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Dec 27
2011
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Anyone Else Sick of Ignorance? - EDITED AS TO NOT OFFEND OR MISLEAD ANYONE
Posted by: Genevieve Oxford on Dec 27, 2011 11:37 Tagged in: Fair Housing
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Now, I will be the first to tell you that sometimes, P.C. goes just a tad too far. When we are having full national campaigns to eradicate a word...Let me just say, sometimes its just silly.
But this post isn't about being politically correct. I experienced something this morning that was exclusion-ism at it's finest. And, it was merely from an email. An email sent out with good intentions to all our residents and vendors which simply said, "From all of us at 1st Lake Properties, Happy Holidays." Here is the reply I received from a resident below:
1st Lake,
Thank you for your well wishes this Christmas Season. I certainly appreciate the sentiment. However, I am quite offended that you have chosen to refrain from the customary phrase "Merry Christmas." It seems that you have chosen to attempt to not offend a small group of people while severely offending the vast majority of Americans (see the latest Rasmussen Report that states that 70% prefer "Merry Christmas"). I sincerely hope that in the future, 1st Lake will again choose to honor the majority of Americans by also celebrating one of our national holidays and saying "Merry Christmas." Again, I do want to say thank you for the well wishes and I hope all of you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
I am not sure this resident realizes he is just fighting to exclude all other religions just to see his own preference in a simple email. And as a customer service representative, I did not want to reply. I thought, "Just leave it alone. Sometimes people are just like that."
I tried to move on to my work. But I just couldn't stop thinking about this email. This resident who thinks we are just playing it safe or trying to be sneaky in order to increase our customer base. Why else would he send us some report regarding what the majority wants?
Why on Earth would this person be offended? Which word in the aforementioned statement would be of offense. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get this resident out of my head, I had to respond:
Dear John-
Thank you for your well wishes also. However, please note we do not “choose” to refrain from the customary phrase you mention below out of company policy with regards to the holiday season, but rather it is our company policy to be fully compliant with all Fair Housing laws and guidelines.
The Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 and the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, prohibits discrimination against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin in the sale, rental, leasing financing and advertising or housing.
Considering “Christmas” is a Christian holiday, “Chanukah” is a Jewish Holiday, and “Yule” is a Wiccan (recognized by our Federal Government as a religion) Holiday, as per Fair Housing Guidelines not to “advertise or make any statement that indicates a limitation or preference based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or handicap,” we wish everyone “Happy Holidays.” You can read more about Fair Housing Laws and Guidelines here: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/FHLaws/yourrights.
Again, it is not our intention to offend but to include everyone. Thank you.
What is the point? I'm not even sure I had a concise point to this post. How about this:
The customer is not always right.
Ignorant customers should be educated.
Teach a customer to Google, educate him for lifetime
HAPPY H-O-L-I-D-A-Y-S!
REVISED -
I would like to take this opportunity to state clearly that I understand Fair Housing Laws do not specifically state the use of phrases such as "Merry Christmas", does not constitute a violation of the Fair Housing Act.
The statements made in this blog are solely from the point of view of the author and do not necessarily represent the view of a large section of the population, 1st Lake Properties, or any other human being on this planet.
Thank you. :)
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Comments (26)
Hey Genevieve, I'll agree with you that is silly for Jared to have written a letter taking offense at Happy Holidays (although I don't like it's use one bit either), but Merry Christmas is not a Fair Housing issue at all. Not renting to someone because they are a jew or a christian is a Fair Housing Issue, but if someone has led you to believe that acknowledging someone's (or your own) religious beliefs and wishing them happiness, counts as any form of religious harrassment or discrimination- you have been misled. That said, there is a strong push in the PC movement for secularization- and its totally wrong-headed. That said, you and your company have every right to use whatever salutation that you like- or none at all. That said, I hope that you had a Merry Christmas.
