KTVN Channel 2 - Reno Tahoe News Weather, Video - Is Being Politically Correct for the Holidays Wrong?
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This time of year, you'll start to notice store windows and cards that read "Happy Holidays." But is it wrong to use that so-called "politically correct" phrase instead of "Merry Christmas?"
Tis the season to merry, but some might feel it's also time to be politically correct. What do you say this time of year--"Happy Holidays" or "Merry Christmas?" “I think either way. There's many different types of people in town,” Paula Glass of Reno says.
“They take Christmas away, call it “Happy Holidays,” instead of “Merry Christmas.” So yeah, it's very offending,” Joseph Cardenas of Sparks says. And the controversy on being P.C. doesn't stop there, between using "Christmas versus holiday." “There are holidays they're different things that people do and celebrate. And we support all of them,” Reno Mayor Bob Cashell says. The mayor says, the city unintentionally used "holiday" on a press release rather than "Christmas" to promote the city's tree that will be lit next week.
Media outlets, like channel two reported it as holiday tree ceremony. Offended viewers e-mailed us complaining about it being too P.C. for them. “Most people don’t get offended. Most people think this is a silly debate,” UNR Political Science Professor Eric Herzik says.
Herizk says, there's no right or wrong answer when it comes to using "holiday" over "Christmas". “For many Americans it is just happy holidays--half of Americans don't attend church,” he says.
But he says, there are those who do associate with a religion and go to church. They recognize the religious affiliations with holidays like Easter or Hanukkah. “Groups on the extremes of both sides will say this really defines an American character. It's not just about the upcoming holidays that many people are being P.C. about.
“There are groups that will both promote and oppose say Halloween to All Saints Day,” Herzik adds. However, Herzik says, these days it's just about celebrating your diversity. “Let's just go and have a good time during the holiday, Christmas or whatever season,” he says.
