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Happy Holidays!

9/30/2010

 
Symbols often mean different things to different people. To some, the Confederate Flag is about freedom. To others, it is about slavery. Both of those meanings make historical sense. I can easily understand why some people are offended by the Confederate Flag. I have a harder time understanding why some people are offended or ashamed of the American Flag. I also have a hard time understanding why some are offended by religion and spirituality.

Cultures generally have holidays. In American culture, the Christmas Holiday has become extremely important. It is common to hear the phrase “Merry Christmas” used in greeting or parting. To most people, it is absolutely inconceivable that anybody could be offended by such a thing. Yet, some are. They insist upon the term “Happy Holidays” being used around the Christmas Season. Why is this? It is said that not everyone believes in Jesus as Christ. To the Muslims, he was a lesser prophet, to the Jews, a heretic, to some atheists, he probably didn’t even exist.

I never understood this. First of all, these days Christmas is largely secular anyways. It has taken on different connotations. Are we to also stop using the word “goodbye” because it originated as “God be with you”? What difference does it make?

Second of all, how can one be offended by something they don’t even believe in? It’s not as if Christians are celebrating the destruction of others. Instead, they merely believe they have found the way and all are free to join. Silly perhaps, but why not allow them to be silly? I am not offended when wished a Happy Kwanza.

Third of all, how can we function as a society if the norms that hold it together are under attack? What’s next to go? The idea of having orderly lines and not cutting? The idea of driving on the right side of the road? The word please? The handshake? Might not every action we do offend somebody somewhere?

Fourth, the term “Happy Holidays” is usually only uttered around the time of Christmas. It is not as if people don’t know what is meant. Why not drop the pretense? “Merry Christmas” does no harm. Why not keep it?

So, do any of you feel offended by Christmas? If so, what solution can you propose that won’t make us all feel like we’re “walking on eggshells”? Also, can you explain to me what it is about it that is offensive? I can’t think of anything.

Sunny Badger link
9/30/2010 12:16:50 pm

In what way does a Confederate flag represent "freedom"? Would it be the freedom to exploit and enslave a class of people to enrich and preserve the power base of a few?

daniel noe link
10/1/2010 05:26:20 am

It is explained in more detail in my August eleventh post, but put simply, the confederate states seceded to escape ever increasing centralization of power and control from Washington. Slavery rights were only a small part of that.

Sunny Badger
10/1/2010 11:22:04 pm

Really...what percentage of "a small part?" What control did Washington have? I believe it was more of a conflict between the industrialized North and a ag-based South.

I'll check out your August 11 post, but your stated about "control from Washington" comes from the revision, anti-fact based world that has spawned ill-informed groups like the GOTea Party.

Sunny Badger
10/7/2010 03:36:28 am

Dan, I hope I didn't scare you by raising some points of discussion in your blog. I noticed no one has actually commented on your posts. You did hope to get some discussion going here didn't you? Hopefully you wanted more than a nod-your-head-in-agreement forum. Notice that I didn't call you any names or try to asassinate your character for having a different view that me?

daniel noe link
10/7/2010 07:48:35 am

I can only know what I've been told; I wasn't alive during the civil war. The same goes for you (unless you're a vampire or something). The point is that today many people actually believe this revisionist (perhaps) history and it drives the conflict over the confederate flag. I just wanted people to understand each other and that it's not about slavery and racism today.

As for name-calling, I expected worse.

cheap flights from London to Manila link
7/1/2014 02:10:08 am

Talking about the points laid out in your blog, I don’t see any harm in wishing “Merry Christmas” as long as it doesn't offend someone on his or her belief and religious affiliation. Christmas celebration has been accepted as more of a cosmopolitan culture than merely something that represents a particular group. The present world is based on democracy and egalitarian principles. So, everybody is free to do and behave according to what they believe is correct as long as it is not in direct confrontation with the beliefs of others.


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    Hi, I'm Dan. I like chocolate, hiking, and politics.

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