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Hi Ross, I understand the use of secularized terms or symbols relating to religious holidays such as Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, or St.Valentine's Day images, or phrases such as Merry Christmas, Happy Easter, or the like does not constitute a violation of the Act. But let's be honest here, its not like the Fair Housing is black and white, cut and dry. How about "reasonable" accommodations? What about Occupancy Standards? If I am sending out a mass email to all of my residents, vendors, etc., wouldn't you agree better to include everyone? I wouldn't want to be the example that sets the hard and fast rule...
As far as secularization, I can't seem to come up with one reason not to support rationalization and modernization.
Thanks for the input. I hope your Holiday season is Merry.
As far as secularization, I can't seem to come up with one reason not to support rationalization and modernization.
Thanks for the input. I hope your Holiday season is Merry.
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I would have to disagree with Ross. Wishing someone a Merry Christmas is indeed a fair housing no-no.
Wishing a Merry Christmas in a mass mailed e-mail could be construed as religious preference.
While refusing to rent to someone because they adhere or don't adhere to a certain religion is an obvious form of discrimination, fair housing laws also forbid apartment owners and managers (indeed all multifamily housing providers) from making any notice, statement, or advertisement that indicates a preference, limitation or discrimination based on religion...
So in my opinion (and it's merely that, just an opinion), I would stick with Happy Holidays.
Wishing a Merry Christmas in a mass mailed e-mail could be construed as religious preference.
While refusing to rent to someone because they adhere or don't adhere to a certain religion is an obvious form of discrimination, fair housing laws also forbid apartment owners and managers (indeed all multifamily housing providers) from making any notice, statement, or advertisement that indicates a preference, limitation or discrimination based on religion...
So in my opinion (and it's merely that, just an opinion), I would stick with Happy Holidays.
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And to state my preference... I prefer Merry Christmas.. 
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Hey guys,
I really don't want to turn this into too much of a conversation, but since you all seem to disagree with my interpretation...I decided to call on of my attorneys (who represents us in Fair Housing issues). His response was as follows 'Well, anybody can sue you if they want...there's nothing that you can do about that. However, wishing anyone any type of seasonal greeting (Christmas, Hannukah, Kwansa, etc.) in no way, shape or form is an actionable Fair Housing event. Once again, any asshole can sue you- this in and of itself would likely not even get heard, definitely isn't winnable.'
Truthfully, I'm not trying to belabor the point, but all of our opinions aside...there is absolutely no Fair Housing issue related to wishing anyone, any type of seasonal greeting that you choose. If there is an attorney whop would like to debate this, I can get mine to opine as well.
That said, lets move on to Happy New Year (then again, would that offend those non-gregorians who use the Chinese Calendar...our Jews whose year is based on the Roman...) Anyway...
I really don't want to turn this into too much of a conversation, but since you all seem to disagree with my interpretation...I decided to call on of my attorneys (who represents us in Fair Housing issues). His response was as follows 'Well, anybody can sue you if they want...there's nothing that you can do about that. However, wishing anyone any type of seasonal greeting (Christmas, Hannukah, Kwansa, etc.) in no way, shape or form is an actionable Fair Housing event. Once again, any asshole can sue you- this in and of itself would likely not even get heard, definitely isn't winnable.'
Truthfully, I'm not trying to belabor the point, but all of our opinions aside...there is absolutely no Fair Housing issue related to wishing anyone, any type of seasonal greeting that you choose. If there is an attorney whop would like to debate this, I can get mine to opine as well.
That said, lets move on to Happy New Year (then again, would that offend those non-gregorians who use the Chinese Calendar...our Jews whose year is based on the Roman...) Anyway...
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As I read this, my initial thought was "yeah, I really don't get why someone who celebrates Christmas can't wish another person a Merry Christmas... why not, surely they all understand?"...
Then I turned it around, just to check, and thought "ok, so what if the person sends me a Happy Hannukah"? Yeah, I'm not offended, but it doesn't reach me - I don't celebrate Hannukah. Happy Holidays at least includes me.
Ok. I submit. Happy Holidays is inclusive, and Merry Christmas isn't.
