December 19, 2007

Happy Wednesday!

Around this time of year guilt-ridden, post-colonial, superficially-multicultural countries engage in an annual ritual. No, I’m not talking about Advent, or rampant consumerism, or the over-consumption of chocolate and turkey. I’m talking about the angst-ridden public debate over the role of Christmas in modern societies. Should we say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays? Do trees […]

I’m talking about the angst-ridden public debate over the role of Christmas in modern societies. Should we say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays? Do trees and other decorations offend (or potentially offend) “minorities.” Should we be collectively singing songs that “privilege” one religion over another.

It’s a sad and sorry spectacle!

If living in India taught me anything about what a modern cosmopolitan society could look like it is this – everyone gets a turn in the public square. Rather that privately agonising about what other religious might feel, in India religion is the public debate conditio sine qua non. It’s really that simple – in a diverse culture respect must be universal.

Of all the essays, rants and arguments I’ve heard this season, Brad’s piece “Don’t Tell Me It’s Wednesday” stands out. I encourage you to to take the time to read it.

If nothing else, the way we approach this whole “Christmas War” thing speaks not just to our sense of tradition or our personal religion but to something much bigger and in this age much more important – who we view our relationships with those around us. Especially, our relationships with those that are different to us and those we disagree with.

And, in the end, doesn’t that bring us right back to the whole point of Christmas?

[tags] Christmas [/tags]

Tagged Advent, Expatriate Life, Globalisation, Trends

Toni 16 years ago

I’m pretty convinced that the whole suppression of Christian expression stems from a completely different set of reasons than a desire to not offend those of different faiths.

That’s worrying – I sound like a conservative right winger. Guess even they can be right some of the time.

I shall have a look at the article later.

Fernando Gros 16 years ago

Perhaps. However, the “not offend” paradigm is the way it often presents itself. At least that’s my experience. Of course, the deep irony is how frequently people assume an offense may happen without actually going and asking people if it really is offensive.

Paul 16 years ago

Please accept without obligation, explicit or implicit, our best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, politically correct, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral, celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion or secular practice 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.

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Happy christmas!

Happy Wednesday!

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