A letter to Whomever

Dear Whomever:

I think if I hear another person express their displeasure in the perception that they can't say Merry Christmas I am going to lose my mind. I know everyone has a right to express their opinion, and this is why I feel compelled to write. I have listened to your opinion now please be tolerant and listen to mine. The key word here is "tolerance". In the first place, who is telling you , you can no longer say Merry Christmas and you must say Happy Holidays?. Who is taking away your right to celebrate or your Christmas spirit?

Over the course of my career, I have had the wonderful privilage of working with people of all religions, colours, race, and sexual orientations. I have friends who are muslim, Hindu, Catholic, United, Anglican, Jewish, white, black, American, Jamican, Mexican, Chinese, Polish..you get the drift..and over the course of getting to know these people not one of them ever said to me "please don't say Merry Christmas it is offensive". In fact, my experience has been quite the opposite , these people love to learn about our Canadian traditions and holidays and are more than happy to let us celebrate. Just as I was more than happy to learn about their traditions and holidays and let them celebrate. Those who for religious reasons who couldn't participate graciously took the time to explain. I was grateful for that as it helped me to learn.

One of the greatest trainings I ever took was one on Diversity. Boy did it open my eyes to the prejudices that exist. It forced me to look within myself and challenge my own thinking. During that course, every person was moved to tears, grown men and women as they faced their own beliefs and listened to how hurtful the sterotypes and ignorant thinking can be. Being tolerant doesn't mean you have to agree with everyone's beliefs or traditions but it means you accept their right to have them, just as they do yours.

The only way to create peace is to stop spreading the intolerance and these crazy messages. I fear these types of things creates a vicious cycle no matter what culture you are from. It has to start within each of us.

I am not perfect by no stretch of the imagination, but one thing I have learned..everyone is human..everyone has a heart and feelings. So please before you go passing judgement on a particular race stop and think about how your comments are representing your own values and beliefs.

No matter what religion you are..the teaching is the same be kind, and tolerant of all people. Anything different is some human's personal interpretation which is biased.

It's ok to be angry at people who steal, cheat, murder, and commit crimes, people who screw the system..but remember it isn't simply one race of people who do that..there are bad people in all cultures. Canadian laws and company policies are not perfect but they are written to create some sense of fairness for all. Be upset at the law or the policy if it is unfair, understand why it was written first before attacking a race of people that you don't even know. If you have a friend of that race or culture did you ever stop to think how your comments might make them feel?

So dear Whomever..this is my opinion and please be mindful that there lies a responsiblity with each of us to educate ourselves, and most of all communicate kindly. I think if you took the time to speak to a person of colour, or from a different culture I think you might just find, they would love for you to say Merry Christmas. They enjoy like you the spirit of family and friends, it may be different but it doesn't mean they value it any less.The question you need to ask yourself is can you find it within yourself to say Happy Hannuka or Eid Mubarak.

Please remember everytime the need to share these general statements that "they" say your right is being taken away.. is one less opportunity to simply say "Merry Christmas" . When you find out who "they" are maybe sit down with them and ask "why"..I know I have yet to come across anyone who has said I have to stop celebrating.

So to Whomever takes the time to read this letter..I wish you the happiest of holidays, Happy Hannuka , a very Merry christmas, Feliz Navidad, 'Wesołych Świąt' ,Sung Tan Chuk Ha.

Respectfully,

Me