I still hate it though - and I have tended to write "Merry Christmas/Happy Hannukah/Pleasant Yuletide/Enjoyable holiday"...
I might change mine to "Happy Holy Days" (the origin of the word holiday)... for those who hold them holy....
Then I turned it around, just to check, and thought "ok, so what if the person sends me a Happy Hannukah"? Yeah, I'm not offended, but it doesn't reach me - I don't celebrate Hannukah. Happy Holidays at least includes me.
Ok. I submit. Happy Holidays is inclusive, and Merry Christmas isn't.
I still hate it though - and I have tended to write "Merry Christmas/Happy Hannukah/Pleasant Yuletide/Enjoyable holiday"...
I might change mine to "Happy Holy Days" (the origin of the word holiday)... for those who hold them holy....
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Wow, this conversation has really gotten into my head. I think it’s because it stems from Political Correctness, which is a condition that makes my core temperature rise and insides seize and convulse. Something feels very wrong to me about the whole movement. When we think of it, PC is a movement that gained initial popularity in the 1970s as a way to take pejorative connotations away from words (cripple became handicapped became…). The assumption was that people were weighed down as much by the words describing their condition as they were by the condition itself (shellshock became post traumatic stress disorder became PTSD).
In some cases it is good because it works to make words and phrases that are intended or used to hurt, less acceptable.
In other cases the effects are neutral (homo becomes gay becomes GLBT). The change here is irrelevant because whatever word that is used retains the connotation (positive or negative) that the person using it intends. If they are prejudiced against gays, then the word gay is said with the same nastiness as if they had said fag… The problem is less the word than the ugliness that is in the person’s heart. If we want to change the world, we need educate those with the prejudice to not judge or dislike groups, and not keep changing words used to describe groups in hopes that the connotation doesn’t follow- it always follows. A clearer argument can be made on the topic of race, but I’m staying away from that so that Brent doesn’t get inundated with hatemail.
The biggest problem with Political Correctness is that in their attempt to eliminate language and practices which could offend political sensibilities (as in matters of sex or race), the liberals who actually perpetuate this have actually created a form of censorship and have lessened the richness of our great language. We now have to spend time debating what are acceptable forms of greetings and salutations around holidays. And more stupidly, we have to debate the legal implications of wishing someone joy or happiness (as if any form of that wish could constitute oppression). Think about it, were we ever promised that life would be easy? or that we should go through life and never be offended? or told that it is even acceptable to be offended over the slightest of things? Over the past four decades, we have allowed ourselves to become neutered over politeness.
So fast-forwarding to our current discussion of ‘Who we are oppressing by wishing them a Merry Christmas’, I wondered what the spiritual make up of the United States? I found that a Pew Research Study indicates the following:
78.4% Christian
12.1% Unaffiliated (secular or religious)
2.4% Agnostic
1.8% Athiest
1.7% Jewish
1.2% Other faiths (Unitarians, New Age or Native American)
0.7% Buddhist
0.6% Muslim
0.4% Hindu
As I looked at the break-down, it occurred to me that perhaps 70% of the Athiests (because their beliefs are in direct opposition to Christianity) and maybe 15% of the others with faith (albeit a different one) would possibly be offended at the offer of a Merry Christmas. Not to be a math nerd, but that means that we are debating and altering how we are allowed to bless someone at the holidays over the potential (and I think that I estimated high) 4.23% of the U.S Population.
Now I’m going to suggest that someone getting offended at the offer of a Merry Christmas is not because they feel oppressed by the terminology not meshing with their own beliefs…but it is because they are stupid (calling someone stupid may not be PC- I’m not sure). And I guess that assuming that a 4.23% of the US population is actually stupid may be a reasonable assumption- although my gut tells me that it is probably in the 1% range. But here is the thing…if we continue to dumb down our language and interaction to avoid offending this phantom (imaginary) 4.23% then we kind of deserve what we get.
