The Propaganda of The War On Christmas

[@BigJoel]

Ayyyy hope you liked this one! I worked pretty on it and even went outside my home. Kinda cool. Anyhow, if you DID like it, maybe consider signing up for Nebula or my patreon!! here are the links to those things, hell yes. Patreon: www.patreon.com/bigjoel Nebula/Curiosity Strem: curiositystream.com/bigjoel

[@FBOMBS4you]

Thanks for all you do. Happy new year

[@marielive9774]

Signed to nebula for you! ♥️ I wish you an amazing new year!!

[@1Hawkears1]

Loved the recent nebula vid too x3 thanks for spending the new year with me while I'm isolating from my sick ass family.

[@FBOMBS4you]

@@1Hawkears1 Damn. Stay safe. Happy new year

[@d.w.stratton4078]

I agree: you worked pretty, you cutie pie. 🧔

[@ObservableObserver]

Denis Prager is the prime example of an "old man yelling at a cloud". Except, his cloud is the internet and we all have to live with it.

[@nathanjasper512]

back in my day clouds knew their place.

[@ddjsoyenby]

ikr.

[@radnukespeoplesminds]

Its aggravating how dennis is so clearly a narcisist using media to jack himself off but people go along with it.

[@datrakapo4807]

not really, a dude yelling at a cloud is far different to a propagandist doing propaganda

[@datrakapo4807]

@@radnukespeoplesminds he’s not jacking himself off, he’s spreading right wing culture war bullshit coz it benifits him financially along with all the other beneficiaries of this bs type of arguments taking over real issues such as wealth inequality

[@zauberavocado9789]

Dennis Prager: Merry Christmas also him (an empath): I sense I’ve created some tension

[@onehunerd1998]

Dennis Prager (an empath) sees right through all of those Christmas hating fiends

[@oxman5571]

Dennis Prager: "I seem to have created some tension." Waiter: "Most of our diners wear pants."

[@jayl9110]

I respect the hell out of him for being open about the fact he's making it all up at least 🤣

[@lorianabanana6066]

@@oxman5571 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Ok you win

[@fpedrosa2076]

[Empathy: Easy] (Failure!) "They hate me and they hate christmas!!!!!"

[@amnesicshellfish]

one thing i’ve seen conservatives use in this argument is the fact that it’s confusing to kids, when as a young kid living in a small and rather conservative town, i used to think “ happy holidays” was just an easy way of including thanksgiving, christmas, and new years since they’re all so close together. then when i learned more about other cultures and their holidays, i was even more confused by the weird guys on the news getting upset by people and businesses saying happy holidays, since it’s just the easiest way to include everything? kids literally don’t care lol

[@unknownname328]

I had a similar thing and they would only get mad if you used “happy holidays” after thanksgiving, it was weird

[@saltinecracker4081]

This is so fucking true. Kids truly do not care

[@baileyayyy5085]

us politics is inventing things to be mad at while billionaires eagerly fuck the working class out of everything they have left

[@basicindiebro]

It was hard growing up Evangelical because my mom would let me watch PBS and Arthur had Jewish characters and a character who celebrated Kwanzaa but then I’d turn around and the pastor would be talking about how saying Happy Holidays was an assault on America. Mixed messages for sure, especially since I went to school with mostly Muslim kids who didn’t celebrate Christmas.

[@imveryangryitsnotbutter]

When they say "confusing to kids", what they really mean is "it loosens our iron-clad grip on our children's impressionable minds".

[@vipermad358]

I am a 54 year old , white, working class man raised in a 1950s style strictly Catholic household. We said "Happy Holidays" frequently because it is the time of Xmas, AND New Years Eve. Shorter than "Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year!" Plus, there were a lot of Jews in my city , and my parents weren't total bigoted assholes. That's the report from Gen X. 🙄

[@thecertifieddoctor]

We did it! We found the good Gen X-er!

