Letter: Tech should not try and influence the way we celebrate this holiday season
Monday, December 1, 2008; 9:46 PM
Recently I received an e-mail from the Virginia Tech news listserv. The subject of the e-mail was, "Fostering a welcoming environment during holiday season." The e-mail went on to explain how the Tech campus is a very diverse community and that certain holiday celebrations lead some students to have feelings of exclusion.

It further explained that when planning holiday activities, it was "considerate" to plan events that create a sense of welcome for everyone. I feel that this e-mail, more or less a friendly threat (the e-mail never actually hints at any consequences for not heeding the friendly advice, yet there seems to be an underlying sense of "do not test us"), is insulting to my intelligence, and rights as an American citizen.

I am honestly dismayed by the fact that Kevin G. McDonald, Mark G. McNamee, Edward F. D. Spencer and Sherwood G. Wilson, the authors of this e-mail felt it was even necessary to send this out. I am sorry that people celebrating a certain religious holiday may make others feel excluded, but the facts are that life is not fair, and other people should not be made to feel guilty for celebrating a holiday in a way that they want.

A person suffering from feelings of exclusion in regard to a religious holiday is emotionally immature and socially challenged. Now, I am not a shrink, but what ever happened to tolerance of another religious group's beliefs? I am a Christian, and I celebrate Christmas, but I do not feel excluded, nor do I complain, when other religions practice a ceremony or celebration or activity or whatever it is, as long as it does not intentionally harm another person physically or mentally. None of the religious holidays that I am aware of intentionally exclude or harm any other type of people.

I do not understand why Tech would try to make the community feel guilty for celebrating a religious holiday in the way they choose, as long as it is not harmful. If a person has a sense of exclusion, that is a personal problem -- the burden should not be placed on those celebrating in the way that they choose. It is not my duty to make sure that everybody is happy during the holiday season; if you are unhappy with the way that somebody celebrates a religious holiday, ignore them. Don't get me wrong, I am all for including all groups of people and beliefs, and would vehemently stand up to any person or thing that is discriminatory against a certain religion or belief.

That being said, if I were to host a Christmas party, I would welcome everyone to it, whether they are Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, agnostic, etc. and would expect other religions to do the same for me. But it is not my job to make them feel welcome. If they don't want to participate, that is fine with me, but please do not make me feel guilty for celebrating in the way that I choose.

In summary, I feel that it is unnecessary, and even scary, that an educational institution is trying to influence the way that people in the community celebrate their religious holidays. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and so nobody feels excluded, Happy Holidays.

