NationStates Jolt Archive

It seems to be that every time a celebration that is part the national social or religious culture of a western country comes around then all the minority ethnic and religious groups claim they find it offensive. I think that a great many of these such people desprately need thicker skins. They are offended by the fact that the festivial exists and is celebrated, thus they want it changed. Celebration lights instead of Christmas lights for example. It seems hypocritical to consdier this for western countries when if Christmas was to be attempted to be celebrated in Saudi Arabia, the authorities would arrest you for it. And in the UK, Divalia, Eid il Fitra and all the other festivals of other religions are celebrated fine. It seems unfair that a majority should have to adapt for a minority when the minority are not prepared to do the same

Not half as much as majorities need to scrape off their calluses occasionally.

What West are you talking about? This is not an issue here. But, then, we have a secular government.

Yes. I mean, when you try to cut them just start bleeding, and where's the fun in that. Then there's the huge mess to clean up and it's sooooo expensive to get those stains out of the carpet. Things would be much simpler if their skin was just thicker. (A JOKE for all you activists out there.)

I find it is not the minorities who are offended during white/christian activities. I find the people who complain and are offended are white know-nothings who fear that we are insulting immigrants. Of the muslims I now, for example, one had a Christmas tree, another family had lights up, and some of the muslim women at work began to don red or green head-scarfs instead of black ones. I can't begin to imagine the offence we've imparted to them.

It seems to be that every time a celebration that is part the national social or religious culture of a western country comes around then all the minority ethnic and religious groups claim they find it offensive. I think that a great many of these such people desprately need thicker skins. They are offended by the fact that the festivial exists and is celebrated, thus they want it changed. Celebration lights instead of Christmas lights for example. It seems hypocritical to consdier this for western countries when if Christmas was to be attempted to be celebrated in Saudi Arabia, the authorities would arrest you for it. And in the UK, Divalia, Eid il Fitra and all the other festivals of other religions are celebrated fine. It seems unfair that a majority should have to adapt for a minority when the minority are not prepared to do the same

1. False premise

2. Ironically complains about others not having thick enough skin.

'Nuff said.

People should only find things offensive that directly affect them. I dont see why jews or muslims should find christmas offensive, anymore than I would find ramadan offensive. While our country is pretty much secular, christianity is still the dominant religion and cultural influence. Minorities should only be offended if one religion enforces its rules on everyone, like in many muslim countries.

Those Western Countries seem to comprise the US and....um, that's it.

And you don't really believe that this whole "Christmas War" you had over there was in any way started by "ethnic/religious minorities", do you?

Bill O'Reilly & Friends is more like it.

It seems to be that every time a celebration that is part the national social or religious culture of a western country comes around then all the minority ethnic and religious groups claim they find it offensive. I think that a great many of these such people desprately need thicker skins. They are offended by the fact that the festivial exists and is celebrated, thus they want it changed. Celebration lights instead of Christmas lights for example. It seems hypocritical to consdier this for western countries when if Christmas was to be attempted to be celebrated in Saudi Arabia, the authorities would arrest you for it. And in the UK, Divalia, Eid il Fitra and all the other festivals of other religions are celebrated fine. It seems unfair that a majority should have to adapt for a minority when the minority are not prepared to do the same

If you really want to reverse the trend, volunteer or donate to PACs or advocacy groups that are winning legal victories against reactionary anti-religion/native culture groups. It's pretty simple.

It seems to be that every time a celebration that is part the national social or religious culture of a western country comes around then all the minority ethnic and religious groups claim they find it offensive. I think that a great many of these such people desprately need thicker skins. They are offended by the fact that the festivial exists and is celebrated, thus they want it changed. Celebration lights instead of Christmas lights for example. It seems hypocritical to consdier this for western countries when if Christmas was to be attempted to be celebrated in Saudi Arabia, the authorities would arrest you for it. And in the UK, Divalia, Eid il Fitra and all the other festivals of other religions are celebrated fine. It seems unfair that a majority should have to adapt for a minority when the minority are not prepared to do the same

N.B.: Only 30% of the world's population are Christians. Call that a majority?

N.B.: Only 30% of the world's population are Christians. Call that a majority?

I think he means in the US/UK, not the world. The real issue is that most of the so-called Christians in the western world not only don't care much about Christianity but are uncomfortable with public expression of their religion. It's a thin-skinned majority, not a minority.

I think everyone does, minorities and majority included. I get tired of people whining about how they are "oppressed" by whites, the evil atheists and secularists, the left, Christians, Jews, Muslisms, immigrants, the right, the government...these people seriously need to look at their life and realize that it's their fault they are in the situation they are in (yes, I know there are factors beyond their control...) and not some evil bogeyman "oppressor" that is convienent for them to blame problems on.