[@lordfelidae4505]

@@thecertifieddoctorit’s a miracle! /s

[@mrjdgibbs]

We're all like this. That you guys don't really know what genx is like is quintessentially genx

[@lordfelidae4505]

@@mrjdgibbs I’m 22

[@mrjdgibbs]

@@lordfelidae4505 yeah.... I just meant that genx is still the gen no one knows or pays attention to.

[@mike25box]

Denis Prager: If a bakery doesn't want to sell things to a gay couple, that's their right. Also Denis Prager: Private businesses should conform to my values.

[@hjelsethak]

I believe it's pronounced, "Penis Drager."

[@wolfbones666]

Ha. What values?

[@michaelnewman7248]

Both are the same for Dennis Prager. How convenient

[@druemancospr]

It actually wasn't about selling things to gay couples... But that might be a little too nuanced for you..

[@crassiewassie8354]

@@hjelsethak I'm like 8 years old and this is the funniest thing I read all day Thank you

[@HelixSnake]

If anyone in America is fighting a war on Christmas they're losing pretty fucking hard, it's the most dominant and widely celebrated holiday in the country by a huge margin even by non-Christians. Saying "happy holidays" is not going to leave a scratch on the massive kaiju of a holiday Christmas is

[@eh.2671]

Just wait until we release MechaChristmas!

[@futon2345]

The war has only begun

[@donalny]

Depends on how you define "Christian" because I'm pretty sure folks who emulate what is actually presented in the Gospels have been losing pretty damn hard for a long time now.

[@Philbert-s2c]

@@donalny I'd be interested to know which part of the Gospels refers to December 25.

[@HelixSnake]

@@donalny Oh trust me I agree but I was talking about Christmas itself

[@insert_disc_3]

I worked retail this December. In 90% of cases I did not say any holiday related greeting, on the off chance someone said Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays I would just say it back. All of my co-workers did the same. I have no idea where these fucks are getting the idea that it's somehow taboo to say Merry Christmas, the only reason I don't say it is because I hate Christmas because I work in retail.

[@hannajung7512]

Its one of the many propaganda tools of christian fascists. It is part of the "culture war"

[@kylegonewild]

They hear one person say Happy Holidays, which is their right as an American, and it's an attack on Christianity. Me sitting through months of terrible music shoved down my throat and marketing that can't be escaped? Well that's just celebrating Supply Side Jesus the only way we know how!

[@AvatarBowler]

Isn’t it obvious? Fascist pigs who believe in “Judeo-Christian values” (it’s a stupid phrase for a truckload of reasons) like Dennis make up shit to be against or at least be mad about. That’s just how reactionary politics works.

[@adamhbrennan]

It’s projection; they don’t want to tolerate people saying “happy holidays”

[@adamhbrennan]

@@AvatarBowler true, they have a persecution complex, while they’ll totally deny the existence of actual forms of entrenched social inequality

[@SmilesObrien]

Crazy how a friendly greeting at a time of joy is an "attack" on American religious people

[@audiodood]

my chemical lobster is the best username I’ve seen in years

[@thepapschmearmd]

*American Christians. We Jews do not give a fuck if you say happy Hanukkah. It’s a nice surprise but we aren’t going to be offended if you say happy holidays. We know there are other holidays and traditions.

[@ThreadBareHope1234]

Same. Like I know almost no one that hates calling Christmas "Christmas" or feels like someone is trying to replace our culture when they say "Happy Holidays". We have work, living, friends + family, and *life goals* to worry about. Besides, there are like four different holidays in December This culture war only exists on the news and internet.... or among rich people that have nothing else to worry about besides making silly rules for every one like a dumb big sister who wants a taste of influence. In the real world, our concerns are our lives, our relationships, and happiness. Christians, Non conformative, white, Mexican, male, female, just use their preferred phrase and carry on with their day. Besides there are 4 December holidays. If its not intrusive or made to be the finger to someone else, I dont think any expression of any holiday or religion hurts. Its a part of a culture. And everyone seems to be at at peace with that.