Ask yourself this ‘Are we a stronger, better or happier society because we choose to subjugate our well wishing to appease an imaginary 4.23%?’ Or should we respect that 4.23%s decision to become offended by something stupid. I think that when we change our behavior to accommodate someone’s foolishness, we actually validate it.
In some cases it is good because it works to make words and phrases that are intended or used to hurt, less acceptable.
In other cases the effects are neutral (homo becomes gay becomes GLBT). The change here is irrelevant because whatever word that is used retains the connotation (positive or negative) that the person using it intends. If they are prejudiced against gays, then the word gay is said with the same nastiness as if they had said fag… The problem is less the word than the ugliness that is in the person’s heart. If we want to change the world, we need educate those with the prejudice to not judge or dislike groups, and not keep changing words used to describe groups in hopes that the connotation doesn’t follow- it always follows. A clearer argument can be made on the topic of race, but I’m staying away from that so that Brent doesn’t get inundated with hatemail.
The biggest problem with Political Correctness is that in their attempt to eliminate language and practices which could offend political sensibilities (as in matters of sex or race), the liberals who actually perpetuate this have actually created a form of censorship and have lessened the richness of our great language. We now have to spend time debating what are acceptable forms of greetings and salutations around holidays. And more stupidly, we have to debate the legal implications of wishing someone joy or happiness (as if any form of that wish could constitute oppression). Think about it, were we ever promised that life would be easy? or that we should go through life and never be offended? or told that it is even acceptable to be offended over the slightest of things? Over the past four decades, we have allowed ourselves to become neutered over politeness.
So fast-forwarding to our current discussion of ‘Who we are oppressing by wishing them a Merry Christmas’, I wondered what the spiritual make up of the United States? I found that a Pew Research Study indicates the following:
78.4% Christian
12.1% Unaffiliated (secular or religious)
2.4% Agnostic
1.8% Athiest
1.7% Jewish
1.2% Other faiths (Unitarians, New Age or Native American)
0.7% Buddhist
0.6% Muslim
0.4% Hindu
As I looked at the break-down, it occurred to me that perhaps 70% of the Athiests (because their beliefs are in direct opposition to Christianity) and maybe 15% of the others with faith (albeit a different one) would possibly be offended at the offer of a Merry Christmas. Not to be a math nerd, but that means that we are debating and altering how we are allowed to bless someone at the holidays over the potential (and I think that I estimated high) 4.23% of the U.S Population.
Now I’m going to suggest that someone getting offended at the offer of a Merry Christmas is not because they feel oppressed by the terminology not meshing with their own beliefs…but it is because they are stupid (calling someone stupid may not be PC- I’m not sure). And I guess that assuming that a 4.23% of the US population is actually stupid may be a reasonable assumption- although my gut tells me that it is probably in the 1% range. But here is the thing…if we continue to dumb down our language and interaction to avoid offending this phantom (imaginary) 4.23% then we kind of deserve what we get.
Ask yourself this ‘Are we a stronger, better or happier society because we choose to subjugate our well wishing to appease an imaginary 4.23%?’ Or should we respect that 4.23%s decision to become offended by something stupid. I think that when we change our behavior to accommodate someone’s foolishness, we actually validate it.
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Hi Guys, I just wanted to chime in to let you all know that Nadeen Green discussed this in her blog. You can read it here:
http://www.multifamilyinsiders...stmas.html
http://www.multifamilyinsiders...stmas.html
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First of all, Felicia, you beat me to the punch. I was all ready to share that link until I got to your comment...
Second, I think a lot of this comes down to what are we afraid of:
1) Offending someone
2) Violating Fair Housing
3) Not violating Fair Housing, but they file a case anyway, which costs us money to defend
It's really the third one that upsets me. If you are ok with offending someone, but it doesn't Fair Housing, then it should just be a judgment call. But it infuriates me that companies feel they can't do something not because it is against Fair Housing, but because of a fear of a lawsuit. HUD should be much more clear on what is ok and what is not so that fear is not a issue.
