There’s intolerance in ‘happy holidays’
It’s that time of year again when store clerks and even strangers on the street wish each of us “happy holidays.” You see, they dare not risk “offending” anyone by saying the dreaded word, “Christmas.” They shudder to contemplate sending anyone home to cry into his pillow, mortally wounded by having encountered someone who had the audacity to smile and say, “Merry Christmas.”
Anyone who is offended by a smile and a “merry Christmas” is a religious intolerant. Anyone who can’t stand being reminded there exist religions other than his own is intolerant. Anyone who gets angry when he hears “merry Christmas” is intolerant.
What’s wrong with making this little concession that might spare the delicate sensibilities of others? It’s wrong because it endorses and encourages intolerance/bigotry. It says this particular form of intolerance is understandable, which is the same as saying it’s acceptable.
The neutering of Christmas is pandering to the intolerant, pure and simple. They deserve to be offended. They should be ashamed because the Right Speak euphemisms for “Christmas” -- “happy holidays,” “season’s greetings,” “holiday decorations,” “holiday cards” and “holiday tree” -- are the ultimate expressions of religious bigotry.
Not that it matters, but just for the record, I’m a non-Christian who loves Christmas. So smile and wish me a “merry Christmas,” a “happy Hanukkah,” a “joyous Kwanzaa,” a “delirious Endangered Species Day” or a “gleeful whatever.” I’ll smile and wish it right back at ya.
So to all, a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Don Frost
Rolling Meadows