You might be interested in... Related Topics: cultures, religions, holiday season
Posted by: New York at 12/22/08 I thought Christmas was canceled due to the money spent to spread Democracy throughout the world. Hmmm.. My bad.... Flag Abuse
Posted by: Henry at 12/10/08 Christmas is not just a Christian holiday. I celebrated Christmas when I was an atheist. I knew Wiccans who did Christmas. Santa Claus is not a Christian figure. Christmas trees and presents and turkey dinners and eggnog and Dickens stories are all Christmas traditions that have nothing to do with Christianity. Some Christians don't even celebrate Christmas. If you choose not to celebrate Christmas, so be it but you are missing a lot of fun. But don't blame your lack of participation on religion. It's not just a religious holiday anymore. It's Christmas, a federal holiday. Merry Christmas!!! And a Happy New Year (yeah I know it's not a new year for Jews or Muslims). Flag Abuse
Posted by: Donnie at 12/08/08 The Dude abides. Flag Abuse
Posted by: Anonymous at 12/05/08 Sup Kyle. That's sweet that you're a practicing Roman Catholic. How often do you have Catholic practice? You guys got any games coming up? Flag Abuse
Posted by: Kyle Minor at 12/04/08 That's a good point, Jayton. Everyone gets December 25th off - some people celebrate Christmas, and other people just don't go to work. Flag Abuse
Posted by: Jayton Gill at 12/04/08 Allow me to preface my comment by saying that I am an atheist, and I grew up in a household where neither Christmas nor any other holiday was celebrated at this time of year. Let us acknowledge that our population is diverse, consisting of people of many different beliefs, interests, and passions. Is celebration of diversity not best accomplished by allowing everyone to enjoy the holidays in the way they choose, instead of encouraging everyone to conform to generic festivities in the interests of including everyone? Perhaps there exist non-religious people who feel offended any and all religious holidays. How do you propose to deal with them? Such a proposition is simply ludicrious. No one should be so superficially sensitive, nor should the rest of us be paying attention to those people who are. Happy holidays to all; celebrate them however you damn well please. Flag Abuse
Posted by: George at 12/04/08 Happy Festivus! (for the rest of us) Flag Abuse
Posted by: Christians at 12/04/08 After he bans Christians, he can make them all wear a cross. Flag Abuse
Posted by: Kyle Minor at 12/03/08 I suppose I should make a disclaimer now which would have been better made at the onset - I am a practicing Roman Catholic. Just FYI. Flag Abuse
Posted by: Kyle Minor at 12/03/08 One final comment - if government really weighted religion so heavily, it would make sense to suggest that workers ought to get the Monday after Easter off, for instance, in 'commemoration' of the importance of that feast day. This is precisely what we do for holidays such as the 4th of July when they happen to fall on weekends. The fact that we explicitly do NOT extend this principal to religious festivals is telling - the interest in declaring days 'official holidays' is to minimize loss by reducing operating costs. Flag Abuse
Posted by: Kyle Minor at 12/03/08 Actually, that's not really the case, Jew. Christmas Day happens to be a religious festival which falls on what has been set aside as a secular holiday. Arguing that Christmas ought not be a 'day off' because other religions don't get their holidays off 'officially' is tantamount to arguing that Americans shouldn't get July 4 or Labor Day or Memorial Day off because we don't extend the same courtesy to immigrants and visa holder from other countries which recognize their own independence days. Everyone gets the day off on December 25 - but keep in mind that December 25 is arbitrarily selected as 'Christmas Day' based upon both tradition and the dates of Roman Festivals - it isn't a Biblically declared day (it can't be anyway - there was no Gregorian calendar in the Biblical times!). The fact that the coincidence exists is due in large part to the fact that a majority of American citizens happen to celebrate Christmas - and so would likely take the day off of work anyway. It's a way for governments and businesses to cut losses, effectively, by making it so that people don't have to work on days when most can be expected not to come to work anyway. Flag Abuse
Posted by: Christians suck at 12/03/08 You know, it would be great if Obama banned Christians. Flag Abuse
Posted by: Christians at 12/03/08 Don't worry, Obama will ban Christians anyway, so you can all be safe. Flag Abuse
Posted by: Jew at 12/03/08 Yes, Easter is on a Sunday. Let's go with Christmas then. Christmas is often during the regular week. However, everyone gets that day off to celebrate the birth of Jesus... wowser. What if I made a mandatory meeting on Christmas? I can't, because the federal government favors Christians over Jews. What if you want to make a mandatory meeting on Yom Kippur? You can do it. You can't fire me for not coming, but you can certainly make my job more difficult by excluding me from information, etc. I think the point of this letter is that you ought not to go out of your way to make my life more difficult than it already is due to religion. The government already favors Christians, so you shouldn't go out of your way to further exacerbate this. As to the comment about going to Brandeis, you are an idiot. If I come here to study at a publicly funded university, I should not be discriminated against by a department of the university based on my religion. Period. It doesn't matter if most of the people here are Christians or not. This is a public university. I shouldn't have to transfer to avoid discrimination. Flag Abuse
