Ceremony and the Fake Culture War
Anthropologists tell us that ceremonies have the function of binding people together. Not only do they bind us together presently, but they also attempt to bind us in the past and in the future. Ceremonies celebrate the passage of time and the unity of the tribe. They help people remember the past and establish “kinship” between people.
Now, there is a fake cultural war going on in America. Conservatives, losing and being incredibly wrong on real issues that actually affect people’s lives (i.e. the war, torture, domestic spying, Homeland Security), again attempt to shift the national debate to shit that makes no fucking difference. Same-sex marriage is now passé. So, now, in genuine “What’s the Matter With Kansas” form, conservative pundits are bringing up “Merry Christmas” versus “Happy Holidays.” People vastly prefer the former and by taking that position, Democrats are, by default, are somehow placed on the other (as they were with same-sex marriage).
Yes, some people prefer “Merry Christmas” because it was said in the past. Others prefer “Happy Holidays” because it involves greater unity. I prefer neither because they are both religious references. Call me a PC fascist pinko faggot, but I say “Peace on Earth.”
The “Merry Christmas” folks should understand that ceremony both includes and excludes people. If Christmas is a time for Christians to bind and remember, then do not expect a Jew to join you. If that is what they want to do, it is their prerogative, but establishing a “norm” contradicts the function of ceremony. Norms are all inclusive. So, expecting someone who prefers “Happy Holidays” to change is not realistic. They chose that term to be caught by a wider net or to catch others with a wider net. Why would they use a more specific term to exclude others or themselves? It like asking women to prefer the term “mankind” or expecting a non-racist business to put up a sign that says “no blacks allowed.” It is like hoping all your friends have a good time at a party that you were purposely not invited to.
“Happy Holidays” makes a little more sense as it attempts to be all-inclusive, thus “norm” would fit it better. But, as it turns out, “holiday” means “holy day,” thus one is excluding agnostics and atheists.
I say “Peace on Earth.” It is the most inclusive and gets to the heart of the season.
Yes, I’m excluding warmongers and terrorists, but fuck them.
Now, there is a fake cultural war going on in America. Conservatives, losing and being incredibly wrong on real issues that actually affect people’s lives (i.e. the war, torture, domestic spying, Homeland Security), again attempt to shift the national debate to shit that makes no fucking difference. Same-sex marriage is now passé. So, now, in genuine “What’s the Matter With Kansas” form, conservative pundits are bringing up “Merry Christmas” versus “Happy Holidays.” People vastly prefer the former and by taking that position, Democrats are, by default, are somehow placed on the other (as they were with same-sex marriage).
Yes, some people prefer “Merry Christmas” because it was said in the past. Others prefer “Happy Holidays” because it involves greater unity. I prefer neither because they are both religious references. Call me a PC fascist pinko faggot, but I say “Peace on Earth.”
The “Merry Christmas” folks should understand that ceremony both includes and excludes people. If Christmas is a time for Christians to bind and remember, then do not expect a Jew to join you. If that is what they want to do, it is their prerogative, but establishing a “norm” contradicts the function of ceremony. Norms are all inclusive. So, expecting someone who prefers “Happy Holidays” to change is not realistic. They chose that term to be caught by a wider net or to catch others with a wider net. Why would they use a more specific term to exclude others or themselves? It like asking women to prefer the term “mankind” or expecting a non-racist business to put up a sign that says “no blacks allowed.” It is like hoping all your friends have a good time at a party that you were purposely not invited to.
“Happy Holidays” makes a little more sense as it attempts to be all-inclusive, thus “norm” would fit it better. But, as it turns out, “holiday” means “holy day,” thus one is excluding agnostics and atheists.
I say “Peace on Earth.” It is the most inclusive and gets to the heart of the season.
Yes, I’m excluding warmongers and terrorists, but fuck them.
posted by American Dilettante at
5:09 PM
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