So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

Just received and e-mail from a client (born and rasied here in the USA) stating:
I hope you and your family have a safe and prosperous Holiday and Merry New Year!

I'm like, HUH? WTH? So politically correct,........ not wanting to possibly offend anyone by actually saying Merry Christmas,.......... we can't even say Happy Holidays right.

Sheeeeeeeeeesh......



BTW, Merry Christmas!!!!


-

Re: Sp Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

Maybe....that's just how he says it...

Re: Sp Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

or spell.


Can a mod please change the p to an "o" in the title word "So"

Re: Sp Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

I went to Chik-fil-a the other day and the girl in the window wished me a Merry Christmas when she handed me my food. From a place that closes on Sunday I'm not surprised, but I like that :)

I used to wish a Merry Christmas as a cashier at Best Buy. Several people told me they liked hearing that, nobody complained.

Re: Sp Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

Here! Here!!

Or in this case Hear! Hear!!

Re: Sp Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

Personally, I'd rather have the holiday be merry and the new year be prosperous.

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

Got it.

I wish all of you a pleasant end-of-year celebration of whatever and may your future endeavors have an optimal outcome. ;)

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

If people want to be offended they will find a reason. They could say that the turning of the years, or the dating of the years, is based on religious grounds and that offends them. Or they come up with any other reason they can think off.

I dislike Christmas, but I am not offended by it. But I am not offended by the Hadj or Ramadan either. I just couldn't care less about any religious holidays (and that just might offend a lot of people too, I don't care).

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

That wasn't hard to say. Heck, I can even say
Didn't even blink an eye, that was so easy. I didn't hurt anyone by wishing them well, I didn't offend anyone by leaving them out, but if they want me to wish them happiness, I can do that, just greet me with your holiday greeting and I will return the same, with a smile on my face, and true intent that they do.

As far as PC BS goes, anyone that complains about someone saying Merry Christmas, or doesn't do it because they think it might offend someone needs a little rum and eggnog to loosen up, or... oh nevermind.

I just decided that I am going to wish every person I see today the heartiest "Merry Christmas!!" I can, and mean it. I might even throw in a hug or two to people I don't know, just to freak em out a little bit. I might even give some candy canes to some little kids.

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

TripleF how's it going. MERRY CHRISTMAS. I'm with you...i am tired of everyone trying to be PC...just be correct (who cares if it hurts someone's little feelings).

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

Merry Christmas Scotty!!!
and God bless us, everyone!

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

Im all about saying Marry Christmas, I can't stand the politically correct Happy Holidays.

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

my employees are instructed to wish everybody an Merry Christmas... none of this happy holidays bullchit! If I know a customer is Jewish, I will wish him a happy Hanukkah, and they in turn will wish me a Merry Christmas.

oh, they get Happy Easter too!

P.C. should stand for Petit Corona

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

There is a difference between being overly PC and just plain insensitive. There is a time and place for everything. If I see someone who is obviously Jewish, I'm not going to wish them a Merry Christmas. Also, if I see someone who I'm pretty sure is not Christian, I may well wish them "Happy Holidays". Not to be politically correct but just ot be kind.

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

Please don't be offended, but I can't reply to your question...(j/k):D.

Hopefully the pendulum will swing back soon.


And I hope that you also have a Happy, safe, prosperous and productive New Year!

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

The world would be a lot more peaceful if other people would not get offended by what other people believe in. I thank you for not being offended

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

I guess I'm not sure why an inclusive greeting between people who (a) may not share the same religious affiliation and (b) may not know each other's degree of religiosity or affiliation is a bad thing. Why is defaulting to a greeting that's inclusive rather than exclusive bad? I say "happy holidays" all the time and don't really understand why the email referenced in the OP is bad at all. Seems like a pleasant and thoughtful fellow, if you ask me.

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

Hey there TripleF, just as you're shocked by your client's well intended and yes, PC, greeting, it is quite possible that a bunch of people would get equally shocked by a presumptuous greeting of 'Merry Christmas'. You'd be surprised how many, even some Christians (I've heard).