[@wesleypitts3787]

PragerU: “Unlike you snowflakes I’m not so easily offended” Also them: “PEOPLE SAY HAPPY HOLIDAYS, THIS MEANS WAR”

[@btarczy5067]

„It’s not so much about me not being offended but about removing anything I don‘t agree with from the conversation entirely.“ - Dennis Prager, probably

[@frankm.2850]

And these tools call liberals snowflakes. It’s mind boggling.

[@alexdivision4320]

Really strange that PragerJew of all groups would pretend to care about christmas

[@milascave2]

@@alexdivision4320 Since when is "Prager" a Jewish name?

[@dominicfucinari1942]

@@milascave2 A lot of people mistake Prager for a standard Evangelical fundamentalist, but he's actually from the Orthodox Synagogue. His politics and attitude towards government just reflect Apologetican Christianity.

[@Gooong]

The REAL war on Christmas is bosses who decline letting workers off for Christmas. They don't say 'Merry Christmas' OR 'Happy Holidays' because they are forced to be away from family or be fired and be without health insurance

[@Joaking91]

Expert agitprop

[@michimatsch5862]

Friend of mine was ordered to clear out an office on the 23rd. , remove all office access, and reset the computer of a coworker who was fired without warning that day. In the same sentence the manager who ordered him to do that he also wished him a merry christmas. Needless to say, Christmas was ruined for him.

[@apestogetherstrong341]

Goddamn finally an authentically communist comment in this entire comment section.

[@philipsalama8083]

@@apestogetherstrong341 You have a liberal interpretation of the word 'communist'.

[@apestogetherstrong341]

@@philipsalama8083 no i don't. and stop gatekeeping communism (protip: i already sense you're not one)

[@QueenSoledad]

Remembering the fact that Dennis Prager is Jewish makes the grift of his taking offense at not being told “Merry Christmas” by the waiter that much more obvious.

[@Cat_Woods]

That's what I was thinking: what a disgusting sell-out. I wanted to shake him and say, "Happy Holidays literally includes your own religion, and Merry Christmas does not." But I think he rakes in the money from the evangelicals with this disingenuous crap.

[@Bethelaine1]

My Jewish friends wish me Merry Christmas, my Muslim friends do the same. I recognize their holidays as well. I celebrate many holidays from around the world, they are all part of the manifestation of our creator.

[@malum9478]

@@Bethelaine1 ok but askers?

[@QueenSoledad]

@@Bethelaine1 That's missing the point a little Beth, but I'm happy for you. God bless, and happy new year.

[@randomtinypotatocried]

The funny part is there's a huge history of Christmas music/media being written by Jewish people. Clearly Dennis didn't get the memo the war on Christmas has been going on for far more longer than thought

[@stephaniesantos78]

as a retail worker, i never said happy holidays. i also never said merry christmas. i got paid minimum wage so they were lucky to get "have a good one" from me, regardless of the time of year

[@REY3727]

most real thing I've heard all day

[@TheDawnofVanlife]

Yes!! I have actually tried to recall if I said anything to customers over Christmas when I worked in that world. My default was a polite have a nice day occasionally.

[@looseygoosey1349]

Damn girl you fine. Wassup?

[@user-hy8uo5ig9o]

So real for that

[@battledroid7628]

@@looseygoosey1349dudes tryna shoot his shot with someone from a year old comment on KZbin 💀

[@jeffreycarman2185]

It’s hilarious that Prager says “the universal merry Christmas” Merry Christmas is exactly the opposite of universal

[@GrayYeonWannabe]

it's doubly funny bc he's jewish. this "universal" thing doesn't even include him

[@darkpixel1128]

@@GrayYeonWannabe he is????? Jesus the grifting is real

[@plateoshrimp9685]

I think it shows that he’s aware that the purpose of insisting on “merry Christmas” is specifically that it excludes non Christians. He feels he needs to add this non sequitur to obfuscate.

