Much has been made of Bill O’Reilly’s exposing the so-called “War on Christmas.” He throws around the word “secular” like it’s the new “liberal.” Oh man, to be a secular liberal.

I have nothing new to add, except that the whole issue seems to arise out of the practice of companies, especially retail ones, using phrases like “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas.”

I equate this to the frustration that some whites expressed when the use of the word “black” was replaced by “African-American.” It’s not up to YOU people, it’s out of respect for the person you’re speaking to or referring to. If a group of people want to be called African-American, than that’s what you do. It’s not up to you to decide because it’s convenient or what you’re used to. A similar transition happened many years ago (to the confusion of my Grandparents) when “Colored” fell out of favor. So what if you know a gal at work who doesn’t have a problem with “colored.” I bet she has less of a problem with “black” and even less with “African-American.” Why? Because the latter implies respect. I respect your heritage and that you’d like to be referred to in that context rather than the amount of melatonin in your skin.

I digress.

To say “Happy Holidays” is to say “I’m wishing you good tidings regardless of what you celebrate this time of year because I RESPECT you and your beliefs.” No one is offended by being wished “Merry Christmas” by an individual. I wouldn’t be offended by someone wishing me “Happy Hannukah” if the person is representing only him/herself. If the person is representing a business/company/retail store, they should respect the fact that everyone does not celebrate Christmas and use the term “Happy Holidays.” If the customer was wearing a Christmas sweater then wishing that person “Merry Christmas” would be appropriate. Likewise, wishing a man wearing a yarmulke “Happy Hannakuh” is an wishing the man happy tidings and expressing respect for his beliefs.

The distinction that O’Reilly CHOOSES to ignore is that an individual who represents a business has a responsibility to respect the diversity of it’s customers. An individual representing only him/herself has no such obligation.

It’s RESPECT not personal convenience.