1) globalization and commercialization of symbols
The commercialisation/globalization of the so called "traditions" makes it a
mix of marketed bad taste events... Santa Claus and Cocacola...
(if there is one good thing with the Israelite religion is that it is not
proselytic outside the "ethnical" boundaries... less prone to
commercialization of symbols... they never try to include you in their
beliefs...)
2) loosing the traditions...
In Belgium we used to have Saint Nicolas (Sinterklas) on the 6th of
December... (it's a very pagan tradition, with a hint of basic racism ...
the bad guy that comes with the Saint is a black "zwarte piet"... )
And no children gifts were given at Xmas... but due to a lack of marketing
support from Mattel and Sony...the Saint is slowly vanishing...
Now we have Halloween, Saint-Nicolas, Noël and newyear... and no money left
to buy some good quality long lasting intelligent toys... and we eat Xmas
food from October to January...
3) against proselytes and pro-sellers
To be fair, I like the reaction of Andrew... I'm fed up with the Christmas
music... and as an atheist I don't see any reason for me (to be forced) to
participate...
But I'm open minded, and all religious or cultural positives traditions can
be interesting and pleasant (well not for the turkeys... il y a toujours un
dindon de la farce)... let's just see that they are not commercial issues.
So happy Hanoukah, Joyeux Noël... Happy AÎt... for those who in the deep
feeling of their beliefs need a special occasion to think about peace...
But don't say it's universal, don't be oeucumenistic, don't sell it to me...
and beware of fakes... (and if there is a good meal, I ready to share with
you... I'll bring wine...)
4) Uncommercial alternatives ?
By the way, my "peace in the world" days would probably be the following :
- May 1st
- June 21th or December 21th
- July 19th ...
And July 14th because I hate prisons...
Stephan
-----Message d'origine-----
De : olympus-owner@xxxxxxxxxx [mailto:olympus-owner@xxxxxxxxxx] De la part
de Andrew Fildes
Envoyé : mercredi 5 décembre 2007 10:05
À : olympus@xxxxxxxxxx
Objet : [OM] Re: Happy Chanukah to all that celebrate it
It is only the fifth of the month and at work I am submerged already
in plastic trees, tacky tinsel, demands for presents (your receipient
is.........don't spend more than $15-20 on the utterly inappropriate,
useless and pointless gift that you are obliged to buy for someone
you neither know nor wish to know.")
Christmas musak in the foyer, sounds that appear to be bad tunes
picked out on a broken xylophone by a deranged midget.
Sudden outbreaks of very nasty food (try it or you'll hurt her
feelings).
Surprise raids by former staff members bearing very small, noisy,
smelly children - just to demonstrate that they too can breed. Worse,
members of staff simpering loudly over the obnoxious brats.
Relentless extroverts refusing to take no for an answer.
I attempt to defend myself with the following statements -
1) I'm sorry, I'm not a Christian. (Look seriously annoyed and
opressed).
2) We don't have any family here so we don't bother with it. (Smile,
encourage concern or guilt).
3) Don't you think it's all in such, y'know, bad taste? (Wave at the
crappy decorations).
4) Parties? Oh, most people I know have the good sense to get out of
the State, or even the country.
5) Compliments of the season? What, the whole season?
6) No, I was enjoying a quiet read and a coffee.
7) If it's that important, why didn't anyone write decent music for
it? Did they? Oh. Why do they only play bad versions of the rubbish
then?
8) No, I'm not a Scrooge - I'm just so over it.
9) I'm sorry, I have a low tolerance for low class entertainments.
10) Are you drunk?
Peace on earth and goodwill to all men - we can get back to shooting
them tomorrow when we sober up.
Andrew Fildes (newly converted Pastafarian)
afildes@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
On 05/12/2007, at 10:51 AM, Moose wrote:
> I'm not much of a believer in Christmas myself, but see no reason to
> intrude on the celebrations of others. Now that my children are
> grown, I
> largely eschew participation in the commercial aspects. I don't
> find it
> in me to disagree with "Peace on Earth and good will to men.", in
> spite
> of my theo/pholosophical suspicions about peace.
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