[@plutonium09]

@@GrayYeonWannabe HES JEWISH? LMAOOO

[@jeniferjoseph9200]

It’s so dystopian to me to see that woman agree that you shouldn’t fight against “authority” as a concept even when you disagree with it. It’s literally the Christian Right being upset that we don’t live in a theocracy where they’re the ruling class.

[@donalny]

"Hold on, we're going to need that ingrained subjegation for when we're in charge."

[@Wired_User]

She drank too much koolaid, man. All that “obey God and your husband as your master” shit in the Bible got her heard

[@FreyaEinde]

Yuuuuup.

[@jamestheawsome100]

Christian conservatives and right wingers don’t care about freedom, they only care about subjecting people who they don’t like to their idea of freedom ( a theocracy where Christianity is the dominant religion and the basis for all laws) and the ruling class bullies the “heathens”, then go to church and pray for forgiveness.

[@darkpixel1128]

you mean where their specific interpretation of their specific denomination of their specific religion is the ruling class.

[@tizzzzy2]

My youth pastor once said exasperated “No, Christians in America are not oppressed, we shouldn’t be trying to fix problems that don’t exist.”

[@kremitssymbiote403]

Based

[@merissamakesstuff]

Wow! I have never heard a pastor say that. I wish more would speak against the Christian persecution complex in the US.

[@CrazyGuyoftheWest]

@@merissamakesstuff I mean, Christian persecution complex is simply the result of their early history. Their prophet was crucified, and so were many of his disciples. Even after Christianity became the dominant religion of Rome, Christian persecution persisted in some form in the frontiers of Christian influence, especially in the North Sea during the Viking Age. The emphasis on Jesus' crucifixion, the cross literally becoming the dominant symbol of the religion by the 9th Century, has spurred on this persecution mindset. It's what caused the Crusades in the Holy Land, the belief that Muslims were hassling, assaulting, or even murdering Christian pilgrims to Jerusalem was unacceptable by the Christian world, triggering centuries of conflict that only succeeded in causing similar holy wars in the Baltics. Anyways, the point is that Christianity has a built-in persecution mindset. It's what helped them survive so long. It's only very recently, that criticisms to the religion have been allowed to be openly aired so close to home that it's been activated for the first time in nearly a millennium. It's worldwide, but Europe had slowly been drawing away from Christian dogma since the Renaissance, so it's more muted there, but the United States went through the Second Great Awakening, which pretty much reversed much of the aforementioned removal of Christian dogma. Still, it's pretty bizarre. Christians really act like they're being oppressed when you can't throw a rock in a U.S. city without hitting a church or a guy on the street handing out KJV Bibles.

[@therealwattambor8347]

What a chad. He seems like a good guy and I’m glad he is a Christian.

[@wastelandgames9409]

@@therealwattambor8347 same here

[@funniestpigeon6214]

when you’re used to privilege, equality feels like oppression

[@ashavedchicken]

Woah. Is this a quote?

[@hithere5136]

@@ashavedchicken yeah, idk who said it first but I’ve seen it quoted by several people

[@Dock284]

@@hithere5136 "A quote that has surpassed the one who first said it is no longer a quote. It's become a legend." - Somebody that may or may not be me

[@doritos4956]

​"@@Dock284 is based as fuck" -me

[@JohnPatterson-kz8jr]

Remember only 53 more shopping days until Guy Fawkes Day!!

[@sptony2718]

Just a moment of silence for our troops who valiantly gave their lives in the war against christmas.

[@Zurgo-fl1kx]

The war on Christmas will not end until it stop's it's illegal occupation of november

[@18Hongo]

So many elves lost... so many. And yet there is still a fight to be fought, so we cry havoc, and let slip the reindeer of war!

