Posted on 12/01/2004 7:05:15 AM PST by killthedonkey
This is the response I recieved from Federated after I informed them that I will no longer be shopping in thier stores, in response to an earlier post that 'Macy's stores boycotted for replacing 'Christmas'
Dear Mrs. Florez:
Thank you for your comments. Let me assure you that Federated Department Stores does, indeed, recognize and celebrate Christmas in everything from Christmas decorations and music to Christmas merchandise and trim-a-tree shops in our stores. And then, of course, there is Santa Claus -- the star of our Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!
There are, however, many diverse cultures represented in American society today, and our goal is to be inclusive of all and exclusive of none. Since the phrases "season's greetings" and "happy holidays" embrace all of the various religious and ethnic celebrations that take place in the November/December period, we believe they are more appropriately reflective of the multi-cultural society in which we live.
Carol A. Sanger VP/Corporate Communications & External Affairs Federated Department Stores, Inc. Cincinnati, OH 45202 513/579-7764 513/579-7185 (facsimile)
Seems reasonable to me.
HMMMM... wonder if she's any relation to Margaret Sanger?
Santa may be the "star" of their parade. But the Star of Bethlehem shone over the stable where God became incarnate. Jesus is the center of the celebration of Christmas.
I am offended at the lack of sensitivity shown by the company...
< /sarcasm >
Therefore, any of our employees who mentions the word "Christmas" will be dismissed at once. This will show everyone that we are "inclusive." (Black is white, up is down, etc.)
On the other hand, the idea that honoring Christian traditions is taboo, and that they must be banned while affording full respect to other faiths, is just wrong.
I don't care if sectarian-type people celebrate Christmas as the "Great Day Off With Presents" or the celebration of the birth of the baby Santa, I don't care if Muslims or Jews ignore it altogether.
It's a Christian holiday, and it should be keep holy. But it's only one day. not the entire season. And as long as Macy's isn't marketing exclusively to Christians (riiiiight...),they get a pass for using the more generic greeting.
However, I'm Christian, and if ya know that and you are addressing just me and not a group, I expect "Merry Christmas". Just as I would wish others a happy Hanukah or happy Ramadan if I knew that to be appropriate. (To those who have objections to a religious-toned message, I usually just say "have a nice day off".
It doesn't seem reasonable to me. There's no reason you can't say "Season's Greetings" and "Happy Holidays" AND "Merry Christmas," unless it's because you don't want to offend people who hate Christmas. I'm sorry if some Hindu person or athiest would prefer this country be more Hindu or athiest. That's too bad. But the Left is intent on granting them their wish, at least superficially. It's funny how in so many public schools there seems to be no problem with teachers waxing on about Islam or Kwanzaa, but there can't be any christmas carols or christmas cards. This is a matter of whose sensibilities Macy's value most, and clearly it is the sensibilities of those who are offended by Christmas. This country isn't nearly as diverse as liberals want to pretend. It's not like Christianity is just one of many religions here, with people understandably puzzled as to why it's Holidays receive more attention. This country was founded by Christians, our organizing principles were informed by Christian values, our culture and traditions are rooted in Christian practices, and the vast majority of the population is and always has been Christian. Macy's isn't a government entity, they're a private business. The fact they are removing references to Christmas just shows they are merely one more dominoe in that long line being toppled by the Left in its quest to root out Christianity--to relegate it to the point where they no longer ever have to be "subjected" to any of its cultural or social manifestations.
And, Macy's companies do not ignore the Christian aspect of the holiday season either. Actually, I purchased a very nice glass nativity scene from one of their stores this past weekend.
It makes perfect sense to me that Macy's stores would have items that are Christian-oriented, secular, items for Hannukah, Kwanza, etc. And, considering there are so many holidays at this time of year, it makes more sense for them to say "Happy Holidays" or "Seasons Greetings" rather than "Happy Thanksgiving, Hannukah, Christmas, Kwanza, New Year's Day, et al"
Last year I got a Macy's gift card in a Macy's presentation envelope marked "Merry Christmas". From a Jewish client.
For the record, Macy's also had on display, gift cards in "Seasons Greetings" and "Happy Hanukkah" envelopes.
You know the history of kwanza! Some made-up B.S. from some dark-pigmented felon in prison!
The holiday is Christmas, Dec. 25. Supposed birth date of Christ. THAT is what we are celebrating!
Let's included everyone, let's not offend anyone, let's be tolerant and politically correct.
I think you are conservative, but your take sure sounds like something a liberal would say???
Seems reasonable to me, too. But there is a vocal contingent that is determined to be offended unless the greeting at this time of year is "Merry Christmas" and they'll accept nothing else.
It's sad.
They're not saying He's not. They're a department store, for heaven's sake.
Is that what started this complaint or are you exaggerating?
Christmas IS the reason for the season, otherwise why not have all the vacations and sales in January or February. It's DECEMBER 25th because that is the day Christians celebrate the birth of JESUS CHRIST!!!!!. Hello secular left wing. You can't take away Christmas anymore.
This year I am sending out Christmas cards, not happy holiday cards. I'm telling my kids it's Christmas vacation, NOT winter break. I'm saying Merry Christmas to the clerks in stores. I'm taking Christmas back!
What exactly was your complaint?
Do they not use the word Christmas at all and if so it's a firing offense?
What exactly happened that got you upset, please.
That would be very wrong. Is that what happened here? It looks like it did not.
Yes, I know that Kwanza is a made up holiday for politically correct purposes. You won't find me or any of my friends or family celebrating it either. However, a lot of people do. I would expect Macy's, as one of the largest stores in the world, to have some Kwanza merchandise too. Probably not to the extent that they have Christmas merchandise because their are more consumers that celebrate Christmas. But, it would be dumb of them not to sell items to as many people as possible.
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