I think everyone does, minorities and majority included. I get tired of people whining about how they are "oppressed" by whites, the evil atheists and secularists, the left, Christians, Jews, Muslisms, immigrants, the right, the government...these people seriously need to look at their life and realize that it's their fault they are in the situation they are in (yes, I know there are factors beyond their control...) and not some evil bogeyman "oppressor" that is convienent for them to blame problems on.

wow. I agree. I may borrow your rant tomorrow when I have to go see one of those "whiners" :)

wow. I agree. I may borrow your rant tomorrow when I have to go see one of those "whiners" :)

Have to? Is it some form of punishment?

Have to? Is it some form of punishment?
probably. My sin would be that I am too nice of a person to say "no" even when I want/need to.

I have to(or as my husband would say choose to) go help my aunt get her house ready for my grandfather's surprise birthday party.
She is the most miserable person in the world, I don't particularly like him either, or my uncle who will be there too. I wouldn't go but it's easier to go and piss them off to the point that they ask me to leave then to not go and hear them bitch about it for the next 3 or 4 years (and they will, to everyone, and then the guilt trips start, I am still hearing the guilt trip about how I didn't let them come see me at the hospital when I had my last child, and she is almost 3.)

1. False premise

2. Ironically complains about others not having thick enough skin.

'Nuff said.

1. How is it a false premise

2. Needing to get a thicker skin implies that people over react to unessecary problems. I havent gone on a mad rant here. I just pointed it out

N.B.: Only 30% of the world's population are Christians. Call that a majority?

It is the worlds single largest religion. In the same way a government may have less than 50% of the seats in parliament but still have a majority because the other parties are less than them

Amazing how a common response here is: Well, at least we're not like those Muslim countries.

Astonishing how few people actually understand "two wrongs don't make a right".

Ah well ... not my problem.

It is the worlds single largest religion. In the same way a government may have less than 50% of the seats in parliament but still have a majority because the other parties are less than them

I'm sorry ... are we electing religions now?

Not half as much as majorities need to scrape off their calluses occasionally.
That's the best answer I've heard in a long, long time.

It seems to be that every time a celebration that is part the national social or religious culture of a western country comes around then all the minority ethnic and religious groups claim they find it offensive. I think that a great many of these such people desprately need thicker skins. They are offended by the fact that the festivial exists and is celebrated, thus they want it changed. Celebration lights instead of Christmas lights for example. It seems hypocritical to consdier this for western countries when if Christmas was to be attempted to be celebrated in Saudi Arabia, the authorities would arrest you for it. And in the UK, Divalia, Eid il Fitra and all the other festivals of other religions are celebrated fine. It seems unfair that a majority should have to adapt for a minority when the minority are not prepared to do the same
Spot the contradiction!

It seems to be that every time a celebration that is part the national social or religious culture of a western country comes around then all the minority ethnic and religious groups claim they find it offensive. I think that a great many of these such people desprately need thicker skins. They are offended by the fact that the festivial exists and is celebrated, thus they want it changed. Celebration lights instead of Christmas lights for example. It seems hypocritical to consdier this for western countries when if Christmas was to be attempted to be celebrated in Saudi Arabia, the authorities would arrest you for it. And in the UK, Divalia, Eid il Fitra and all the other festivals of other religions are celebrated fine. It seems unfair that a majority should have to adapt for a minority when the minority are not prepared to do the same
the thing is that many people from the minorities believe that christianity is trying to shove their holidays down their throat. you know, via tv and all those christmass/easter rants and people going around and shouting about it

It seems to be that every time a celebration that is part the national social or religious culture of a western country comes around then all the minority ethnic and religious groups claim they find it offensive.

I think you have to understand that you are making a generalisation here.
I think that a great many of these such people desprately need thicker skins.

A previous reply already pointed out the inherent irony ofthis statement.

They are offended by the fact that the festivial exists and is celebrated, thus they want it changed.

Not every person belonging to an ethnic or religious minority, including Christians, is offended by other people's cultural practices. I can assure you that almost everyone you know or talk to is not offended by Christmas. Celebration lights instead of Christmas lights for example.

Yeah. Obviously the marketing people want to cash in on the 'I hate Christmas but love celebrating' crowd.

It seems hypocritical to consdier this for western countries when if Christmas was to be attempted to be celebrated in Saudi Arabia, the authorities would arrest you for it. And in the UK, Divalia, Eid il Fitra and all the other festivals of other religions are celebrated fine.

You are lucky enough to live in a country that allows everyone religious freedom. Thank God.

It seems unfair that a majority should have to adapt for a minority when the minority are not prepared to do the same

You are unlucky enough to live in a country that allows everyone religious freedom. Thank God.