[@K3end0]

Typical Christmas military interventionist ideology. Do you see troops dying for Halloween? Birthdays? No? Exactly.

[@ddjsoyenby]

man we weren't heroes we k1ll3d all those elves using hanukah gas............sorry i still have haunting nightmares from the battle at santas village.

[@carolyntalbot947]

According to 2005 Sam Seder, operational ties between Santa and al-Qaida were confirmed after torturing an elf. This war is obviously a just cause!

[@Wyattporter]

I love the dramatic shift in tone from “well I went to the coffee shop to get myself a mocha / the lady at the counter said ‘happy holidays’” to “God's got a law and we pretty much destroyed it / we’re gonna get judged, there's no way to avoid it”. Really puts into perspective how little this thing really matters. The biggest, most pressing issue to the American Christian is the word “Christmas”.

[@chriss780]

its also a good sign that literally no attempt to make things more equitable will not be regarded as oppression, anything but absolute privilege to them is unacceptable (or more grotesque and less inane the attempts to paint cops as oppressed because they cant lynch with impunity) so fuck them and do whats necessary to make a just society

[@griffith702]

Well he’s a false Christian, because True Christian don’t give a crap about any of these pagan holidays that has nothing to do with Christ lol

[@totempolejoe1]

It's funny to me that the War on Christmas is about people being "afraid" to say "Merry Christmas" because, as a direct result, I'm afraid to say "Happy Holidays." I work retail, and I always tense up when I'm about to say "Happy Holidays" because I live in a conservative area and don't want to incense people. The last thing I want as a low-wage worker is some person yelling at me because of something so inconsequential. Frankly, that's been the conservative MO for a while. They manufacture a controversy that allows them to play the victim and use that as an excuse to "return the favor." Another example: falsely claiming widespread voter fraud and that the election was stolen so they can justify more voting restrictions and make it easier for them to steal elections.

[@jayl9110]

One wonders if "Have a slutty Christmas" would be preferable to "happy holidays"?

[@TheReaperofHades]

Pretty much: the conservative mindset always requires an enemy to point fingers at and draw outrage from. It's the only way they distract their base from the fact they have nothing to offer other than regression.

[@futon2345]

Can’t you just tell them “have a nice day”

[@ericpayne4424]

@@TheReaperofHades GOP: Gaslight, Obstruct, Project. Once one understands that conservatives operate in the same way regardless of the situation, it becomes much easier to dismiss absolutely anything they say and do what’s necessary no matter how much they scream and cry.

[@iancuninghame9163]

Does your boss force you to say Happy Holidays in some misguided attempt at being inclusive in your conservative town? People shouldn't mind but imo employers shouldn't enforce certain phrasing either. Idk anybody who gets offended by someone wishing them a Merry Christmas

[@WillScarlet16]

Having worked in a cathedral bookstore for over four years I can personally attest to how many people have been so bought up by this myth that they see any hint of secularism as a threat. You can say "Happy Holidays" or "Season's Greetings" to them in the friendliest tone possible and their faces darken and they shout back "Merry CHRISTMAS!" in a tone more suggestive of "Go to hell." Nothing in the world sounds less like Christmas to me.

[@KFrost-fx7dt]

I always took "Happy Holidays" literally. The winter solstice, Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year's are all close together so "Happy Holidays" covers all of them.

[@jmiquelmb]

Just wanted to point out that several decades ago, Catholicism was basically the state religion in my country and even the most hardcore believers said Happy Holidays (Felices Fiestas)

[@Jane-oz7pp]

@@slevinchannel7589 You realise Hbomb isn't going to kiss you, no matter how much you whine that Joel's video isn't his, right?

[@Jane-oz7pp]

@@jmiquelmb I mean, the term became largely popularised by a Christian song writer to begin with. It's ironic in the extreme that modern Christians are scared of the previous generations of Christians.

[@nenmaster5218]

@@Jane-oz7pp Hire. An. Editor.