Posted by: Gollum2 at 12/02/08 Postings here are so entertaining! Here is my today’s winner: “…the mindless socialists I see everyday, but you don't hear me complaining! OK, that's not true. I do complain about them, then use my superior linguistic skills to expose their folly…” Folly is exposed by using facts and logic, and not “superior linguistic skills”. The latter are the tool of sophistry, demagogy, and propaganda. I sure hope this linguistically skilled person does not teach here. Flag Abuse
Posted by: Gollum at 12/02/08 The letter writer and many commentators miss the point. Notwithstanding its deficiencies, the debated letter from the administration officials tries to address the fact that US is not a welcoming environment for non-Christians. I hope all of you agree that a religious majority should aspire to represent a civilized and benevolent society that nurtures a welcoming environment. This is not the case in US where “Muslim”, “Arab”, and “atheist” are being used as pejorative terms used openly by politicians and religious leaders. In the recent election, nationally (Obama) and locally (Hagan), political candidates were accused of being or associating with non-Christians. Sadly, both Obama and Hagen showed no less bigotry than their attackers by vehemently affirming their religious stand (as if that should have mattered for any administrative appointments). Don’t get me wrong, I disapprove of idiotic political correctness: the word “Christmas” should not be replaced by the word “Holiday”. However, only an oblivious or dishonest person can believe that Christmas in US is a welcoming event, even in a parochial ecumenical sense. Flag Abuse
Posted by: Agnostic at 12/02/08 Hey Jew, Easter is on Sunday. Hey everyone else, the author (Andrew?) makes a valid point. I posted this to a Facebook note, and many of my friends discussed it - law students, people from other schools, etc. Bottom line is that the email was written more like a CYA than something that was worthwhile and was going to make a difference. As such, telling people that they can't celebrate their holiday (namely, Christians) is absurd. Will I receive this same letter on every OTHER RELIGION'S holidays? I think not. As such, this IS an attack on one religion. And any Jew who thinks they are repressed needs to note WHO was the 'hero' of 4/16, WHAT day it was on (Holocaust Remembrance Day), and what the RELIGION of the 'acclaimed' VT President is (who should be fired). Flag Abuse
Posted by: Merry Christmas at 12/02/08 Easter is on a Sunday. Maybe you ought to go to Brandeis if you are bothered so much about life at VT. Flag Abuse
Posted by: Jew at 12/02/08 The problem isn't celebrating Christmas. The problem is being tolerant when I miss class on Yom Kippur. Also, when a department schedules a mandatory meating on Yom Kippur. If I were a department head and scheduled a mandatory meeting on Easter, you can be sure that there will be a lot of angry Christians... but when I'm angry about a meeting on Yom Kippur, you say "cry me a river" and "why do we have to accommodate people?" You can have your day of Santa Claus and Easter Bunnies... just let me have my day of repentance without being punished. Flag Abuse
Posted by: Anonymous at 12/02/08 Can't we all just put aside our differences, come together, and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas: The birth of baby Santa Claus? Anyone? Flag Abuse
Posted by: Andrew McKissick at 12/02/08 Posted by: Marcus at 11:00 am I'm sure the writer of this letter had a valid point in his mind, but for the life of me I can't figure out what it was. All he managed to accomplish was coming off like a toolbag. Marcus: Please refer to the last paragraph of my letter if you are still confused about my point. I thought I summarized it pretty clearly for a toolbag... Flag Abuse
Posted by: If only... at 12/02/08 Perhaps we are dense, but then again if I'm going to comment on something I'm going to make my point, not use broad sweeping generalizations that leave everyone in the dark... Flag Abuse
Posted by: Anonymous at 12/02/08 Maybe th eletter wasn't well written, but you are missing the point. You as an individual can celebrate whatever way you like, but since many students are leaders of clubs and groups with diverse members, then the kayak club or the physics clubs or the car club should celebrate with a generic holiday theme or an all encompassing holiday theme so as to include everyone in the club. For college students you are certainly dense. Flag Abuse
Posted by: Anonymous at 12/02/08 “For Kim O’Rourke to say she gave her kid a heads-up about a shooting at 9:15 or 9:20 when my kid, our kids didn’t get any warning at all . . . “ said an upset Greg Gwaltney of Chesterfield County. His son, Matthew, died in Norris Hall. Fire Kim O'Rourke, Larry Hincker and Charles Steger. End the sham. Flag Abuse
Posted by: Marcus at 12/02/08 I'm sure the writer of this letter had a valid point in his mind, but for the life of me I can't figure out what it was. All he managed to accomplish was coming off like a toolbag. Flag Abuse
Posted by: Karen Gilbert at 12/02/08 I applaud Andrew for writing this insightful letter. I believe Christians should be allowed to openly express their religious beliefs and celebrate Christmas with the joy that was intended for this most special time of year--just as I also believe people in any religion should be able to freely celebrate their special holidays. I do not believe celebrating your religious beliefs is offensive to others. We can all learn from observing and participating in each other's events and holidays. I appreciate learning about other religious beliefs and learning how each celebrates what they believe. It is very important for us to openly be accepting of all cultures but it does not mean we should have to supress Christianity in the process. Flag Abuse
