celebrate Christams regardless of their faith.
@CandyRayne (458)
• United States
22 Nov 10
I'm pagan myself and I don't mind hearing or being told marry christmas from strangers because they do know my religion, they are just being polite. And that's no reason to snap like I have seen people do before when told marry christmas. I howerver to avoid being snapped at by a offended stranger is say happy holidays. and to me that refers to the holiday seasons that are so close together for all religions during the winter times.
1 person likes this
@maximumgravity1 (245)
• United States
22 Nov 10
Thanks Candy. Pagans are probably one of the only "religious groups" that I haven't interacted with at length, but ironically, will try to go out of my way for my Wicaan friends at the solstices. That is about as politically correct as I tend to get. Just curious if you are in North America?