[@pavarottiaardvark3431]

"A tradition we've had over *fifty years* !" Americans can be so quaintly hilarious.

[@robinvik1]

We have had christmas since at least the 70s!

[@littlemoth4956]

It's also hilarious that some of us think that Christmas is inherently American. A holiday celebrating a 2000-year-old event is celebrated specifically by a 250-year-old country. Makes sense to me!

[@pavarottiaardvark3431]

@@littlemoth4956 In my hometown there's a religious site that's more than 4000 years old!

[@jadegreenleaf781]

@Aidan Collins actually, christmas as a whole nearly went out of fashion entirely- for some it was for the roots of the holiday, but even the rich saw it as a passing trend, also something a christmas carol changed

[@donalny]

It's even funnier when you realize Ted McGinley is over 60.

[@dstinnettmusic]

I’m a pretty devout Christian. I’m also a left leaning person. It can be lonely sometimes, but I can tell you this. I have no idea what Dennis thinks we “deserve”. People say happy holiday, I say merry Christmas and nobody cares. Literally nobody gives a shit. Let me tell the weirdest thing g about all of this: Christmas is not the most important Christian holiday. It is, at most, the third most important day on the Christian calendar. The most important day is Easter, and that is followed by Pentecost. The day that Jesus died and rose to heaven, respectively. Christmas is just the day the largest number of people have the most positive associations with. It is pure propaganda and honestly is insulting to my faith.

[@ravenfrancis1476]

It's not even a Christian celebration, at least not exclusively. It actually got banned by puritan Christians for years because of its pagan roots.

[@TylerWardhaha]

@@ravenfrancis1476 bro, history? They literally just make it up as they go…

[@dstinnettmusic]

@@ravenfrancis1476 this is debatable. There is a lot of scholarship around the “Christian’s co-opted pagan holidays” angle, and there is validity to it. But I see it more like this, and there is scholarship on this side as well, The winter solstice is just universally a time when humans have always felt something sacred was happening and millennia of people have attached ritual and magic to the time. It isn’t owned by any single group, and breaking it down into “pagan vs Christian” just isn’t valid. There is evidence of so called pagans copying Christians and Christians copying pagans, but ultimately I think what is important is the question of why this time of year feels so special. It does a disservice to everyone to make it a battleground.

[@ravenfrancis1476]

@@TylerWardhaha Who makes what up?

[@Tigerman1211]

A rare specimen we are, left-leaning Christians. Sometimes feels like you're more likely to run into bigfoot than one of us in the wild

[@Radhaun]

I think bringing up missionaries is a bold move considering the long history of abuses and documented ill-effect they have on other cultures. Missionaries have a very bad reputation for not offering support to the communities they go to unless they convert, they also tend to demand they adapt to western Christian culture and so destroy whatever culture they were in. The evidence that sending totally untrained children to go in and do work instead of letting professionals from the area do the work and get paid removes opportunities in the local economy. The allure of going abroad and helping "poor, uneducated, third-world children" appeals to their sense of vanity much more than staying home and perhaps engaging in the human rights abuses here or the "third world" like conditions that exist in their own country. There are towns in my home state that don't have access to waste water treatment, but I don't see Christian missionaries flocking to rural Alabama to install plumbing and sewer lines to people who are already (for the most part) Christian and clearly in need.

[@ruffethereal1904]

Adding to this, I believe they ignore the forgotten America and the intentionally, maliciously backwards because it challenges their Shining City on the Hill. Water borne diseases and rampant infant mortality can't happen in their dear old America, no sir, it only happens to Godless heathens and aetheists.

[@paultapping9510]

fuckin' preach

[@FaiaHalo]

THANK YOU!! As someone from an overexploited country, colonized by Spanish Catholics, I couldn't agree more.

