Christmas without Christ? Huh?

[HepKitty]

That's about the size of it. Some of the Muslim kids I teach (the ones that look obviously Muslim in their dress) nowadays experience what I used to back in the Eighties and Nineties in England - getting followed round shops because they are perceived as "possible terrorists". All the world needs is a little mutual respect.... somebody gotta crack first and offer it, though. That's usually part of the problem....

like I said, demanding respect but not having the grace to respect others... doesn't work

lol so just how did you look like a threat in the Eighties?

 

[LizzieMaine]

like I said, demanding respect but not having the grace to respect others... doesn't work

There's the problem, right there. Going around "demanding respect" doesn't entitle one to it -- in fact, it usually gets the opposite. Respect must be earned, by showing respect for others. And that goes for everyone. A culture where everyone's so concerned that they get respect for themselves that they're willing to step on other people to make sure they get it is a culture full of entitled, self-absorbed jackasses who, deep down, respect nobody.

 

[JimWagner]

Those demanding respect don't understand or really care about the difference between respect and fear.

 

[HepKitty]

There's the problem, right there. Going around "demanding respect" doesn't entitle one to it -- in fact, it usually gets the opposite. Respect must be earned, by showing respect for others. And that goes for everyone. A culture where everyone's so concerned that they get respect for themselves that they're willing to step on other people to make sure they get it is a culture full of entitled, self-absorbed jackasses who, deep down, respect nobody.

I'm so tired of the self-absorption and bogus sense of entitlement. it's disgusting when people take grand issues and make them all about themselves, or think that they don't have to earn the good things they want. there has to be a formal diagnosis for it by now, right? personally I call it "princess syndrome." and you're right people do stomp all over others all the while crying that they're the ones getting trampled... when they themselves are doing the trampling

ok to lighten the mood now, here is a good example of the opposite. focus on "anonymous" (in other words, these kind people make it all about the recipients and not at all about themselves) and grab a box of kleenex http://finance.yahoo.com/news/anonymous-donors-pay-off-kmart-222535611.html

Those demanding respect don't understand or really care about the difference between respect and fear.

A manager a long time ago had just started a few months before when she informed me, just after firing someone, "that's what happens when you don't respect me." it was all I could do to keep my mouth shut and not say "I may FEAR for my ability to support myself and my children, but if you want respect, you need to earn it." and I did manage to keep that to myself, but oh how I wanted to tell her off. but I might just be uppity that way [huh]

 

[HepKitty]

As for me, I've never had Christmas off in my working life. Radio stations and theatres are always open on Christmas, so that's where you'll always find me when the rest of the world is celebrating -- I always make sure that any of the staff who needs the day off has it, though, and if necessary I work in their place. (And I don't even say "if I were to stop your wages half-a-crown you'd think yourself ill used..." Well, actually I *do* say that but they know I'm joking.)

:eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[sheeplady]

Interestingly enough, my university recently eliminated several days off for religious holidays (specifically yom kippur, eid al-fitr, and good friday). Instead, they decided to give students a full week off in the fall semester for Thanksgiving.

Students still can be released from class by applying for religious days at the start of each semester in the online registration system, which informs the instructors automatically. It is a much better system, because it is formalized and so much more fair to people. I really like it.

 

[HepKitty]

Interestingly enough, my university recently eliminated several days off for religious holidays (specifically yom kippur, eid al-fitr, and good friday). Instead, they decided to give students a full week off in the fall semester for Thanksgiving.

Students still can be released from class by applying for religious days at the start of each semester in the online registration system, which informs the instructors automatically. It is a much better system, because it is formalized and so much more fair to people. I really like it.

that is a good idea. I've never heard of any school doing that. that's really cool

 

[Lincsong]

There's the problem, right there. Going around "demanding respect" doesn't entitle one to it -- in fact, it usually gets the opposite. Respect must be earned, by showing respect for others. And that goes for everyone. A culture where everyone's so concerned that they get respect for themselves that they're willing to step on other people to make sure they get it is a culture full of entitled, self-absorbed jackasses who, deep down, respect nobody.