I'm no fan of PC, as I'm sure some of you know, and I've got a very thick skin and am not easily offended myself. However, when I send out my holiday cards to my clients (and friends), I very clearly wish them a happy holiday and prosperous new year for good reason. The cards I choose to send are holiday/wintery cards with a very PC message because the Christian clients wouldn't like getting Hanukkah cards just as much as the Jewish clients wouldn't like getting Christmas cards and yep, the folks who celebrate Kwanzaa wouldn't like not being acknowledged either...and I've just covered a mere 3 faiths!

So, in order to address everyone in our big mix of a country (not to mention saving time and effort when I would have to buy separate cards and keep a difficult tally of who is what), I merely wish a simple 'Happy Holidays' to cover all my bases and not make anyone feel left out. Likewise, when I'm out and about, I wish people the same 'Happy Holidays' because I don't want to be presumptuous and assume something about a complete stranger. I wouldn't think someone would be offended by a well-intended 'Happy Holidays' though...

Even though, in a way, we all 'celebrate' Christmas in this melting pot of a great country, regardless of our faith (almost everyone I know has the day off, for instance, and we all shop the 'Christmas sales'...), I still respect someone's religious freedom and understand that some might take offense if I wish them 'Merry Christmas' or 'Happy Hanukkah' or 'Happy Kwanzaa' or 'Happy Ramadan' (whenever that is).

Make sense?

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

Christmas in the United States is a time of year, as well as just a holiday. In the United States you can have a Merry Christmas even if you don't celebrate the day. You can't get away from Christmas here unless you are delusional. It is in your face for months. Calling it "Season" or "Holiday" does not change what season or holiday you are really talking about. I am more offended by people who are thinking they are going out of their way not to offend anyone.

Merry Christmas to everyone.

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

:tpd:

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

As part of work I get around to different parts of the world and I have encountered people of many different beliefs. There was always one common thing with the rest of the world different than what we experience in the US ... they all made sure to include everyone not try to be PC and exclude something because they thought someone would be offended.

We commonly receive a Merry Christmas from our clients in all parts of the world including Asia and the Middle East.

Something to think about for the new year, pause open your mind and try to include everyone. You might be surprised that most people around the world are just like us, they want to enjoy life and provide a good life for their family.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.
Jay

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

I'm not a Christian, and it doesnt' bother me in the least bit when someone wishes me a 'Merry Christmas'

I do celebrate the holiday, and I'm careful to wish the people I'm around a 'Happy Holiday', because my job does require sensitivity in a very culturally diverse workplace

I can sympathize with both sides of the argument.

I choose to be respectful to those who do not celebrate the Christian version of Christmas, or participate in other (Hanukkah, Kwanzaa) holidays.

I also have a couple of friends who, due to their religious beliefs, do not celebrate any holidays. We've talked about this very subject... When someone wishes them a "Happy Thanksgiving", they simply say "Thank you".


BTW, I celebrate Halloween and I'm not a Celtic Pagan, either...

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

Chinese New Year is not for two months Pete...c'mon that common knowledge! Now I'm offended!
:D

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

I make it a point to say Merry Christmas... but to friends and acquantances (sp) who are Jewish I wish them a Happy Hanukkah. If I offend someone and they let me know I will apologize for the offense but not for my greeting.

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

Friend of mine wrote this : He is rather barbaric in language (he's a lawyer)
"Tonight in the center of my town they have what's called the "Holiday Stroll". The two main streets are already covered in wreaths, garland and lights. Looks awesome. The stores have specials, the food places put little booths on the street. There is a place to take pics with Santa. And, being a very dog friendly town, many pups are dressed with bells and hats. All in all, quite festive.