Second, I think a lot of this comes down to what are we afraid of:
1) Offending someone
2) Violating Fair Housing
3) Not violating Fair Housing, but they file a case anyway, which costs us money to defend
It's really the third one that upsets me. If you are ok with offending someone, but it doesn't Fair Housing, then it should just be a judgment call. But it infuriates me that companies feel they can't do something not because it is against Fair Housing, but because of a fear of a lawsuit. HUD should be much more clear on what is ok and what is not so that fear is not a issue.
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I think when I was on the property management side we tended to stick with Happy Holidays because it was safer. That said, I do not think your resident demonstrated ignorance or did anything wrong. Their preference for Merry Christmas and obvious frustration with the pc climate of holiday message means they were in fact offended by your email. You cannot simply dismiss that as ignorance because it is not. Next year perhaps you tweak your message to read, "While we'd love to wish each of you the proper season greeting based on your belief, we do not maintain such records. So instead we'll wish you each a heartfelt Happy Holidays."
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Genevieve,
I am so with you! In LA, whether it be in the PM world or Corporate world, our cards went out in every language possible. I've been on the vendor side for many years and not once did anyone in the PM world or otherwise take offense to it. I just relocated back to the south from LA and I've been out there wishing everyone Happy Holidays and I'm baffled at how startled people look when I say it. Really, that this guy really does not "get it" is not surprising to me at all. But, that he could actually miss the point completely is pathetic at best. Chosen to offend a small group of people? Small group of people??? What a senseless thing to say. If this resident really lived in America, and not in a box, he would see that it's one big huge melting pot. Letting go and ignoring his message would have served him well, as to ignore it the best revenge. I would have simply responded with "I wish you Peace", because he apparently does not have that in his world.
I'm liking Pleasant Yuletide...who could come up with a sensible argument for that!
I am so with you! In LA, whether it be in the PM world or Corporate world, our cards went out in every language possible. I've been on the vendor side for many years and not once did anyone in the PM world or otherwise take offense to it. I just relocated back to the south from LA and I've been out there wishing everyone Happy Holidays and I'm baffled at how startled people look when I say it. Really, that this guy really does not "get it" is not surprising to me at all. But, that he could actually miss the point completely is pathetic at best. Chosen to offend a small group of people? Small group of people??? What a senseless thing to say. If this resident really lived in America, and not in a box, he would see that it's one big huge melting pot. Letting go and ignoring his message would have served him well, as to ignore it the best revenge. I would have simply responded with "I wish you Peace", because he apparently does not have that in his world.
I'm liking Pleasant Yuletide...who could come up with a sensible argument for that!
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Ok, wow, I've been absent for all these replies, so I'll say this and leave it at this:
1. It costs money to defend a Fair Housing suit any "asshole" decides to file. Right or wrong, it does. But for arguments sake, let's just take Fair Housing out of the equation shall we? We can argue all day long about how grey these laws are so I'll just go ahead and retract that justification.
2. It was ignorant of him to be offended by a sentiment that was meant to be all inclusive. Furthermore, I would like to just point out who, out of the thousands of emails sent, was "offended" with our choice of phrasing - A Christian who is offended our company is not shoveling Christianity down everyone's throats. Dear Sir, I apologize for thinking of the rest of the population even though they are not the majority.
3. The current discussion is not, "Who are we offending by wishing someone Merry Christmas?" but "Who are we offending by choosing NOT to say Merry Christmas?" You can throw all the numbers you want at it, this is not a situation of dumbing anything down for anyone or trying to make the imaginary 4% comfortable with our salutations. As Illustrated in item 2, it was a Christian (78% of the US population) who was offended by our choice to include everyone this season. (Which, doesn't seem very Christ-like to me.)
4. If you're offended by the choice of "Holidays," over "Christmas," then you're just as ignorant as those P.C. terminologists.
With all of that said, Happy New Year based on the calendar our U.S. government follows.
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Geneieve,
I respect your viewpoint but want to object to one observation of yours - If you're offended by the choice of "Holidays," over "Christmas," then you're just as ignorant as those P.C. terminologists.
