Well here I am again - it's Saturday so you know what I'm perched on, right? Yeah, that's right, my soapbox. And this one may get me in trouble because it seems to be quite a controversial subject here in North America ( Canada AND the U.S )
This is one particular post where it is not my intention to offend anyone - but to bring to light the absurdity of our times.............................
John says - Suzan don't post that
Suzan says - WHY?
John says - too touchy a subject
Suzan says - Well John, that's exactly why I HAVE to post it, don't you know me by now?
John groans - People don't come to your blog for this - they come to laugh - or to see furniture
Suzan says - but nobody HAS to read this John -
John says - I'm always warning you - you don't listen
Suzan says - what am I? 5 years old? I wasn't even so good in the listening department when
I WAS 5 years old
John says - You're incorrigible sometimes
LOL - he's finally figuring me out! Another Saturday on My Soapbox - by Incorrigible Me
I don't think anyone's ever called me that before....
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| My Christmas Tree - 2011 |
Christmas
Modern-day controversy occurs mainly in western countries such as the United States,[1][2] Canada,[3][4] and to a lesser extent theUnited Kingdom and Ireland,[5][6][7] and usually stems from a contrast between the holiday's significant social and economic role in these countries and its strong association with Christianity in an increasingly multiculturally sensitive and religiously diversifyingsociety. In recent decades, public, corporate, and government mention of the term "Christmas" during the Christmas and holiday season has declined and been replaced with a generic term, usually "holiday(s)", to avoid referring to Christmas by name. In addition, popular non-religious aspects of Christmas, such as Christmas carols and Christmas trees, are still prominently showcased and recognized, but are vaguely associated with unspecified "holidays" rather than with Christmas.[citation needed] Also, many retailers[which?] are asked to greet their customers with "Happy Holidays" or "Season's Greetings" than with the traditional "Merry Christmas".
For many years growing up we had an elderly Jewish man that lived next door to us - he would always greet us with "Shalom" - did we run in terror? No. Did we send letters to the government in outrage? No. Did we stamp our feet in protest and demand he say the English word? No.
We simply learned from our Mother and replied in kind - every single time " Shalom " it's a beautiful word and it means " Peace " and anybody who wants to greet me with such kindness will be met with the same. Every. Single. Time.
So how did this assault on Christmas happen? How was it allowed to happen? Not only is it insulting to Christians, I personally feel it's insulting to non Christians as well. Because let's face it, it is what it is what is is - and what it IS, is a Christmas tree. If you read the above statement you'll notice it says multiculturally sensitive and I GET that - we cannot go around hating our neighbours because of different belief systems - and for me this is what makes North America the greatness that it is - this may be oversimplifying it but it's like any recipe - none of the ingredients on their own can make a meal - it's when we blend several ingredients that we can successfully create a meal and that is what has made North America the greatest continent on earth - 100% without a doubt - it's our differences that make us eclectic and different and a go to place for people that cannot get ahead in their own 1 belief system country. We are supposed to be the land of live and let live. And so different cultures are allowed to grow and thrive and celebrate their own customs. My family is culturally and ethnically blended - and I am a better person for that - with all certainty, I know this to be true.
It would never cross my mind to be offended by a Menorah - and I would never expect the Jewish community to change the name to " candelabra " ( one of my grandfathers was a diaspora Jew - I only learned of this in my very early teens and thought the yiddish words he taught me were some type of pig latin - so I obviously feel a closeness to the Jewish faith but that's a story for a different day )
I would never dream - never - of asking the Muslim community to change the name Ramadan ( a time of fasting )
to " Stop world obesity month " and I have never been offended that they celebrate it - it's noble and directly associated to their faith.
I would never request that the Hindu community please refer to Diwali - as " Twinkle Twinkle little star " - it's a celebration of lights and although it isn't part of my heritage I think it's beautiful.
My heritage - and my story - involve Christmas and Christmas trees. So why am I expected to call my Christmas Tree a Holiday Tree? Who are we offending? Everyone I know - everyone, and that includes Jews and Muslims, think it's ridiculous - so who is it exactly that our governments are trying so hard not to offend? Why are they doing this for CHRISTmas trees sakes? I don't believe that there are masses of people who are sitting and stewing over it and demanding and actually changing centuries old North American customs.
I know we may not be as culturally immersed in our traditions as say, Europeans - but please remember that we DO treasure the ones that we have - they are golden to us - and maybe it's time we let our leaders know that the only people they seem to be offending with this nonsensical change is, well let me see now, half of the population?
It's exhausting trying to be politcally correct 100% of the time........................
It's exhausting to be intolerant.
It's exhausting to be one-minded.
And too many other things in my world exhaust me - we should ALL be free to celebrate ( or not celebrate ) anything we like - and I respect that - with open arms - and I'll even go to those celebrations ( if invited ) and celebrate with others that are different than I - because being able to respect and celebrate along side others should be a national celebration all on it's own.
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My Christmas Tree 2011
"O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree
You fill my heart with music.
Reminding me on Christmas Day
To think of you and then be gay.
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree
You fill my heart with music"
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One of my very very dear friends ( Jewish ) always wished she could have a Christmas Tree too and is seriously contemplating putting a small one up - and if she can call it what it is - then why can't everyone else? ( and I used to put a small menorah on my credenza for the memory of my grandfather - yup - right beside my christmas decorations )
So the Canadian Government can call our National Tree whatever it likes - but I know and you know and he knows and she knows what it really is, was, always will be AND please let it be known to one and to all that MY Christmas Tree represents Peace on Earth and Good Will toward Men - and if anyone takes offence to that, well they can always go plant a holiday tree in our Capitol.
Sharing with
I should be mopping the floor
http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2012/11/mop-it-up-monday-44.html
Cedar Hill Ranch
http://cedarhillranch.blogspot.ca/2012/11/cowgirl-up-link-party-week-43.html
Homestories A to Z
http://homestoriesatoz.com/tutorials/tutorials-tips-link-party-87.html
Uncommonly Yours
http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com/uncommonly-yours-link-party-56/
Adorned from Above
http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2012/11/washi-tape-idea-book-and-wednesdays.html
Katherine's Corner
http://katherinescorner.com/2012/11/29/thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop-64/
Rooted in Thyme
http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.ca/2012/11/getting-ready-for-craft-fair-and-simple.html
Common Ground
http://www.commonground-do.com/2012/11/vintage-inspiration-116-inspired-for.html
The Charm of Home
http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.ca/2012/11/home-sweet-home-95.html
Shabby Art Boutique
http://shabbyartboutique.blogspot.ca/2012/11/shabbilicious-friday-link-party_30.html
At the Picket Fence
http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2012/11/its-inspiration-friday-no-91-welcome.html
French Country Cottage
http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.ca/2012/11/feathered-nest-friday_29.html
Dixie and Dottie
http://dixie-n-dottie.blogspot.ca/
