Black Friday - the busiest shopping day of the year always brings the best out in people. Grandmas hide clothes in other departments for their grandchildren, grown adults fight over extension packs to Guitar Hero, parents who are crazy enough to take their children shopping simply ignore that toddlers need a break from crisscrossing the mall multiple times and the husbands and fathers who stay at home let kids play video games until their pupils dilate beyond belief. Who wouldn't love Black Friday?
The day not only provides fantastic sales for all the shoppers, or some of the best free entertainment for innocent bystanders, but also officially ushers in the holiday season. The most wonderful time of the year is characterized by snow on the ground, visiting Santa Claus to the mall, holiday music, spending time with friends and family and who could forget the bell-ringers outside Wal-Mart?
Before that cozy and nostalgic image becomes permanently imprinted on your mind, let's not forget how the season will be slightly overshadowed by the controversy over the political correctness of saying either "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays." Advocates on both sides of the fence are equally responsible for the debate that seems to grow in intensity each year. Yet, the issue cannot be ignored as it symbolizes a much broader issue in America. The representation of Christianity seemingly overshadows that of all other religions combined. For a country to profess freedom of religion there is a double standard - especially during the holiday season.
"Merry Christmas" implies that this time of year is solely defined by the morals and values associated within Christianity. In recent years many large businesses, such as Best Buy, have refrained from using this phrase. Instead, employees have been told to wish customers "Happy Holidays" to take into account other noteworthy religious dates while also appealing to agnostics and atheists looking forward to New Years Eve parties.
Evangelical Christians see "Happy Holidays" as an attack on their way of life and invasion and incorporation of secularism into America. There is a prevailing belief that freedom of religion is a cornerstone of the United States that should be valued, yet when Christianity is asked to follow the same rules as every other religion there is a problem. Imagine Target, or any other store for that matter, solely wishing customers a "Happy Hanukkah." Better yet, picture a store only celebrating Wicca holidays throughout the year. Or let's look at the big picture and imagine a president taking the oath of office on the Koran.
The point is everybody simply wants to be recognized equally. The phrase "Happy Holidays" suggests this concept, which is why it should be used throughout the season. The holidays will ultimately be defined by each individual based on his or her to diverse personal background. However, large corporations and the United States government have an obligation not to discriminate against any one group of people. State institutions should not purposefully exclude anyone based on a contradictory religious text that was historically, and is currently, used to advocate the inequality of civil rights.
Individuals, businesses and the government should feel a sense of responsibility when exercising First Amendment rights. The diversity in the United States must be recognized and respected rather than excluded. "Happy Holidays" isn't attacking or persecuting Christianity but is merely considering people of other religious backgrounds.
Ultimately, saying "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas" is one way we can demonstrate our tolerance towards other religions during the holiday season.
Write to Travis at tjoneill@bsu.edu
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
