‘Christmas’ vs. ‘holiday’ debate continues
Posted on Tuesday, December 13, 2005
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/bcdr/News/28876/
ATLANTA — It looks like Christmas, smells like Christmas and feels like Christmas, but major retailers are shying away from the word and substituting "holiday." The change is leaving shoppers confused, angry or pleased.
This year, the long-simmering debate over the secularization of Christmas has sucked in cities, states and the U.S. Capitol, with some Christian groups shouting humbug for weeks over what they call a retreat from the very foundation of their faith.
And the whole push-pull over marketing "Christmas" versus "holidays" has retailers scratching their heads about what to do next season.
Among dozens of people responding to an informal email survey by The Atlanta-Journal Constitution, most said that they understood the retailers’ motives and did not object. Many characterized the flap as an overreaction, and some were angry. A few were shocked that it had became an issue at all.
Diane DeVore, 62, of Roswell, was just plain offended. "I am tired of the subtle and not so subtle ways that are being used to persecute Christians for their beliefs," DeVore said.
But Rusty Tanton, 27, of Decatur, a Christian, applauded the broader approach. "I think it’s great that companies are referring to this time of year as ‘holiday season’ rather than ‘Christmas season, ’’’ Tanton said." The nauseating, shopping bender that coincides with this time of year seems contrary to what Jesus was supposed to be about. "
In an era of low profit margins, the business world has no choice, said R. Keith Tudor, chairman of marketing at Kennesaw State University.
" It’s political correctness to the max, "Tudor said." Business can’t afford to offend anyone.
Now it’s always ‘happy holidays’ in ads and signs in stores and everywhere, newspaper, radio, TV. It’s OK to use red and green and play Christmas tunes without the words and sell Christmas trees and not call them that, but no one can afford a boycott. "
The Rev. Jerry Falwell calls the" holiday" trend a disgrace. He says his followers have sent more than 500,000 e-mails urging people to "resist bullying tactics" of anyone being a "Grinch" and trying to "steal Christmas." Donald Wildmon, president of the American Family Association, said 2.8 million emails have been sent to businesses he considers "offenders."
Jim Heavener of the Georgia Retail Association, which represents 70,000 establishments, said he has heard of no complaints made by customers, though many stores "are being inclusive."