posted
I am doing 2 38' banners for a dance studio for the local christmas parade. One very long trailer the local John Deere retailer is lending (and for 3 years now, lent) to the studio free of charge. Great Spitit. After doing several designs with trees, packages, snowflakes and such, and adding Merry Christmas on the end of the banners, the customer decided to only do studio name, tag line and snowflakes. She "didn't want to offend anyone with Merry Christmas". On the banner on a Christmas Parade float!!! I told her I was an equal opportunity offender, especially when it come to putting Merry Christmas on a Christmas float! Now, I've known her for years and she laughed and repeated her concerns. I'm dumbfounded, IT IS A CHRISTMAS PARADE!
-------------------- Michael A Latham Tee's Me Shirt & Sign 16462 Jefferson Davis Highway Colonial Heights Va. 804-835-3299 signdogopie@aol.com Posts: 379 | From: Colonial Heights, Virginia | Registered: Feb 2004
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There was a debate in another forum a few years back about the polital correctness of that term when sending cards at the end of the year. The fact is 96-98% of all american celebrate it, yet that 2-4% are being appeased. One thing is most likley the commercialization of it, and it turns people off when you put the 2 together. I'm part of that 2-4% but personally not offended by it, go figure.
-------------------- Rick Chavez Hemet, CA Posts: 1538 | From: Hemet,CA U.S.A. | Registered: Jun 2001
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posted
Happy Holidays is a wonderful phrase. Unfortunatly it is not called the "Happy Holiday Parade", it is the "Colonial Heights Christmas Parade"!
-------------------- Michael A Latham Tee's Me Shirt & Sign 16462 Jefferson Davis Highway Colonial Heights Va. 804-835-3299 signdogopie@aol.com Posts: 379 | From: Colonial Heights, Virginia | Registered: Feb 2004
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posted
I've been listening to this subject in the news lately . . .
Curious how many of the so-called 'tolerant' people are afraid that usin' 'Christmas' is offensive to ALL the other religions and tenets, yet they have no concern for offending anyone who's Christian, by trying to make this word go away . . .
-------------------- Signs Sweet Home Alabama
oneshot on chat
"Look like a girl, act like a lady, think like a man, work like a dog" Posts: 5758 | From: "Sweet Home" Alabama | Registered: Mar 2003
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I think that Season's Greetings would be appropriate. Or Happy Holidays. It covers all the bases. A few years back, the city of Pittsburgh created "Sparkle Season" instead of calling it the Holiday Season or whatever. It seemed to anger everyone, Christians and Jews and non-religious as well.
But if the lady just wants her business name on it, go for it. She's the one who's buying the banners, right? She might be an atheist who just wants cheap advertising and is using the Christmas parade for that purpose.
Use her $$ to buy LOTS of gifts! Love....Jill
-------------------- That is like a Mr. Potato Head with all the pieces in the wrong place. -Russ McMullin Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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Christians stole the holiday fair and square from the pagans. Now they're just fighting to get it back. That being said the church and state issue has been demagogued to absurd proportions. It took a foreigner to put the Christmas back in the California governor's mansion. What a country.
-------------------- Jim Upchurch Artworks Olympia WA Posts: 797 | From: Olympia, WA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
I put a pic of Santa Claus on a 8' x 35' banner That I donated to our City "Festical of Lights". It dosen't say christmas or anything just Festival and the dates. The city wants me to repaint it or they say they may have to take it down, because of the grief it is causing with several groups. I told them I would repaint Santa, but would charge them $700.00 for it.
-------------------- Mike Milos PrintSation Banner D-Signs & Graphics 489 S. 13th Ave Brighton, CO 80601 303-726-6513 Posts: 50 | From: Denver, CO | Registered: Jun 2004
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When I was an acolyte, the priest at that time encouraged us to spell it christmass because he thought it would help people to remember that the word is made up of the word Christ... & the word mass.
As for the isue of eliminating Merry Christmas from a banner.. if a business decides to do that based on a percieved offensiveness... then I do not for a minute rush to judgement of the alleged athiests or other non-christians... obviously the isue is that Michaels client puts their Christmas Sales projections ahead of their proclaimation of their faith!
