Over the holidays there were some comments made about political correctness in our society when it comes to holiday celebrations. I understand about keeping any religion out of our government and making sure our government does not invade or promote any specific religion. However, this country was founded by many Christians and they sort of kept some of those beliefs or thinking in establishing this country, although religion and government are separate as entities. God and our Creator are mentioned in the Declaration of Independence. “In God We Trust” appears on our money, and for decades we swore on a bible (which was of Christian origin) in our courts. I do not believe it was all done intentionally as to promote the Christian religion or beliefs, but maybe just to re-affirm to everyone that certain things were held in such high regard and since the majority of those creating the government and its rules were Christian, their beliefs leached out into their writing. I may be wrong. Maybe it was done purposefully.
The one thing that does seem to be occurring in America is that we worry about everyone’s feelings and do not want to offend, but in doing so, the majority seems to get offended. If I lived in China, I would tend to think that their beliefs, values and morals come from their religious leader. Same in Israel, and in India, etc. All of those things would prevail throughout their culture, and me being a Christian, I would be in the minority and would have to accept it. Hopefully, I would be able to find a place of worship. Their societies or cultures have a flavor, uniqueness, a personality because of their peoples’ beliefs and values. In the USA, we seem to be going toward a sterile or neutered culture where there is no predominant way of thinking or believing. We are required to accept all and act like all to the point that no one can feel left out or offended.
I don’t feel that is a good thing because we lose our character and our essence. Just because some belief predominates, like having a Christmas tree or Christmas party, it should not be forced on those who do not wish to participate. After all, if the Christmas tree or Christmas party is at that special time of year, then call it what it is. If you have it at Hanukkah, call it a Hanukkah party… call it a Hanukkah/Christmas party if it covers both holiday periods. Have a Christmas/Kwanzaa party at the office if wanted. The retailers started calling it the Christmas season after Thanksgiving to increase their sales. After all, Christmas is only two days, the 24th and 25th. Hanukkah is eight days of celebration, and Kwanzaa is 7 days after Christmas.
The United States feels like having a neighborhood of homes almost all looking the same, only minor variations. It comes across as boring, lacking imagination and uniqueness, and minus that character I mentioned. I live in a Victorian neighborhood, but we do have homes with styles from other eras, but we are still classified as a Victorian neighborhood because the majority of the homes were from that time period. The other homes are not outwardly acknowledged due to their difference, but then again not excluded by any means in promotions or discussions. They are a part of the Victorian neighborhood.
It would be great to honor all holidays of all our religions and nationalities. If we were lucky, we maybe would only have to work 5 days out of the 365 due to the paid holidays and weekends off! I am wondering if there are any other countries that seem to have problems with the politically correctness and religion out of government issues that seem to consume us in the USA.
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