Political correctness is all around us but I am going to stick my neck out and wish you a merry Christmas. Some people, often the decision makers, seem to think that anything to do with Christmas is offensive to non-Christians. You hear all sorts of stories about the word Christmas being banned, and anything with any religious connection will cause offence.
Ten years ago they had 'Wintervals' in Birmingham. I am sure that the person who made this decision would have taken it to avoid offending anyone. The result, of course, is offensive to Christians. A more common expression is 'season's greetings'. I received a card before Christmas with this heading and the photograph looked like it had been taken in summer. So which season were they greeting me with?
I am not offended if anyone wishes me a good day or a happy Diwali. I have been known to say Eid Mubarak and would you believe that I did not wish to offend anyone? The reply to Eid Mubarak may be kul 'am wantum bikhair which means may you be well every year. I really can't find anything offensive with this. Whether you have faith or none there are some polite expressions that you could use. What is impolite is disregarding the feelings of others because of an unfounded fear brought about by political correctness.
Change the world and merry Christmas
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The people who are offended are usually extremists, and spoil it for everyone else. If someone wishes me Merry Christmas, I usually wish them a peaceful Yule.
ReplyDeleteThis Festive season has been a learning curve for me as me boyfriend is Lithuanian, and I have been trying to make everyone happy. Today he has chosen to leave my family and I alone, as his culture is that you don't visit today...you just go to, and be with family. The fact that I have been brought up not to want to see people alone has taken second place.