For me Christmas isn’t a secular event but a religious observance. Personally I think that advocating for the suppression of the majority isn’t really diversity, I don’t think it’s really inclusion. It’s certainly not inclusion of the majority and I don’t believe that it is necessary for the inclusion of minorities. If it was then religious expression would only be acceptable for minorities or perhaps not at all. I can’t accept that as being a viewpoint that celebrates inclusion. I don’t think inclusion happens by silencing one voice but by adding additional voices. If someone were to respond to my Merry Christmas with a Happy Hanukkah. I would be happy to wish them a Happy Hanukkah and strive to remember that greeting for them in the future. If yet another person responded that they prefer Happy Holidays or some other expression I would try to remember that greeting for them. I dont think people, in the minority or majority, should have to hide their religious expression.
I think this could be uncomfortable to some because they may feel like they shouldn’t have to identify themselves as being different and doing so can certainly make you feel uncomfortable sometimes. In my particular religion it is important to never drink alcohol. It can be a bit awkward when I am at a work event and a toast is proposed. I don’t expect them not to drink because I’m present, but it is nice when they remember and don’t offer me alcohol.
I think to honor ones religion takes courage, and an extra measure of it when your in the minority. But I think we need that courage and we need people of faith. We need individuals living their beliefs with conviction and bravery. I won’t be offended by an explanation that one of my neighbors, friends or coworkers celebrates or worships differently than me and I hope that where I know about such differences that I respect them.
For me Christmas isn’t a secular event but a religious observance. Personally I think that advocating for the suppression of the majority isn’t really diversity, I don’t think it’s really inclusion. It’s certainly not inclusion of the majority and I don’t believe that it is necessary for the inclusion of minorities. If it was then religious expression would only be acceptable for minorities or perhaps not at all. I can’t accept that as being a viewpoint that celebrates inclusion. I don’t think inclusion happens by silencing one voice but by adding additional voices. If someone were to respond to my Merry Christmas with a Happy Hanukkah. I would be happy to wish them a Happy Hanukkah and strive to remember that greeting for them in the future. If yet another person responded that they prefer Happy Holidays or some other expression I would try to remember that greeting for them. I dont think people, in the minority or majority, should have to hide their religious expression.
I think this could be uncomfortable to some because they may feel like they shouldn’t have to identify themselves as being different and doing so can certainly make you feel uncomfortable sometimes. In my particular religion it is important to never drink alcohol. It can be a bit awkward when I am at a work event and a toast is proposed. I don’t expect them not to drink because I’m present, but it is nice when they remember and don’t offer me alcohol.
I think to honor ones religion takes courage, and an extra measure of it when your in the minority. But I think we need that courage and we need people of faith. We need individuals living their beliefs with conviction and bravery. I won’t be offended by an explanation that one of my neighbors, friends or coworkers celebrates or worships differently than me and I hope that where I know about such differences that I respect them.