It seems this year’s Christmas has been a little more controversial than others for me. My brother was told that he could not say “Merry Christmas” at work. Instead, he was told that he had to subsitute the before cheery greeting for “Happy Holidays.” This issue seems to miff quite a few people. I have heard people say we have freedom of speech in this country so we should be allowed to say what we want. However, some have mentioned that you represent your workplace, and unless your workplace wants you to say “Merry CHRISTmas,” you should respect their wishes.
My question to you is, how far will this go? Sure, maybe some of you can see the point that we need to represent our workplace, but in the future how many more freedoms will be ripped from our vocabulary/dress/etc.? Are we ok with one day being told that you can’t express any personal feelings with anyone at your workplace? Eventually, we will become the robots that we so desperately don’t want to be at the workplace. Do you think it will go any further? Do you think freedom of speech will die eventually?
Company Policy: All employees are required to wear grey smocks, with grey slacks (these will be provided to you). No personal items will be allowed at your desk. Upon arrival to work, you will be issued a script with appropriate phrases to use throughout the day. The first deviation from said script will result in verbal warning. Second deviation will result in a written warning. Third deviation will result in your immediate termination. Thank you for your cooperation.
Thank you Steven! That was perfect. I can’t wait to work for such a fine company. Maybe one day…if I am a good boy :)
My question is: What if someone were then to say that they are atheist and complain because any suggestion of holidays only serves to segregate that person from the others who are celebrating some traditional religious event that he/she does not subscribe to? This can continue to go way too far. Either don’t let people say anything at all or just shut the hell up and stop being so offended by every possible thing that can be said.
I actually got in trouble at work for saying “Hey guys, sorry to interrupt your flirting” to a girl and guy coworker. Fact: they were not only flirting, but having an affair (which I didn’t know) – however, the woman claimed that my comment was inappropriate and made her uncomfortable, so I was warned under the company’s sexual harassment clause. It’s just out of hand!
This has little to do with free speech and more to do with people letting go of their egos and just relaxing. Life doesn’t have to be so much hassle. If someone said Happy Hanukah to me every day, I would care less (even though I’m not Jewish). Ugh, I can’t go on… sorry.
Shane. Phew. I could not agree with you more. What you just said was exactly what I have been thinking for ever and haven’t been able to get it out. Yeah. Since when are we as people such a damned sensitive species? Talk about dishonoring God, if you believe in one. So, think about it. You are God, you decide to create man. Man, you think, will be a tough sort of being. Very balanced, humorous, etc., but capable of emotions, blah blah blah. We have really missed the mark to become such a land of sissies. Shame on you humans. Shame on you :(
this is WAY to serious talk for me.
peace,
hsinav
This whole deal with “Merry Christmas” has been blown out of proportion. People just want to be different and to be noticed. Who is really offended when someone says “merry christmas?” The person extending the greeting isn’t doing it on behalf of the “church.” They only want to wish you the best for the holiday season…going out of your way to make someone feel good! Well the next time I offend someone by singing a Christmas Carol i’ll tell them to blow it out thier ASS!!! I won’t get offened if someone wishes me a Happy Haunkah or Kwanzaa. This is the time of year to remember the ones you love and to spread cheer!
I think we have forgotton that message.
word
to yo brotha
Tons of people who aren’t Christians say Merry Christmas. It’s just a select few who want to strip any reference to God or Christ from the US because they like controversy or something (like that guy who wrote a book saying Jesus never existed and went to court over it).
My friend works at a place that said he couldn’t say Merry Christmas, yet the first thing you see when you come in are gift cards and guess what some of them say!?
I work at home, and I sent out an email saying Merry Christmas and didn’t lose any customers, so next year I play on saying it again.
in defense to “happy holidays” i have a few jewish friends, which is how i learned that saying happy holidays includes everyone…so i guess i sorta agree with it.
This seems like the row over people saying merry xmas. Loads of friends I know say that it’s taking the christ out of christmas, but actually, the letter X in hebrew.. or something actually comes from crist.. so in all it means the same thing (my geography teacher supprises me much)
I hope im not offending anyone here but……………HAPPY VALINTINES DAY! yeah, people need to lighten up.
MEOW
Check out this blog which is a thoughtful alernative to the war over Christmas, especially at work.
http://www.christmasandfaith.blogspot.com
Check out this blog which is a thoughtful alernative to the war over Christmas, especially at work.
http://www.christmasandfaith.blogspot.com