The Ruckus Over "Christmas"
There's been a lot of ballyhoo the past few weeks over use of the term "Christmas," as it might be non-inclusive to certain groups.
Whereas this is necessarily true- you can't please everyone- it doesn't matter.
Why? Capitalism.
While the Democrats and Republicans might squabble over which words to use, any company in America with any lick of sense has continued using the term "Christmas," with nary a care as to whom they offend.
Why is that? Simple numbers.
Although surveys are hard to come across, certain consistencies hold true in all of them regarding religious affiliations in the United States. It generally breaks down as follows:
Christianity: 70-85 percent
Other Religions: 10-15 percent
Atheist/Agnostic: 10 percent
If you were a corporation concerned about catering to a certain group, who would you try to entice? If you go with Christmas advertising, you anger the atheists, and if you go with a godless advertising campaign, you risk upsetting the Christians. Thus, due to the numbers, you cater to the largest group.
My favorite example of this is where Honda has the carolers singing a song based on a traditional carol, but instead insert the terms "Honda Days." This is doubly funny, as Honda is a Japanese corporation catering to specific American beliefs. A child watching the commercial would think that the CEO of Honda is an old man who teaches Sunday School when not running his car lot.
The sad truth of the matter is that corporations will always cater to the largest group, regardless of the consequences. If 80% of the country believed that gifts came out of toilets, you'd have Honda come up with a commercial that had a man dressed up as a toilet.
That said, here's hoping tomorrow reaches whatever ideal you've set for it.
And Merry Christmas.
Whereas this is necessarily true- you can't please everyone- it doesn't matter.
Why? Capitalism.
While the Democrats and Republicans might squabble over which words to use, any company in America with any lick of sense has continued using the term "Christmas," with nary a care as to whom they offend.
Why is that? Simple numbers.
Although surveys are hard to come across, certain consistencies hold true in all of them regarding religious affiliations in the United States. It generally breaks down as follows:
Christianity: 70-85 percent
Other Religions: 10-15 percent
Atheist/Agnostic: 10 percent
If you were a corporation concerned about catering to a certain group, who would you try to entice? If you go with Christmas advertising, you anger the atheists, and if you go with a godless advertising campaign, you risk upsetting the Christians. Thus, due to the numbers, you cater to the largest group.
My favorite example of this is where Honda has the carolers singing a song based on a traditional carol, but instead insert the terms "Honda Days." This is doubly funny, as Honda is a Japanese corporation catering to specific American beliefs. A child watching the commercial would think that the CEO of Honda is an old man who teaches Sunday School when not running his car lot.
The sad truth of the matter is that corporations will always cater to the largest group, regardless of the consequences. If 80% of the country believed that gifts came out of toilets, you'd have Honda come up with a commercial that had a man dressed up as a toilet.
That said, here's hoping tomorrow reaches whatever ideal you've set for it.
And Merry Christmas.
posted by Yorick at 12:29 PM
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