Is there really a "war" on Christmas? Perhaps not a war, but there is certainly cultural combat, and like all conflicts, there are combatants on BOTH sides.
I'm Brad Hirschfield, and I welcome you to this week's live discussion on the big ethical issues animating the biggest stories of the day. We are switching from our usual video format to a written one, but it's still all about your questions and comments, so please join in!
I'm Brad Hirschfield, and I welcome you to this week's live discussion on the big ethical issues animating the biggest stories of the day. We are switching from our usual video format to a written one, but it's still all about your questions and comments, so please join in!
Q.
I would say Christmas is "winning" in its "Culture War"
Those who are "true believers" who can't win all of their battles resort to a kind of victim mentality -- Rick Perry and his comments about Christmas that is "forced out " of school programs and so forth. The holiday itself is doing quite well and will make economic inroads as far as consumer spending. Isn't that another way to look at it -- more and more and more shopping days?
A.
Bradley Hirschfield :
slow down, if for no other reason than because it's never useful to simply explain away other people's concerns, even if we don't share them. you are certainly wise to put quote marks around the words "true believers" when connected those who are angry and fearful, because true belief should, i would think, make one less angry and afraid.
on the other hand, Christmas is not what it once was in this country -- the presumed holiday of all Americans in a country that was presumed to be Christian even though we knew it wasn't all Christian. whether the change is positive or not -- and i think it is -- there is still a loss for many people in that change, and simply telling them to "get over it" is both unkind and unwise as it creates the backlash we are witnessing today.
As to Chritmas "winning" because more dollars are spent in connection with the holiday, not sure what kind of victory that is, especially for those who feel disapproved of when they say "Merry Christmas" at the checkout counter.
on the other hand, Christmas is not what it once was in this country -- the presumed holiday of all Americans in a country that was presumed to be Christian even though we knew it wasn't all Christian. whether the change is positive or not -- and i think it is -- there is still a loss for many people in that change, and simply telling them to "get over it" is both unkind and unwise as it creates the backlash we are witnessing today.
As to Chritmas "winning" because more dollars are spent in connection with the holiday, not sure what kind of victory that is, especially for those who feel disapproved of when they say "Merry Christmas" at the checkout counter.
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