Right? (not that there is anything wrong with that.. but see it, & call it for what it is.
It's not like they are avoiding "offensiveness" for the sake of protecting the "victim" is it?
posted
Doug, I just IM'd you...Control Panel and then MOUSE settings...
-------------------- Kimberly Zanetti Purcell www.amethystProductivity.com Folsom, CA email: Kimberly@AmethystProductivity.com
“Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.” AA Milne Posts: 3722 | From: Folsom, CA | Registered: Dec 2001
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posted
Now Doug may have hit the nail on the head!
She's very wonderful person but the bottom line in a small town is the bottom line, don't offend anyone.
-------------------- Michael A Latham Tee's Me Shirt & Sign 16462 Jefferson Davis Highway Colonial Heights Va. 804-835-3299 signdogopie@aol.com Posts: 379 | From: Colonial Heights, Virginia | Registered: Feb 2004
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Tasmus, you said earlier, "Is there nothing to Christ? Then why all the controversy?" You are right. I am a christian, & I can generically talk about God to to people, but mention the name "Jesus", & they get really mad. (I do not push my faith on other people, but I do have a lot of customers who have been here that I have ended up praying for, & some ask me questions.) But anyway, when I am out in the world, I hear ALL kinds of really offensive things people say, & sometimes I feel like saying, now that you have dumped your garbage in my ear, may I talk about something I like to talk about? My point is, I feel sometimes WE are the ones being attacked, not the "politically correct". I mean, come on, these people are trying to take the word God out of EVERYthing, the way it has always been, & it never hurt anyone before! What are they afraid of? I don't push my views on people, but they are pushing their views on everyone in this country. I have heard so many stories about grade schoolers not being able to sing the words, "Christ" or "Jesus" on their Christmas choirs!!! When does it stop? They talk about tolerance, but THEY are not being tolerant. It is really sad. I hope I have not offended anyone!
-------------------- The Word in Signs Bobbie Rochow Jamestown, PA 16134
724-927-6471
thewordinsigns@alltel.net Posts: 3485 | From: Jamestown, PA 16134 | Registered: Oct 2002
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whew! I was hoping I didn't end up offending anyone (yet )with that opinion, but it does seem to be the crux of the biscuit IMO, & as a small business man in a small community, I totally appreciate that concern. My religion is no ones business anyway, so I see no reason to risk alienation with my market (...now all you folks... well, thats another story )
posted
Bobbie, I may have misunderstood, but are you saying that the asking to keep religion off of banners, or out of schools (or off letterville ) is percieved to be the forcing of an opinion?
I agree that the people that want to spew the devils word, should be shut down even quicker, or there comments should be reciprocated by shedding the light.
But to question the forcing of an "opinion" that topics should be avoided seems a little different.
posted
Being offended by reading the words Merry Christmas,Happy Easter,Hannukah or any of those has zero to do with religion/religious beliefs and everything to do with being a self important as* who believes that for some reason the world needs to stop what its doing while it revolves around you and personally accomodate your selfish, self-centered idiocy. Theres nothing philisophical about it,it's called adults being spoiled f'n brats who always think they should have their way and are entitled to their way at the expense of absolutely everyone else.......and will let nothing stop them from displaying less maturity about the issue than the children any of these holidays should be about. Simple solution....not your holiday, dont celebrate it....no different than not eating head cheese if you dont like it. Next we're gonna have to rename the days of the week because some idiot takes offense to the word wensday
-------------------- Gavin Chachere Plotter in the garage,New Orleans La.
