I was told to have a "Nice Holiday" at the bank today.

[Marnieworld]

At first, I wasn't even sure what she was talking about. Then when I remembered I looked annoyed and mumbled unintelligently as I left. I was already in a bad mood and this just made me hate everything and everyone. Why is it socially acceptable to assume everyone around you is Christian? If I felt like being an asshole I'd ask, "What holiday?" or "Since there is no God it's just Sunday to me!" I mean wouldn't that be fair? Oh so we're not discussing philosophies of existence with strangers? I'm supposed to just pretend that I too celebrate the invisible man in the sky with Chocolates and ham? I'm supposed to feel strange and hide who I am so the teller can feel comfortable since she only had good intentions?

It just pisses me off because it's so narcissistic. What if I was jewish? Is it Passover now? Should I have said, "And a lovely sedar dinner to you too!"

I hate the mindset that just assumes everyone is just like them. What is a basic thanks but no thanks response? At Christmas I tell people Happy Festivus but what is there now?

[fshrink]

1. "Have a nice week-end" is what I respond.

[Az]

2. Respond: Happy Bunny day

That will put a twist in their knickers if they are trying to foist their belief.

[onager]

3. And instead of "Good Friday..."

...I'm leaning toward "Happy Savior-On-A-Stick Day."

That's not too rude, is it?

[Marnieworld]

6. I think that's a bit rude

But then again if it's a response to something they brought it up.

[onager]

8. OK, then I guess that also leaves out...

...Happy Annual Zombie Jesus Day...

[Marnieworld]

10. Actually...

Zombie Jesus day is probably the best description I've ever heard. I will use it when I can. Thanks! :D

[Marnieworld]

5. There ya go!

That's kinda a Festivus equivalent. Then if they repond that in a religious way well then, they opened that door first.

[Jokerman]

4. Just say "No Thanks"!

They're usually too surprised and confused to respond.

[Longhorn]

7. Is it a bank holiday?

Because it could be that that is what the person meant. I asked a student today if she had a nice holiday -- referring to spring break, which celebrates nothing but a week off from school. Just playing devil's advocate, I guess. ;)

[Marnieworld]

9. I guess it's a bank holiday

It's Sunday I guess. It wasn't even my bank. It was clear that it wasn't my bank since I was cashing a check. They charged me $5 too to do it even though the account was there. Wachovia-screw 'em.

Anyway, I'm sure she had been saying this everyday to everyone and that's what I hate. The conscious decision to say this without reflecting about how appropriate it is since NOT EVERYONE IS CHRISTIAN. It's that mindset that I hate. That's why Happy Holidays is a good thing because it incorporates everyone.

The underlying message is if you aren't Christian well you should be. I didn't say anything cause I know this woman is just a product of her conditioning.

[Longhorn]

11. I'm sorry. I misunderstood and thought you worked at the bank.

If a customer said, "Have a nice holiday," he or she could have been referring to your day off.

But I have no doubt the teller meant exactly what you thought she meant. I was thinking the same thing as you when I've been hearing the weather reports this week where they keep stressing what the weather will be like for the Easter sunrise services. I sure don't recall them discussing the weather for Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, etc. holidays!

[Marnieworld]

12. No problema

:bounce:

[Zhade]

13. I gave a homeless man some money, and he said "Happy Easter".

I was polite in saying "I'm not Christian, but thanks."

I find it ironic that I know "Christians" who won't give out money. I'm not saying I'm special - I'm not. Just stunning that those who claim to be so giving sometimes aren't.

[politicat]

14. Not just Xtians celebrating this weekend, though. It's Purim (Jewish).

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