This statement is in itself offensive. Not recognizing someone else's right to feel a certain way, be offended or upset or not agree with your decisions does not make them ignorant. You cannot so vigorously disagree with someone's opinion that you call them ignorant unless you want to open yourself to the same criticism. Your resident was expressing his opinion, his feelings as vigorously as you are now. There is no right or wrong when it comes to one's personal feelings of offense.
And Happy New Year to you too. I enjoyed your post.
I respect your viewpoint but want to object to one observation of yours - If you're offended by the choice of "Holidays," over "Christmas," then you're just as ignorant as those P.C. terminologists.
This statement is in itself offensive. Not recognizing someone else's right to feel a certain way, be offended or upset or not agree with your decisions does not make them ignorant. You cannot so vigorously disagree with someone's opinion that you call them ignorant unless you want to open yourself to the same criticism. Your resident was expressing his opinion, his feelings as vigorously as you are now. There is no right or wrong when it comes to one's personal feelings of offense.
And Happy New Year to you too. I enjoyed your post.
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haha!! I think I would have then simply replied to them "MERRY CHRISTMAS!!" and left it at that.
But I just have to chime in on the rest. A few years ago I knew another manager who was ... (don't recall the faith) but didn't recognize holidays etc. I didn't know this, said oh hey by the way Merry Christmas! She replied that she doesn't celebrate bla bla she's this/that, they don't do or recognize anything so please don't include her, her religion doens't allow it, just cut me off completely in a rude manner. OK fine lady. You be you.
She then said oh are you shocked?! Can't believe I'm telling you this? I said nope, everyone's different and you're entitled to do your thing. She then said oh ok! Well we do have one holiday we celebrate. It's in the spring time. I can tell you about it if you like. I just said no, I don't celebrate it so I wouldn't be interested.
She was dead silent. Not very nice when someone throws your own behavior back at you, is it?
Yes I know - I was rude. But I can't stand those who expect others to say oh happy or merry this or feign interest, but can't say it back to you. Whatever happened to just common courtesy?
But I just have to chime in on the rest. A few years ago I knew another manager who was ... (don't recall the faith) but didn't recognize holidays etc. I didn't know this, said oh hey by the way Merry Christmas! She replied that she doesn't celebrate bla bla she's this/that, they don't do or recognize anything so please don't include her, her religion doens't allow it, just cut me off completely in a rude manner. OK fine lady. You be you.
She then said oh are you shocked?! Can't believe I'm telling you this? I said nope, everyone's different and you're entitled to do your thing. She then said oh ok! Well we do have one holiday we celebrate. It's in the spring time. I can tell you about it if you like. I just said no, I don't celebrate it so I wouldn't be interested.
She was dead silent. Not very nice when someone throws your own behavior back at you, is it?
Yes I know - I was rude. But I can't stand those who expect others to say oh happy or merry this or feign interest, but can't say it back to you. Whatever happened to just common courtesy?
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@Sondrah It is an offensive statement isn't it? Much like stating the choice to say "Holidays" over "Christmas" is stupid or perhaps an all inclusive statement is some form of subjugation, wouldn't you say? That was precisely my point. (I was referencing a rather long winded comment above.)
Also, I am not in anyway apprehensive any of my statements will bring about criticism of my intelligence. I openly welcome any criticism and I know full well my vigorous disagreement and passionate stance on many subjects not only invite the same criticism, but more than likely promotes it! I am open to having my mind changed.
This entire post is so hilarious. We are all arguing to justify our opinions which is what I love about this country.
I'll return to the simplest point of it all: The sentiment was intended to include all.
If you find offense in that, it is my very strong opinion you are ignorant. Please feel free to change my mind.
Also, I am not in anyway apprehensive any of my statements will bring about criticism of my intelligence. I openly welcome any criticism and I know full well my vigorous disagreement and passionate stance on many subjects not only invite the same criticism, but more than likely promotes it!