"Sgts Shugart and Gordon again request permission to rope down to crash site two" Posts: 1223 | From: new orleans.la. | Registered: Mar 2000
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Oh, my, Doug, I am so sorry! No, I totally understand why keeping topics like religion, politics, etc., off the bullboard is a good idea. I think you misunderstood me! Or maybe I am misunderstanding you? I only made that post referring to the politically correct people that nit-pick over things that our country has done for years. They keep saying that these things offend them, & like Sheila had mentioned, they don't worry about offending the ones they want to stop with the inclusion of these "words" on certain holidays. See what I mean? Also, PLEASE understand, I am not a STUFFY JUDGEMENTAL christian! I don't hide myself "in my own little world". I go to parties that my non-christian friends & family have, & I have a good time with everyone else, I just don't wake up hung over anymore, like I used to, for years! As to my comment on people dumping their garbage in my ears, I was referring to the people that PURPOSELY do it to offend. Some people do that, to get a rise out of you, you know? Did I answer your questions? I hope so, I really hope I didn't make anyone upset or anything. I guess I wish all people would just get along, no matter what their views are, or beliefs. It makes life a lot better!
-------------------- The Word in Signs Bobbie Rochow Jamestown, PA 16134
724-927-6471
thewordinsigns@alltel.net Posts: 3485 | From: Jamestown, PA 16134 | Registered: Oct 2002
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I take offense to the term festivus! Reminds me of Uncle Fester. In fact it sounds like a cross between Fester and puss. (u pronounced as in 'us'). Neither fester nor puss are things I want to celebrate. Although, there are 1 or 2 people I would wish both on.
Course, I guess I could put aside my own personal beliefs and get in on the festivities with everyone else... Happy Festivus! Break out the antibiotics!
Personal: I send out Christmas card. Business: I send out "happy holidays" cards. To me, "Happy Holidays" has always seemed more professional than Merry Christmas.
posted
Just give me an excuse to have a day off. I don't care if its called Christmas, Halloween, EAster, Passover, Ramadan. Just like the controversy over the MLK b'day back in the early 80's. I was glad. It meant another day off..
Just give me a day off and leave the moaning to sex, and the complaining to the @ssholes...
-------------------- Leaper of Tall buildings.. If you find my posts divisive or otherwise snarky please ignore them. If you do not know how then PM me about it and I will demonstrate. Posts: 5273 | From: Im a nowhere man | Registered: Jul 2001
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I hate to say it...but I always chuck business related "Holiday" cards almost as soon as they're opened.
You know, the ones from the insurance guy, the car dealer, etc. Especially the "Happy Holiday" cards with preprinted names.....they might be better off sending me a coupon for $3 off at Pizza Hut.
At least it shows they were really thinking about me. I'm pretty sensitive, don't you think?
-------------------- Todd Gill Outside The Lines Potterville, MI Posts: 7792 | From: Potterville, MI | Registered: Dec 2001
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Last place I worked at, vendors sent Starbuck Giftcards, around 10 gift baskets, 5 or so boxes of Chocolates and one plave always sent Baklava....it was good.... Then we would have a "worst" card design contest with catagories like "Insincerest" "Cheesiest", you would be suprised how ugly world class architects holiday cards can be.
-------------------- Rick Chavez Hemet, CA Posts: 1538 | From: Hemet,CA U.S.A. | Registered: Jun 2001
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no apology needed Bobbie... not by a long shot. I too am all for people getting along, & as my own blunt style around here shows... I think being our true selves AND getting along is preferable to homogonizing everyones views just to fit in. Therefore, I would never be one to request, promote, or support censoring honest expression. (Of course the theory sounds good to me until tested with extremes like Nazi skinheads, or other confrontational forms of expression)
I probably should have left out the inclusion of the BB in my examples of where religious expression is discouraged, & I see how that made it seem that I misunderstood your point, & I may have, but not about that.
I get that you refer to other arenas besides this board. I just thought that in many other arenas where folks want to curtail "things that our country has done for years"... it may be for the similar objective of striving to see all people getting along.
In other words... I don't agree that children should be deprived of christian lyrics in Christmas music BUT, I also don't agree that if they are deprived of this... the imposing of limits on one viewpoint constitutes a hypocritical imposition of another viewpoint.
Graffitti may sometimes look better then white paint, but... ...a time & place for everything I guess
posted
MLK didn't make another day off. They just lumped two presidents into one Holiday and gave him the other. Not to cause a stir, just to state a fact.