And if I buy something or meet someone on the street, I will say to them "Merry Christmas". Therein lies the problem. When, and admittedly I may have missed the interoffice memo on this, did the words "Merry Christmas" as they left my mouth somehow turn into "**** you" before they hit the tympanic membrane of the person I said it to? Because from the look on many people's faces, that's exactly what type of inexplicable phenomenon occurs to me on a daily basis for the past few years.

Now I promise you, if I wanted to say "**** you", "go kill yourself with a wooden spoon" or " I did your Mom and she wasn't half bad" I would. I say some or most of those things daily. All I said was Merry Christmas. Let's examine what I mean by that, pre-phenomena:

"MERRY CHRISTMAS".

WHAT I MEAN by this is let's all enjoy each other's company this fine season. Peace on Earth, good will towards men. Santa Claus. Presents. Mo' presents. Christmas Trees. Candy Canes. Lights. Reindeer. Still mo' presents. Remembering family times past. Especially those with my Dad, that I miss very, very much. Eggnog. Parties. Building a snowman with my daughter. Sleigh rides through Central Park. The window displays on 5th Avenue in NYC. That really comforting quiet when you go outside on a snowy night. Let's forget for a bit the problems of the world and our own. Christmas dinner. And yes, mo' presents.

WHAT I DON'T MEAN is mine is the true religion. Yours sucks. Only mine should be celebrated. Your traditions mean nothing to me. Convert or die (we leave that schtick to others). And of course "**** you", "go kill yourself with a wooden spoon" and "I did your Mom and she wasn't half bad".

I don't care what religion you are. Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Wiccan. Worship a head of iceburg lettuce. Good for you. I'll respect yours as long as you respect mine. Frankly, we here at Team Roman Catholic are happy with the starting roster we have and are not looking for any free agents. Please point out Santa, Rudolph or candy canes in the Bible and I'll knock this **** off muy pronto.

You know what it has come to here? Stuff like in the UK. My daughter's daycare center sent home a note for all parents. Essentially, "In respect of all religions and their holidays, we will celebrate none" OK, fine. But parents *****ed about my daughter's "I Believe In Santa" sweatshirt? For this I truly do mean "go kill yourself with a wooden spoon". Do you hate my traditions that much or are you so unsure of yours? Either way, get a ****ing life. She's 3 years old. Imagine ****ing this. A THREE YEAR OLD GIRL LIKES SANTA. Holy ****, stop the presses. Do people just say this to go along with the herd? Has everyone lost their collective ****ing minds?

I never thought I would live to see the day when "Merry Christmas" was considered an insult. So, while I do mean it with for all of the good reasons I mentioned above (I LOVE Christmas), I issue this warning. If I say it and you say it back, say Seasons Greetings, Happy Holidays, etc. Fine. If you say nothing, fine. But IF you look at me like I said any or all of the three past mentioned phrases, it's on. If I know I can get to you because of this, I will haunt you on the street, store or whereever the **** you choose until you say "Well, I NEVER...." and storm away with your hubby and your Scotty dog into your Lexus and speed off. This Christmas season, I draw my line in the sand...ur...snow. In the spirit of Christmas but of course."

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

that was 10 months late, for last year, you Dork.

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

Almost everybody feels this way. Why do we subject ourselves to the tyranny of the minority?

BTW, half my family is Jewish (I am not) and we say "Merry Christmas" to one another.

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

"tyranny of the minority"???

no one has really answered my question from before. what's *wrong* with defaulting to an inclusive greeting? what's wrong with the email in the OP (aside from being a little verbose)?

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

Merry ****ing Christmas!

How about that? :tu

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

that was a little subdued and subtle for you ... must still be drugged up post-op. ;) :dance:

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

There is absolutely nothing wrong with it. Just as there is absolutely nothing wrong with wishing someone a Merry Christmas. If I offend anyone with that I tend to really offend them when I tell them to go f themselves.
:ss

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

In my opinion, it is defaulting to a "lowest common denominator" designation. That repulses me. If someone uses it because they like it, that is one thing, if it is used because they wish to be PC, I would rather not be subject to their "sensitivities." I would, however, smile and return the greeting.
It's a bit like saying "Good Morning" to someone between the hours of 12 AM and 12 PM and thinking that particular phrase becomes somehow offensive if they indeed work the night shift and it is actually their evening.
if a holiday phrase (or cartoon, actually, now that I think of it), is enough to "offend" anyone, they need to re-evaluate more than the ramifications of a couple of words, or showing the bottom of a shoe, for that matter.