Beautifully said.

 

[Edward]

like I said, demanding respect but not having the grace to respect others... doesn't work

lol so just how did you look like a threat in the Eighties?

I'm Irish. Far as the Brits are concerned, we used to be the bogeyman, right up til about.... 99 or so I noticed it changing.

 

[Miss Golightly]

I'm Irish. Far as the Brits are concerned, we used to be the bogeyman, right up til about.... 99 or so I noticed it changing.

I worked in London in 2001 for a claims company and I refused this woman's insurance claim (I was completely in the right and followed the claims company rules to the letter) and she heard my accent and began quizzing me on where the claims office was (London) and how I was working in the City with my cushy salary (?!!!!) and asked if she would have to "put a bomb though my letter box to get her claim noticed".

Needless to say I hung up.

 

[PADDY]

Interesting thread.

In all sincerity, I'm always impressed when I read a piece here that could so 'easily' morph into something 'very divisive, distasteful & hurtful,' discussed in a very balanced, reasoned, measured and well thought out way in a tone of respect and civility that 'in turn' generates a positive mutual respect & civility among members here. Just like a smile often generates a reciprocal smile!

Thankyou & due 'respect' to all of you here.:eusa_clap

 

[dhermann1]

Amen, Paddy. This is just SUCH an interesting topic. Glad it's stayed on track.

 

[Undertow]

While we're on the subject of people who work on the holidays, I'd like to mention here that living in New York City (the city that never sleeps, altho it does sometimes take a little nap), I always appreciate those individuals who keep our train and bus systems running 24/7/365, and all other similar services, and I always make sure that I express my appreciation to them on those days. And I think they definitely appreciate the appreciation.

Agreed in full!

If any of you are out and about on Xmas day, be sure to smile and thank your service people! I used to work through holidays and it was always nice to get a smile and "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Thanksgiving" on those days.

 

[ButteMT61]

Agreed in full!

If any of you are out and about on Xmas day, be sure to smile and thank your service people! I used to work through holidays and it was always nice to get a smile and "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Thanksgiving" on those days.

I give the people that are there all year such as the morning Starbucks crew a big tip to share. I never had a job as an adult that I had to work over holidays (except projects) and I appreciate the folks who do. I also try to buy coffee/lunch, etc for service people (as in military) when I'm out.

 

[kamikat]

Agreed in full!

If any of you are out and about on Xmas day, be sure to smile and thank your service people! I used to work through holidays and it was always nice to get a smile and "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Thanksgiving" on those days.

Here, here! When I was in retail management, I was always the first one in and the last one out on the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Now, as a hairdresser, I tend to work 12hr days the week before Christmas and I haven't had a New Year's Eve free since the day I finished beauty school. This is the first year in 15 that I'm taking my last "party hair" client at 8pm on NYE because my in-laws have offered to watch the kids.

 

[hatophile]

Interesting thread.

In all sincerity, I'm always impressed when I read a piece here that could so 'easily' morph into something 'very divisive, distasteful & hurtful,' discussed in a very balanced, reasoned, measured and well thought out way in a tone of respect and civility that 'in turn' generates a positive mutual respect & civility among members here. Just like a smile often generates a reciprocal smile!

Thankyou & due 'respect' to all of you here.:eusa_clap

Well said, Paddy.
Whether or not someone subscribes to any particular religious beliefs or creed, in my opinion the spirit of Christmas is one of giving and tolerance for fellow human beings. I think that's a message that resounds for us all. I have found most folks on this forum particularly tolerant regardless of their opinions.

 

[PrettySquareGal]

This is a lil bit off topic, but I'd like to see Kinkade (Thomas) left OUT of Christmas! Also, glitter cards. Bah.

 

[LizzieMaine]

My tolerance ends when novelty Christmas songs begin.

 

[randooch]

This is as good a place as any to say, "Happy Chanukah!" to our Jewish FL'ers.

 

[Travis Lee Johnston]

Glitter is bad any time of year, on anything. Ever get the stuff around your eyelids? Not fun to remove.