How about "Have good days off during the period of time around the Solstice". To say Joyous, may have a Religious connotation.
-------------------- Rove Gratz Gratz Signs 342 Walden Station Drive Macon, GA 31216 rovegratz@aol.com Home Page: http://rove-342.tripod.com Posts: 861 | From: Macon, GA 31216 | Registered: Jan 2004
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Gavin & Kissy....Between the Head Cheese and festering puss, I think I'm gonna be sick! It's amazing how far from Christmas those things are!!!! But funny too. BTW, just WHAT is in Head Cheese? It sure ain't cheese. And where does the aluminim pole come in? Curious minds want to know. Love....Jill
-------------------- That is like a Mr. Potato Head with all the pieces in the wrong place. -Russ McMullin Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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I had these printed up to send to my customers this years. If it offends any of them, tough turd. ITs a shame that such a small percentage of morons are able to force their opinion on everyone else. What are we gonna say? Merry Mas? Crap.
[ December 07, 2004, 09:54 AM: Message edited by: John Deaton III ]
-------------------- Maker of fine signs and other creative stuff. Located at 109 N. Cumberland ave. Harlan, Ky. 40831 606-837-0242 Posts: 4172 | From: Ages-Brookside, Ky. Up the Holler... | Registered: Jul 1999
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And Doug, your blunt style is fine with me! I have read some of your posts, & I have a lot of friends that are like you! As for the skinhead comment, I laughed & I do have to agree!
You know, when I was a gradeschooler, there were a few kids who were not allowed to make Santa Claus's, Easter Bunny's, etc., because their parents did not allow, & we felt bad for them. The whole time we were making Santa's & Easter Bunny's in school, these poor kids were making "people" out of construction paper. But their parents weren't sueing the school. I think people should be respected for their choice NOT to participate in whatever holiday, also. Why can't we all just get along? Life is too short.
-------------------- The Word in Signs Bobbie Rochow Jamestown, PA 16134
724-927-6471
thewordinsigns@alltel.net Posts: 3485 | From: Jamestown, PA 16134 | Registered: Oct 2002
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Wow! I didn't mean all this fuss, I just found it interesting it is still called the Christlmas Parade and we can't feel comfortable saying Merry Christmas.
No judgements, no getting anyone upset, just found it sad.
-------------------- Michael A Latham Tee's Me Shirt & Sign 16462 Jefferson Davis Highway Colonial Heights Va. 804-835-3299 signdogopie@aol.com Posts: 379 | From: Colonial Heights, Virginia | Registered: Feb 2004
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John Deaton III Don't you think that you could be offending people who prefer other makes and models of trucks, or those who don't believe in trucks and therefore don't want to have images of trucks pushed down their throats. What about people who have different COLORS of trucks, clearly you are demonstrating that BLUE trucks are the only TRUE trucks! (mine BTW is a red 92 Mazda, just in case you feel the urge to customize a card.)
That's all the world needs is a politicly incorrect card portraying a Blue truck with Balls (ornaments, I mean)
Cool card!
"BAAAAH- HUMMMBAGGG"
-------------------- Michael Clanton Clanton Graphics/ Blackberry 19 Studio 1933 Blackberry Conway AR 72034 501-505-6794 clantongraphics@yahoo.com Posts: 1735 | From: Conway Arkansas | Registered: Oct 2001
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Nice card John!! Michael, I would have told her it says Merry Christmas or I'm not doing it! Look around, this country is going straight to hell! It is time to stand up for things like this. To me it is Merry Christmas and nobody is going to tell me it is some other idiodic thing. So..........MERRY CHRISTMAS to all my fellow Letterheads! and yup, I know Santa is ot there!
-------------------- Tony Vickio The World Famous Vickio Signs 3364 Rt.329 Watkins Glen, NY 14891 t30v@vickiosigns.com 607-535-6241 http://www.vickiosigns.com Posts: 1063 | From: Watkins Glen, New York | Registered: Sep 2001
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