12.06.2012

Merry Christmas, Happy Hannakuh, Seasons Greetings, Whatever

I have to rant a little today, because sometimes I just like to do that. It keeps things fresh, and I love a good debate - so feel free to throw your two cents in, too.


I apologize, because I'm totally going to rant about facebook a little, and really - what is more annoying than people ranting about facebook? Like, for realz. If one more person posts something along the lines of "WHY DOES FACEBOOK HAVE ADS! I DON'T WANT TO SEE ADS! STOP IT" or "I HATE TIMELINE, FACEBOOK SUCKS," I'm going to push them in the face. Yeah. FACE PUSH.

Me.

 Whether we like it or not, Facebook is kind of a big deal. And if they want to make more money on us drones who log in on a regular basis to get their voyeuristic kicks in, well then, they should be able to. And if it weren't for change and innovation, there would be no facebook, or internet, or computer, or electricity, or wonderful things like Coca-Cola. And seriously - like Timeline made such a big difference in your life. You're so friggen hard done by.

My topic of discussion is really about points of view, which were brought to my attention mostly, by the statuses people have posted on their facebook. You know the type:

"MERRY CHRISTMAS! MERRY CHRISTMAS. IF YOU DONT WANT ME TO SAY MERRY CHRISTMAS, GET THE HELL OUT OF MY COUNTRY."

Those kind.

Can I just start by saying: "You sound like an asshole."

People have the right to their own opinions, and obviously, I'm exercising mine with this telepathic post. Cool. That's not a problem.

But don't you kinda feel that it's sad when people feel so strongly about Christmas that normally sound-minded people (and, really, I'm using that term liberally, here), suddenly find they've got this soapbox and it's absolutely okay to basically discriminate against other people in front of a large audience of bosses, colleagues, family, close friends, and the guy they met at the bar the night before?

I do.

I think these people are missing the point. Whether you celebrate Christmas because you're all happy about baby Jesus and how he was born in a barn, or whether you celebrate it because it's a tradition, whether you're celebrating Hannukah or Festivus or whatever, is the real point of the holiday not to spend time with those you love and to be good to other people? The sentiment is "Peace on Earth and Good Will Towards Men", right? I mean, a song was written about it, so it must be true.

Who cares what it's called!? Who cares if you can't say "Christmas" at work because it's not politically correct? Peace on Earth and Good Will Towards Men, right? So, wouldn't good will mean NOT making other people of other beliefs uncomfortable at work, or at school? I mean, we basically vomit Christmas red & green on everyone from November 1st until the first week of January. Give them a break! There are certain religious ceremonies in the world, I'm sure, which would make me uncomfortable. If the workplace is an open opportunity for everyone to exercise their religious rights all the time, I think it would be a pretty uncomfortable place for everyone. Canada, for example, is a land full of immigrants. That's one reason why I absolutely love to live here. Why do you care so much? Is it really that hard to switch to saying "Happy Holidays?" Like, will it make your arm fall off, or will your tongue dry up and rot out of your mouth? I don't think so.

Maybe it's too difficult for people with small brains.


And here's the thing. Christmas was founded because of the birth of Christ. So, to all the people who are writing these ridiculous, nasty, thoughtless statuses, or even having these thoughts in their own heads - if you celebrate a fat man in a red suit coming down your chimney on Christmas Eve, you've bought into the trends and stories of recent history - Santa's relatively new, and he has nothing to do with Jebus. So if you're willing to take on this cultural norm, because it suits you, guess what? Get with the program. Times are a changing.

Facebook's Timeline and being politically correct can both involve extra effort, and sometimes it's a little frustrating. But keep that to yourself - it is discrimination, in my option. And! Evolve, people. You're acting like a caveman.

Maybe you disagree, and that's okay, too. But I'll just let you know right now - if you're on my facebook and post a status like this, I am TOTALLY judging you.

What do you think?

6 comments:

  1. Here's my two cents.....I will always say Merry Christmas, polically correct or not b/c that is what the season means to me....But feel free to wish me a happy Hannakuh or whatever floats your boat.

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    1. I agree! I think it's cool when people greet me with their religious 'blessing' because it makes me feel fancy!

      How do you feel about not being able to say "Merry Christmas" at schools? I always think of Theresa in Elementary school - a child who had to stand outside in the hall because she couldn't participate in our daily prayers and other celebrations. I feel like that was crappy for her, and must've felt horrible as a child.What do you think?

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  2. I personally think people hide behind their facebook to spout off a bunch of crap they are too afraid to say to people in person. I personally choose to say Merry Christmas because that's what I grew up saying and could give a shit if someone else chooses to say Happy Holidays, but show accept that I choose to say Merry Christmas. I am not religious in any sense of the word, but I celebrate Christmas. The people you are quoting who say "Get out of my country" when referring to Christmas are idiots. That is all.

    And Facebook has gone through a myriad of changes since I joined in 2008, and not one incarnation was any better than the other. People just like to complain.

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    1. Hi Lifestrickery - I agree. I think there are a lot of idiots on my facebook list. I'd probably make myself a lot happier if I purged that list.

      I also choose to say Merry Christmas, but wouldn't feel offended if my work environment was more non-denominational and instead said "Happy Holidays". How do you feel about this?

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    2. I am not offended by a workplace going more non-denominational. My office is quite a mix of holiday greetings. He have Holiday Wishes banners in places but then we have a Santa out front and a Christmas tree in the lobby. I say, just be happy and enjoy the glitz and glitter that comes around this time of year. It's all good and well meaning. For the most part anyway.

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  3. Honestly Pat, I don't think polically correct is all it's cracked up to be. We live in a diverse socity and we should be accepting of it and celebrate our differences. We aren't all the same or believe the same stuff. I don't think I am pushing my views when I say Merry Christmas, which is why I think it is silly to not allow children to say Merry Christmas in schools. First you can't please everyone.... and instead of banning Christmas maybe we should be teaching our children what other faiths and cultures celebrate around this time of year. Which unfortuantly would still isolate Teresa b/c anything would still be against what her faith believes in.

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Whatcha talkin' 'bout Willis?