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

Honestly, I don't care what anyone uses as a holiday greeting. I say Merry Christmas to everyone, unless I know they celebrate something else. To me saying Merry Christmas is the same as saying "I wish you all the best this holiday season", so if someone is offended, I simply don't care.

Being offended is another silly concept, no one can offend me unless I choose to allow myself to be offended. Too many people, by choice, decide to be offended by other's statements and many go around looking to be offended. That is what I despise about political correctness, it assumes that anything any individual deems to be offending is inappropriate, even if it is something as innocuous as saying Merry Christmas.

Oh, and everyone please have a Merry Christmas! (the definition is explained in the first paragraph as to my intent with this greeting)

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

Axeman i agree with almost all of your post!! I know exactly what you mean by 'tyranny of the minority'.

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

:r

Thanks for the support, Herr Dok!

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

It's a time of the year as stated before, like the old joke do they have july 4th in England?

Lets say you are Jewish I wish you a happy holiday I'm not trying to convert you I'm just saying I hope Dec 25 is a nice day for you.

I'd not be bothered if someone said have a good *holiday here* even if it's not what i'm doing it's still a nice gesture.

If anything happy holidays is just, lazy and less personal.

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

Christmas is getting close i need to pick out my Holiday tree.:r

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

I interchange them all the time. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays. I also don't see why using an inclusive greeting is such a big problem.

It's a very pleasant greeting at the end of the day and shows respect and care, even if the person saying it is being "PC".

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

How is that? Happy Holidays is the same number of words as Merry Christmas and has a greater number of syllables. :ss

Seriously though, I don't see anything lazy about it at all. You are still hoping the person has a happy holiday at the end of the day, aren't you?

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

Fair enough but it's like enjoy your hoilday... what ever it is.

I dunno that's the vibe I get from it.

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

To all my brother and sister inmates at Cigar Asylum,

Merry Christmas, God bless you, have a happy and safe new year.

:)

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

I wish people a joyous Yule or good solstice but certainly don't mind hearing a Merry Christmas or Happy Hannukah.

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

You're exactly right. I was wrapping up at the office the other day and was on with a colleague of mine in another office. I know he goes to church every Sunday, as I do, and still I've been conditioned to not say those two dreaded words! I wished him and his family a Happy Holiday season, to which he replied, "Merry Christmas." I felt like crap, and I know I won't speak to him again before the holidays. So today, here, I wish Eric and his family a very Blessed and Merry Christmas.

And to all of you, my brothers and sisters of the leaf, I wish a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, a Happy Kwanzaa, or just love and peace for you and your families.

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

It's ridiculous,,,pure and simple. I say Merry Christmas and if they have an issue over it,,,get a life. If that offends somebody then they need to figure out what is important in life.

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

Right on!!!! My exact thoughts!!

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

You guys forgot Kwanzaa.

Funny story:

My best man from my wedding is straight outta Africa... born and raised in Nigeria and stayed there until he was around 18. When the topic of Kwanzaa came up he started laughing his ass off and said that he never even heard of it until he moved to the states...

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

It is a racist holiday. Look it up!

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

A Few inputs:

Chik-Filet is Christian owned and hence the Merry Christmas and closed on Sunday.

The Brits love comming to my Base on the 4th of July to watch the fire works and I always see a bit of humor in that...Our first enemy as a natiion is now our best and strongest ally.

Last and definately not least MERRY CHRISTMAS and A Happy New Year.


T

Re: So Politically Correct we can't talk?
 

Moe beat me to it. Couldn't say it any better than that.