Posted by: The Dude at 12/02/08 This is the problem with America, instead of being concerned about being Americans we are too caught up in how everyone feels and how we can avoid causing them some discomfort. Stop worrying so much about people’s feelings. They are going to get hurt, deal with it. When did it suddenly become the norm for everyone to sit down together and cry, piss, whine and moan about how mean someone was being to them because they dared to believe in something different and chose to celebrate it. We are told to be respectful of other cultures and customs when they celebrate, and yet the same respect is not issued to us. I’m not saying that we need to be flagrant with our celebrations, wishing everyone within eyesight and earshot a “Merry Christmas!” Rather, if we are going to encourage them to spin a dreidel, light a kinara, or erect an aluminum pole and air their grievances, that we be allowed to roast some chestnuts, sing “Holy Night” and drink some eggnog (or too much eggnog) with the same amount of tolerance and respect. In fact if anything perhaps we should take the time to share our cultures and customs to learn about them, instead of buying a box of Kleenex because the big mean man in the red suit wished us a happy holidays… Flag Abuse
Posted by: Merry Christmas at 12/02/08 When did Americans become so thin-skinned? That letter was certainly directed at Christians! People need to get over themselves. I'm not Irish, do I get in a tizzy if someone wishes me a Happy St. Patrick's Day? No. If someone says Merry Christmas or Happy Hannakuh, be happy they are actually taking the time to wish you well. What's next? We won't be able to say "Go Hokies!" because it might offend Cavalier alumni faculty on campus. Flag Abuse
Posted by: Tim Kaine at 12/02/08 Departments shouldn't be having ANY holiday parties. We're facing budget cuts here people! Flag Abuse
Posted by: Anonymous at 12/02/08 That was the most inappropriate email I have ever received. It has no purpose. We are college students and adults. We don't need to be told something so childish. I was actually insulted when I read it. I celebrate Christmas, but I don't make anybody else. But I will not be told by this university as to how I should conduct my social gatherings. If I were to hold a party, I wouldn't exclude anybody. I have a feeling this was directed to "Christmas celebrators" rather than other religious holidays. MERRY CHRISTMAS! I agree with the poster about Halloween. Also, what about Valentine's Day? What if I don't believe in love? February is filled with holidays, but nobody feels left out if they hear "Happy Valentine's Day" on Valentine's Day or "Happy President's Day" on President's Day. Flag Abuse
Posted by: William Squalus at 12/02/08 There is no such thing as the right not to be offended. I'm offended by the mindless socialists I see everyday, but you don't hear me complaining! OK, that's not true. I do complain about them, then use my superior linguistic skills to expose their folly. I do not use force or coercion to silence them, I'm not a coward after all. That is what these admin types do, they try to use speech codes and other such cowardly tactics to silence people they disagree with. YOU DO NOT HAVE A RIGHT TO BE FREE OF OFFENSE. You can see these types of behavior with "Gadi" at the bottom of this page. JEW DOES NOT WANT TO ATTEND CHRISTMAS PARTY! Who cares? Then don't go. Or I have a better idea, you should quit your job as a professor, get a real job with a bunch of Jews and then you won't be offended anymore. To all those offended: 1)No one cares 2)get over it 3)no one cares, get over it Flag Abuse
Posted by: Anonymous at 12/02/08 Why is it okay for the dominant religion here (christianity) to devalue other religions? One is no more correct than any other, and even how correct a religion is, is absolutely not the point. Everybody has the right to freely practice any religion they please. The problem with this memo is that it failed to explain this. In a workplace scenario it makes sense to encourage more workplace acceptance, but to send this to the entire virginia tech community is not appropriate. Flag Abuse
Posted by: Gadi is correct at 12/02/08 Gadi is correct. Departments should not have christmas parties. They should have holiday parties. But the purpose of the official departmental parties should not be to celebrate a religious holiday. This is a public institution, and it is not affiliated with a religion. However, the memo was poorly written and did not aptly cover these points. It was too generic, too bland, and not to the point. Flag Abuse
Posted by: Bobby Vincen at 12/01/08 In that case, we should do away with Halloween celebrations as well. Many Christian religions feel it is a day for the Devil, so it's offensive to see people dressed up like devils and ghosts. Kevin G. McDonald, Mark G. McNamee, Edward F. D. Spencer and Sherwood G. Wilson had better send me an email next Halloween to this effect, or they will prove that they just don't like Christians. Flag Abuse
Posted by: Wah Wah at 12/01/08 Cry me a river. Flag Abuse
Posted by: Gadi at 12/01/08 You missed the point of the email. It was to let you know there are people on campus that don't celebrate Christmas because they are not Christians. I'm a Jewish faculty member and have been to too many departmental Christmas parties over the past 2 decades. It may seem OK to you, but it is rather uncomfortable to hear the Christmas hymns that are inevitably sung at the parties (celebrating the King of my people...). So, I don't go to the parties anymore, but they still go on, unphased and unaware... Flag Abuse






Add your opinion
Copyright 2009 Educational Media Company at Virginia Tech Inc. All rights reserved.
about | advertising | archive | contact | full edition pdfs | headline emails | join us | subscribe
All stories, photos etc. produced by the Collegiate Times are property of the Educational Media Company at Virginia Tech. No information may be republished without the expressed written consent of the editor of the Collegiate Times.
» Virginia Tech
» Custom Promotional Products
 » VT People Search
» Used Cars
 » Campus Blvd.
»