I want to start by saying that even though I do not share the belief, I understand why people believe in God. I am sure that it provides some sort of comfort believing in a happy magical place where we all go after death rather than thinking about a body lying cold and lifeless in a box six feet below the earth's surface. I struggle with the fact that one day I will simply stop existing, but this isn't enough for me to ignore science and the holes in the story of religion. At the end of the day I have made up my mind, if I am wrong I can accept that. Why can't this be true on the other side of things?
I am tired of people trying to push their beliefs on me, which might I add goes against the religion that they devote their lives to. Just because believing makes you happy does not mean that it is right for everyone. I do not try talking people out of belief and I expect the same courtesy.
All of this aside... How is it that some companies are not allowed to say "Happy Holidays" because it may be offensive yet when I called Capital One today they were able to tell me to "Have a Blessed Day"? It may be stupid but this phrase really bothers me. What does it even mean to have a "blessed" day?! What happened to just telling me to have a nice day? Do you believe that I am in immediate danger and need your Fairy Godmother to look over me and protect me? Well I don't need blessings and I certainly didn't give permission for you to bless me. I don't even know what gives you the right to go around blessing people's day anyway, don't you need to be a priest or a pastor for that sort of thing? This simple little phrase is insulting, more offensive than Happy Holidays and it almost makes me not want to open my car loan with Capital One because of it.
I agree with your comment about people pushing their beliefs onto others. Everybody should have the opportunity to learn and experience life in their own time and way, without being persuaded by anyone.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with you taking offense at congenial terms though. When people say, "Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Bless You, or have a wonderful day, they're actually trying be nice in the only way that they know how. They aren't trying to be offensive. We live in such a mean, fast-paced world, I'd much rather have someone say something nice to me than curse at me." I enjoyed reading your blog. You're a great writer! Peace to you...Have a great day!:)