It seems to be that every time a celebration that is part the national social or religious culture of a western country comes around then all the minority ethnic and religious groups claim they find it offensive. I think that a great many of these such people desprately need thicker skins. They are offended by the fact that the festivial exists and is celebrated, thus they want it changed. Celebration lights instead of Christmas lights for example. It seems hypocritical to consdier this for western countries when if Christmas was to be attempted to be celebrated in Saudi Arabia, the authorities would arrest you for it. And in the UK, Divalia, Eid il Fitra and all the other festivals of other religions are celebrated fine. It seems unfair that a majority should have to adapt for a minority when the minority are not prepared to do the same
Personally, I think the majority needs to develop thicker skins. To use your example, Christian Americans are the only ones who get their religion recognized with a federal holiday. Every President in American history has been a member of their religion. They control all three branches of government, most major corporations, most media outlets, and hold a population majority of 75%. All that, and they bitch when Macy's employees say "Happy Holidays"?! Get over yourselves, people. If you can't handle that some people call them "holiday lights," then I don't think it's the minorities who need to grow thicker skins.

Another great example is the people who say gays need to quit being so sensitive about being called "faggots" and "homos"...oh, and gays also should stop expecting "special treatment" like equal rights and shit. All I can say is, if two guys getting married will ruin YOUR relationships then you need a serious dose of get-the-fuck-over-yourself.

Whenever you hear somebody talk about how other people need to buck up or develop thicker skins, it's usually because the person in question is a jackass who doesn't like the fact that other humans have the nerve to say, "Knock it off, jackass." Kind of like how when you hear a guy say, "That chick is a total slut, and I wouldn't touch her" you know that he hit on her and got rejected.

Not half as much as majorities need to scrape off their calluses occasionally.

Why should they? They're the majority.

The easiest solution would be to just execute all minority groups.

The easiest solution would be to just execute all minority groups.

But think how much the food would suck then.

I'm sorry ... are we electing religions now?
In America? Hell yes. We have been for years.

In America? Hell yes. We have been for years.

Oh.

Well crap.

Time to enact the doomsday device.

Personally, I think the majority needs to develop thicker skins. To use your example, Christian Americans are the only ones who get their religion recognized with a federal holiday. Every President in American history has been a member of their religion. They control all three branches of government, most major corporations, most media outlets, and hold a population majority of 75%. All that, and they bitch when Macy's employees say "Happy Holidays"?! Get over yourselves, people. If you can't handle that some people call them "holiday lights," then I don't think it's the minorities who need to grow thicker skins.

I dont know about the situation in America, I am talking about Britian. In Britain a group of liberal minded people were lobbying various groups to get people to call them celebration lights as opposed to Christmas lights because they felt that the minority community would be offended. The minority community then (in some part) supported this venture. Which is rediculous. The majority do not expect the minority to adapt their festivals for the country they are living in, so why should the majority have to do that.

http://www.jihadwatch.org/dhimmiwatch/archives/008900.php

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/suffolk/4415598.stm

It is the worlds single largest religion. In the same way a government may have less than 50% of the seats in parliament but still have a majority because the other parties are less than them


Noooo.... that's a plurality, not a majority. And as far as I know, in every parliamentary system in the world, they then have to form a coalition with someone else to take control.

I'm sorry ... are we electing religions now?

It was just explaining why I used the world majority. IE Chritianity being the single largest religion

It's very rare for minorities to complain about the celebration of Christian holidays, it's usually foolish bureacrats who are terrified of causing offence. If I recall correctly Jewish and Muslim leaders in the UK issued a statement just before Christmas saying that Christians shouldn't be ashamed to celebrate their holidays in public.

Of course the tabloids didn't report this and continued with their rants about 'teh 3vil 'l\/lin0riti35 0pr355il\lg u5!!1!'

As a member of a "minority group" (I'm Jewish, and in some cases I think being a woman counts too), I belive that many minority groups have legitimate problems and grievances that should be addressed. HOWEVER, as you said, there are always individuals or parties within a group who tend to make a mountain out of a molehill, just because they want attention or feel some sense of selfish entitlement to something or other.

People like that hurt the causes of those who are really working for the rights of women, non-Christians, non-whites, homosexuals and bisexuals, etc. I don't know who's actually going to listen to what I have to say, but please keep in mind that reactionaries do not represent the whole of any group, and that they are doing a lot of harm to the cause of equality.

It's very rare for minorities to complain about the celebration of Christian holidays, it's usually foolish bureacrats who are terrified of causing offence. If I recall correctly Jewish and Muslim leaders in the UK issued a statement just before Christmas saying that Christians shouldn't be ashamed to celebrate their holidays in public.

Of course the tabloids didn't report this and continued with their rants about 'teh 3vil 'l\/lin0riti35 0pr355il\lg u5!!1!'

I'm Jewish and I have no problem with someone wishing me "Merry Christmas." I know I live in a predominantly Christian country and as long as nobody tries to force their beliefs on me, I'm perfectly okay with that.

I think of it this way - if Christians don't feel threatened by non-Christians, then life will be easier for us non-Christians too. Of course, why they feel threatened is a whole other issue that I don't want to get into.