Xref: utzoo soc.women:8572 soc.singles:12327 alt.flame:1108
Path: utzoo!hoptoad!ptsfa!pyramid!nancym
From: nancym@pyrtech (Nancy McClelland)
Newsgroups: soc.women,soc.singles,alt.flame
Subject: Re: Christmas Celebration
Keywords: Religious intolerance
Message-ID: <12353@pyramid.pyramid.com>
Date: 30 Dec 87 20:56:47 GMT
Sender: daemon@pyramid.pyramid.com
Reply-To: nancym@pyrtech.UUCP (Nancy McClelland)
Organization: Pyramid Technology Corp., Mountain View, CA
Lines: 39

In article <7730@eddie.MIT.EDU> ooblick@eddie.MIT.EDU (Mikki Barry) writes:

>about christians dancing around the office chanting "happy birthday
>dear Jesus".  I consider it rude at the very least.

>Why all the goddamn uproar about changing the name of an office party?
>Why are some people so bent upon throwing the name of christ into it?
>I don't think he would approve (if he existed) given his legendary tolerance
>of other religions.  It was only later that people decided to attempt
>to wipe out or convert everyone else.  

>Mikki Barry

>"Kill a tree for Jesus"

Tolerance means allowing others their beliefs.  If most of the people in
your office are Christians, or even if they aren't but they want to have
a Christmas party, you should graciously accept the fact that they want a
Christmas party.  If you would like to bring up your own beliefs, bring
in a menorah (sp?) or a dradle.  (I didn't catch the beginnings of this
discussion, so I'm going on the impression that Mikki is Jewish.  If
not, please substitute any other appropriate items.)  Or better yet, ask
if you and other non-Christians can have another party.  I don't know
about your boss, but mine is a "any excuse for a party" type of guy.

Most Christmas parties aren't given with the intention of ramming any
philosphy down anyones throat.  They're given becauase the people wish
to celebrate together.  Co-workers often don't get together enmass out
side of work, and a company party is a great time to party together.
Just as holiday no longer means Holy Day (4th of July, Labor Day)
Christmas does not mean "Christ's Birthday" to everyone anymore.  I'm
an athiest, and have been since I was old enough to think in sentences.
But I adore Christmas, and the whole season.  I certainly would not be
offended if anyone wanted to have a Hanuka party.  I also enjoy the
Chinese New Year Celebrations.  Everyone should be able to express their
beliefs openly.  That's what freedoms all about.  Not just being able
to practice in the privacy of your home or temple or church, but *openly*.

nancym