I am open to having my mind changed. This entire post is so hilarious. We are all arguing to justify our opinions which is what I love about this country.
I'll return to the simplest point of it all: The sentiment was intended to include all.
If you find offense in that, it is my very strong opinion you are ignorant. Please feel free to change my mind.
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How about sending a blank card on any ramdom day that reads "Happy/Merry/Pleasant fill in the blank"
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Umm... I don't think this conversation is necessarily using the word "ignorant" correctly.
But I do want to remind everybody to please keep respectful. All opinions are welcome, so sometimes we just have to agree to disagree.
But I do want to remind everybody to please keep respectful. All opinions are welcome, so sometimes we just have to agree to disagree.
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Don't get nervous Brent! It's just a very heated discussion! Hmm, what's the next holiday? Mardi Gras here! I'm sure we can offend quite a few people celebrating this Holiday!! Uh oh, then there's Easter! Whatever shall we all do/say/act/decorate!
Great discussion everyone.
Great discussion everyone.
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Did anyone consider that maybe the management of 1st Lake actually wanted to sincerely wish ALL of their residents good will in celebrating whatever holiday they chose? This argument is insane. Different people celebrate different religions and holidays. As professionals in this business, we are taught not to guess or assume about these things. It gets us into trouble. Remember the phrase, "Anyone who qualifies may live here." Celebrating Christmas should not be a qualifying factor. I'm with you, Geneveive.
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Everyone might enjoy reading this - I found it online. Cheers!
A Politically Correct Happy Holidays Wish
Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit our best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral, celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasions
and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all . . .
and a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling, and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset
of the generally accepted calendar year 2012, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great, (not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country or is the only “AMERICA” in the western hemisphere), and without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith, or choice of computer platform of the wishee.
In other words, HAPPY HOLIDAYS
A Politically Correct Happy Holidays Wish
Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit our best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral, celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasions
and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all . . .
and a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling, and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset
of the generally accepted calendar year 2012, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great, (not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country or is the only “AMERICA” in the western hemisphere), and without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith, or choice of computer platform of the wishee.
In other words, HAPPY HOLIDAYS
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@April - I don't think people have a problem with the message. I agree with the Happy Holiday choice. My only issue was calling someone ignorant because they voiced their opinion about preferring Merry Christmas when sent an email during what is primarily considered the Christmas season. It is just a hot topic right now and he was apparently frustrated, but certainly not ignorant.
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@Sondrah - You do realize you're doing exactly the same thing you're trying to tell me I'm wrong for doing? You're saying I shouldn't voice my opinion about this person because, in your opinion, he is "apparently frustrated" and not ignorant.
@Janet- HA! I think you may be on to something...
@Janet- HA! I think you may be on to something...
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@Genevieve, I never said you should not voice your opinion, nor did I call you ignorant. I said I didn't think you should call him ignorant for expressing his feelings.
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Taoist chiming in here; (my religion didn't even make the Pew poll and it's the oldest religion in the world ) Anywho most often I say Happy Holidays simply because I'm including Xmas and New Years all in one. If someone wishes me a Merry Christmas, I say thanks! Why on earth would anyone be offended by well wishes no matter the holiday, reason, religion behind it? I’m told Bless You all the time by my residents when I can help them out. I don’t believe in blessings per se but who can’t use a bit of positive intent coming their way? It drives me crazy when people become offended by such asinine issues. In a world with so many problems, it’s pretty silly to become offended by a greeting…..
) Anywho most often I say Happy Holidays simply because I'm including Xmas and New Years all in one. If someone wishes me a Merry Christmas, I say thanks! Why on earth would anyone be offended by well wishes no matter the holiday, reason, religion behind it? I’m told Bless You all the time by my residents when I can help them out. I don’t believe in blessings per se but who can’t use a bit of positive intent coming their way? It drives me crazy when people become offended by such asinine issues. In a world with so many problems, it’s pretty silly to become offended by a greeting…..
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