This was written by an online friend of mine... "Last night I had perhaps the greatest Christmas gift. This time of year we often hear the political correctness arguments, ethnic and religious sensitivity, etc. over what to say during the holidays. Both the clerks behind the counter were Middle Easterners. As one finished his transaction he bid the customer Merry Christmas. She hesitated a second and thanked him adding Happy Holidays. The other clerk then smiled and said, "it's OK to wish him Merry Christmas, too." She asked, "But aren't you a Muslim?" The second clerk laughed and said, "NO, I'm the Muslim, he's Episcopal. Can't you tell?" Meanwhile the first clerk smiled and nodded it was true. The woman looked somewhat embarrassed and apologized noting that she was trying to be respectful since she didn't think he was Christian. He responded with a grin, "It's OK a lot of people are fooled by my Muslim looking ears." and finally she cracked a smile and then all three laughed. Then I got my Christmas gift... The Muslim clerk looked at her and said, "Not to be rude but even though I'm Muslim, I will have a Merry Christmas as well. I know it is a special time to rejoice over the birth of your Lord but it also a time that brings great happiness to many people in many places and it is contagious. Would it not be wonderful if the whole of the world could have the Merry Christmas feeling everyday? You could see her eyes water up as she nodded and said, Yes. Merry Christmas to both of you and your loved ones. Let's all pray for peace and Merry Christmas feeling everywhere. She returned to her car and as I walked I could see her wipe tears from her eyes which caught mine. "Merry Christmas As I pulled out the drive behind her I also noticed a decal on her back windshield... My Son Is A United States Marine. Peace on Earth and Goodwill towards all. May we all enjoy the spirit that surrounds Christmas! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, from our house to yours."
Great story, thanks for sharing. I'm just curious though, how is the part about her son being a marine even slightly relevant?
Well, that beats the story where the bumper sticker was about an honor student. PS -- I really like the sentiment of this story. I do. I have to admit I am out of touch with this "political correctness" worry though. My uncle-in-law has sent some self-moaning emails to us about how the holidays are ruined now by political correctness. I just don't see this in my life or understand it. I live in an incredibly liberal town, but I don't know anyone (including jews and muslims and buddhists) who would be offended by a nicely offered "Merry Christmas!"
While not essential it is highly relevant because she is someone you might not expect to be reasonable or open-minded in this situation... due to her son's probable situation.
While it is a nice little story, i really don't find anything astonishing about it. In many places all over the world non christians celebrate christmas (at least the festivities) and if you lived in a country with a large muslim, hindu, etc population or have muslim, hindu, etc friends you would probably also celebrate Eid, Diwali, etc. I think the media has really blown this political correctness out of proportion. The majority of people are not like that.
