Post by bbqsandwich on Jan 31, 2007 14:45:22 GMT -5
On the second point, a religious-oriented phrase -- specifically "Merry Christmas," "Happy Chanukah" or whatever religious holiday message -- is an expression of greetings or good wishes at most, and at least it's simply a casual way of saying "wassup" during a particular time of year.
"Good morning" is a slightly formal way of saying "wassup" during a particular time of day, for most people. Originally, it was an expression of good wishes, a shortened form of "good morning to you, Mr. so-and-so."
So, "good morning" = greeting for particular time, with possible implications of benevolence
"merry Christmas = greeting for particular season, with likely implications of benevolence
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The only difference is the religious aspect, but I believe in modern times, that is largely overshadowed by the association and celebration of Christmas (by the majority of persons) primarily with seasonal gift-giving, not the birth of Jesus.
And even if I'm wrong -- I put up with loud, off-beat Hari-Krishna worship music every day while walking to class, so non-Christians can show a little tolerance, too.
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Here's a question for you: have you ever seen a person get offended by someone else saying "bless you" after they sneezed? Afterall, "bless you" is just short for "God bless you," which presumably a Polytheist, Atheist, Satanist, or Deist might find inaccurate and even potentially offensive -- especially if we go by the standard of *any mention of religion is offensive if spoken in the presence of those who feel differently on religious matters.*
So the way I see it, there's little difference for most people between saying "Merry Christmas" and "bless you." Why should reactions to the two expressions be so different?
"Good morning" is a slightly formal way of saying "wassup" during a particular time of day, for most people. Originally, it was an expression of good wishes, a shortened form of "good morning to you, Mr. so-and-so."
So, "good morning" = greeting for particular time, with possible implications of benevolence
"merry Christmas = greeting for particular season, with likely implications of benevolence
--
The only difference is the religious aspect, but I believe in modern times, that is largely overshadowed by the association and celebration of Christmas (by the majority of persons) primarily with seasonal gift-giving, not the birth of Jesus.
And even if I'm wrong -- I put up with loud, off-beat Hari-Krishna worship music every day while walking to class, so non-Christians can show a little tolerance, too.
--
Here's a question for you: have you ever seen a person get offended by someone else saying "bless you" after they sneezed? Afterall, "bless you" is just short for "God bless you," which presumably a Polytheist, Atheist, Satanist, or Deist might find inaccurate and even potentially offensive -- especially if we go by the standard of *any mention of religion is offensive if spoken in the presence of those who feel differently on religious matters.*
So the way I see it, there's little difference for most people between saying "Merry Christmas" and "bless you." Why should reactions to the two expressions be so different?