Why is the expression Merry Christmas so offensive?

1. 57

   zzronposted 12 years ago

   People have been saying Merry Christmas for over 2000 years. Especially in the United States for over 200 years. Why has this expression become so offensive over the past few years? Does Merry Christmas offend you? If so, why?
   

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2. 91

   Pcunixposted 12 years ago

   No, it doesn't.  It has zero religious significance, so why should it?
   
   I AM a militant atheist and there are many things that DO offend me - creches on public property, 10 commandments plaques in courtrooms, religious mottos on our money and the pledge of allegiance  and more, but if you wish my "Merry Christmas", I'll respond in kind.
   
   Merry Xmas!

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   1. 57

      zzronposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      By the way,  just to start off not to offend anyone, not on purpose anyway, just thought this would be a nice holiday topic

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      Xenos33posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I'm offended by the removal of the 10 commandments plaques in courtrooms, by the removal of the religious mottos on our money, by the removal of the of God the pledge of allegiance,  and more...

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         psycheskinnerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Being offended by the absence of things... huh.
         
         How dare the whole world not cater purely to my beliefs!
         
         I think some ardent Christians are getting a lesson in what it is like to be a minority group. 
         
         Being not discriminated against and not excluded is the most you can ask for.

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            Xenos33posted 12 years agoin reply to this

            ?

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               psycheskinnerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               What was unclear?

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         Pcunixposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Well, then I guess our founding fathers would have really ticked you off..

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3. 70

   Cagsilposted 12 years ago

   If it offends someone then those individuals need to seriously get over themselves.

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4. 91

   Pcunixposted 12 years ago

   By the way, not everybody liked Xmas:  http://masstraveljournal.com/features/b … ned-boston

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5. 84

   psycheskinnerposted 12 years ago

   It isn't offensive, but neither is it offensive if some person or group decides to say something else instead. (BTW it dates from the mid-16th century, not the birth of Christ)

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   1. 91

      Pcunixposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Good point.
      
      I will often say "Happy Holidays", especially if I'm not sure that the person celebrates Xmas.  If they say "Merry Xmas" to me, I respond that way, but if I initiate, it's probably going to be "Happy Holidays" unless I know the person well.

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   2. 57

      zzronposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Oh okay, my bad. LOL

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6. 91

   Pcunixposted 12 years ago

   By the way, zzron:  were you perhaps hoping for different thoughts from the terrible atheists?

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      zzronposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Why heavens no Pcunix you horrible heathin. LOL You know I love ya brother! This topic just seems to come up this time of year and it has just always baffled me. What's the dang deal when it wasn't an issue even as far back as the 70s and before.

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      1. 91

         Pcunixposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Do you see anyone here with an issue?
         
         I see no issue.  I see the OPPOSITE issue - Christians being offended by my saying "Happy Holidays".
         
         Perhaps THAT is the real issue?

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         1. 57

            zzronposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            No, I don't see any issues as of yet. I don't think anyone has any problem with Happy Holidays either. I think what I'm seeing is other opinions such as mine, which is what's the big deal?

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7. 92

   habeeposted 12 years ago

   I'm a Christian, and I don't get how "merry Christmas" can be offensive to anyone. When someone wishes me "happy Kwanzaa" or "happy Ramadan" or "happy Hanukkah," I'm not offended. I smile and say thanks.

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   1. 57

      zzronposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Your just a sweetie pie habee!

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         paradigmsearchposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         +1

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8. 80

   manlypoetrymanposted 12 years ago

   Merry Christmas...To the PC Police!

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      psycheskinnerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      What PC police?
      
      All I ever see is people who are offended if you don't say Merry Christmas--as if it is compulsory.

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      1. 92

         habeeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         No, it shouldn't be compulsory. Many people's "Christmas" celebrations have nothing to do with Christ, and that's their right.

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      Pcunixposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Did you even read any of the replies?

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         manlypoetrymanposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Yes...Do I now have to explain my reply to you?
         
         And secondly...is that a pre-requisite to be able to post...that you have to read every reply. If so...we all got a bunch of reading to do!

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9. 60

   paradigmsearchposted 12 years ago

   Merry Christmas!
   
   And it's less than 4-1/2 days away...

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10. 60

    knolyourselfposted 12 years ago

    Hanging ornaments from trees is so pagan. People who object to the term 'Merry Christmas' have to much time on their hands.

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11. 0

    klarawieckposted 12 years ago

    That's why this year I've opted to tell everyone Happy Kwanzaa. The response I get from most people is "huh?"

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12. 62

    Disturbiaposted 12 years ago

    I don't find Merry Christmas offensive.  I don't find Happy Holidays offensive either.  I don't find anything said in the spirit of good will offensive.

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