So, I can't decide if I should be happy that this person at least realized that Ramadan was a very big deal of a holiday, celebrated/observed by millions. Or should be appalled, as it's a month long.
It's certainly meant with the best of intentions--people are trying to show inclusivity at a time of year when a major Christian holiday is being celebrated by an overwhelming majority of the population. Just saying "And Happy Hanukkah!" is enough to recognize the other religion that happens to be celebrating a holiday season just now (though not one with nearly the significance of Christmas for Christians), but then people panic and are thinking, "Oh, no! By adding one, doesn't that draw even more attention to the fact that we're aware that not everyone celebrates Christmas? We need to add something for everyone! Muslims are on the hot list for such sensitive treatment, so they get a hearty "Happy Ramadan... see, we remember you and wish you well! Honest!" Most Americans haven't a clue about Diwali or Tet because those hgolidays and communities haven't been especially visible, but you can bet that the minute we see Diwali in a blockbuster movie, Hindus will be wished Happy Diwali every Christmas.
It does show ignorance of people's calendars, but it really is a well-meaning attempt to share the joy of their season while recognizing that not everyone shares their beliefs. And the lunar calendar throws a lot of people off, because it puts things in unexpected seasons, and when you're used to judging what holiday is coming by what season it is, then it becomes confusing. It doesn't help that Diwali, in particular, is listed as one of the light-bringing holidays, which are associated strongly with Solstice time. I first discovered it clicking around Hanukkah links, and was surprised to find that in the year I needed it, it was in October!
It doesn't help that Diwali, in particular, is listed as one of the light-bringing holidays, which are associated strongly with Solstice time. I first discovered it clicking around Hanukkah links, and was surprised to find that in the year I needed it, it was in October!
See, that's one of my big pet peeves.
Every fantasy writer feels the need to create a winter festival, no matter how pagan their universe, because "every culture has one." And, by sheer coincidence, they all involve presents and family gathering and such, too.
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(no subject)
Date: 2005-12-22 05:55 pm (UTC)And took place months ago.
Can I get a happy Diwali?
(no subject)
Date: 2005-12-22 05:58 pm (UTC)They're trying to be inclusive, and a few years ago, Ramadan and December more or less coincided and was mentioned a lot.
I do believe it was meant with the best of intentions.
(no subject)
Date: 2005-12-22 06:22 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2005-12-22 10:55 pm (UTC)It's certainly meant with the best of intentions--people are trying to show inclusivity at a time of year when a major Christian holiday is being celebrated by an overwhelming majority of the population. Just saying "And Happy Hanukkah!" is enough to recognize the other religion that happens to be celebrating a holiday season just now (though not one with nearly the significance of Christmas for Christians), but then people panic and are thinking, "Oh, no! By adding one, doesn't that draw even more attention to the fact that we're aware that not everyone celebrates Christmas? We need to add something for everyone! Muslims are on the hot list for such sensitive treatment, so they get a hearty "Happy Ramadan... see, we remember you and wish you well! Honest!" Most Americans haven't a clue about Diwali or Tet because those hgolidays and communities haven't been especially visible, but you can bet that the minute we see Diwali in a blockbuster movie, Hindus will be wished Happy Diwali every Christmas.
It does show ignorance of people's calendars, but it really is a well-meaning attempt to share the joy of their season while recognizing that not everyone shares their beliefs. And the lunar calendar throws a lot of people off, because it puts things in unexpected seasons, and when you're used to judging what holiday is coming by what season it is, then it becomes confusing. It doesn't help that Diwali, in particular, is listed as one of the light-bringing holidays, which are associated strongly with Solstice time. I first discovered it clicking around Hanukkah links, and was surprised to find that in the year I needed it, it was in October!
(no subject)
Date: 2005-12-22 11:12 pm (UTC)See, that's one of my big pet peeves.
Every fantasy writer feels the need to create a winter festival, no matter how pagan their universe, because "every culture has one." And, by sheer coincidence, they all involve presents and family gathering and such, too.
Except, NOT.