How Did This Happen?
How did the Christmas tree, a symbol of welcome and celebration come to symbolize something exclusionary? Something to be feared? Ontario Court Justice Marion Cohen's removal of the Christmas tree has only widened the divide between the different faiths. Her decision at worst angers people causing them to fear their own beliefs are under attack. At the very least it brings with it a disdain and ridicule towards the Canadian judicial system.
It was with great relief and admiration to see that the president of the Muslim Canadian Congress, Farzana Hassan, like many Canadians denounced the decision.
Canada wants to be seen as a society that represents a tolerance to all faiths. All faiths has to include all faiths, Christianity included. I sometimes fear political correctness has done far more harm than good.
This daffy decision got me to thinking about my own little Christmas tree. A tree put up by a girl raised in the Christian faith but who is herself kind of agnostic. I don't know if there is such a thing as kind of agnostic but that is for another possible post. On my tree hangs a brass bell from a friend from Iraq, a star from a girl from Saudia Arabia, a hand crocheted star from a friend in New York. It was with her I attended my first Kristalnaught service. That little watercolour you see is from my friend Sayuri in Japan.
That tree like many, many trees set up around the world is far from a symbol of exclusion, but rather a symbol of peace and goodwill. Christmas for me is all about trying to find a little patch of peace in this crazy mixed up world we live in. Not just for us in Canada but everywhere.
Peace be with you my friends.
16 comments:
What a beautiful post tocatta. Seriously, you've put into words exactly how I feel.
Oh Deb, thank you so much. When I was writing it I was kind of wishing someone with a better grasp of words was writing it. I'm glad it came across ok.
you did an excellent job....speaking of graspof words...look at my posts...they rarely go beyond a couple sentences....ha ha
Awesome post Toccata!!!!!!!!! Sean and I were discussing this the other day when that incident occured in the States at that airport. Do you remember hearing about that?
A Rabi said something about the Christmas tree, the airport staff over reacted, and removed the tree. The Rabi went on record as saying, all he wanted was for them to also have a Jewish symbol as well, not to take the tree down!!!
I really have to agree that political correctness has gone a step (at least) too far. It has gone beyond sensitivity and delved into the realm of the ridiculous and really, it's a form of censorship.
I absolutely love your little United Nations Christmas Tree. It has so much meaning. I think that's what the holidays should be about.
Aw, what a great tree. It's good to see how creative and open minded you are.
I understand kind of agnostic; it's up to her to make her own mind up :]
The tree was innocent I tell you.
Kelly, thanks. This took me a rather long to write.
Mellowlee, I remember that incident and then the next day all the workers totally decorated their stalls. I think the Rabi used the word "sue" in his sentence which made everyone run for cover. I always love the news coverage on the Diwali celebrations in Vancouver. Your sentence on political correctness absolutely perfect. I wish I had thought of those words!
Hey there Dogga. I sometimes think my being kind of agnostic is just plain laziness!
Barbara, lol! Did you see the political cartoon in the weekend edition of the Globe and Mail? It was brilliant.
Well put. Peace.
kinda glad we're not the only mixed up place.
I sometimes find PC taken to the extreme to be much more offensive than a little non-correctness. It's a tree, fer cryin out loud! That sort of PC paranoia will make us all to afraid to breathe for fear of offending someone.
Great post!
I did see that political cartoon and I guess it stuck with me. That tree in a line up of criminals...
Great post Toccata!
Your Christmas tree sounds really good!
Busterp, we love to mock you guys but sadly we have our own fair share of kooks!
Barbara B pc has created far too many mine fields that everyone is trying to navigate around. And yet when something is truly offensive, holocaust deniers teaching in our universities, it doesn't seem to apply! Why?
Barbara, that was an awesome political cartoon. I kept a copy of it.
Evelyne, hello there. You must be done your exams now, are you not? Here's hoping you have a wonderful study free break!
Oooo the word "sue" would about do it I guess LOL!
Thank you for the compliment about my sentence (teehee) It just kind of spewed out on it's own.
Did I mention I LOVE that Christmas tree of yours :)
Mellowlee, "sue" is definitely a strong, scary word! As in I wonder if Mellowlee will sue me for plagirism if I steal her sentence on political correctness and insert it into my blog as my own? l0l
*giggles* naw, go'head and use it ;)
I just might. I've been showing everyone I know that ridiculous picture you posted of the annoyed cat in the santa suit! It's a hit.
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