[@TigerNightmare]

@Isai Flores That doesn't disprove the fact that missionaries have done a lot of wrong, not to mention how conservatives fight tooth and nail to stop funding relief efforts to foreign countries while not batting an eye for the trillions worth of military spending. Ingraham is so disingenuous here because she's one of many trying to claim Christianity has a monopoly on the very ideas of morality and charity to excuse things like homophobia, child abuse, and genocide. She's saying her group is the best for doing things that she and most other Christians have not personally done, all while ignoring massive charities like Doctors Without Borders, Direct Relief, and UNICEF that have done more unconditional good than missionaries ever will.

[@KFrost-fx7dt]

Have you ever heard the saying "Never look a gift horse in the mouth"? These missionaries do a lot of good. Would you rather that they do nothing?

[@dannytheman1313]

"The Merry Christmas of my youth" When Dennis was young some people weren't allowed to drink at the same water fountain. But please Dennis tell us about your rights being violated.

[@jmiquelmb]

Friendly reminder that Dennis Prager is orthodox Jewish, so Idk what kind of childhood Christmas is he talking about so fondly to start with

[@an8strengthkobold360]

@@jmiquelmb shhhhh... he needs his oil money.

[@actualturtle2421]

Dennis is a jew. He's literally just lying.

[@dannytheman1313]

@@actualturtle2421 Yeah but if he told us that part he wouldn't have anything to be outraged over.

[@loturzelrestaurant]

@@dannytheman1313 Hbomberguy covered this War

[@calamitysangfroid2407]

As a POC and a woman, I'm surprised that PragerU thinks "unforgiving", "unloving" and "bigoted" count as 'name calling'. Not trying to win the trauma olympics or anything but...those are adjectives. I've been expected to smile silently through much worse. If someone calls me unforgiving I wouldn't bat an eyelid. Especially if it's someone who objects to my beliefs...like the people of PragerU.

[@ussinussinongawd516]

a b c c d a e f l g h a I j m k l i m n t o p y q r s t u v w x y z

[@calemr]

I'm surprised they think those things are "Name calling", because I thought that was their entire goal. I'd assumed the people at Prager U would take being called a bigot the same way a normal person would take "Good job": "Yes, thank you, we worked hard on it."

[@soupalex]

_being_ e.g. homophobic is fine, apparently; _calling someone_ homophobic is crossing the line.

[@soupalex]

@@calemr i mean, you're not wrong, that does seem to be the objective. but they don't want to be reminded of it; they want to maintain the illusion that they're the "underdog". if it comes clear that they're the oppressor, not the oppressed, their entire narrative disintegrates

[@delicheese6774]

​@@slevinchannel7589 You had to bring it up... Now I want to re-watch it, yet again

[@basicindiebro]

I was raised by Evangelicals and there’s no secondhand embarrassment like when your mom says “Merry Christmas” loud af in a Starbucks to a girl with a Star of David necklace on

[@ddjsoyenby]

same.

[@gaywizard2000]

Yay, I didn't have the worst childhood!

[@emmabennett7699]

I'll make you feel better I'm Jewish and one time my mom was approached by a colleague that her daughter was doing a project on "Jewish Christmas", and then asked a non-sensibility question about where to find dreidles.

[@malum9478]

say shalom in their stead to her

[@dinkygunky3911]

Ouch.

[@Emily-ce7hd]

I find the bit about nuns and birth control especially wild. My great aunt is a Catholic nun and back in the 60s she had to petition to be allowed to take birth control for her hemophilia but was denied. Literally nuns sometimes need it themselves.

[@jessip8654]

Yeah. Birth control is used for many things besides preventing pregnancy. I know many people who take is because without it their periods are so painful they can't do anything but lay in the fetal position for a week.

[@averyeml]

I took birth control because I had intense hormonal headaches that came with my cycle. It had the added benefit of lighter periods, but mostly I was excited to not have blinding pain in my skull that kept me from sleeping twice a month. When I went to a doctor for a well woman and to ask for it, I explained I was asexual and why I wanted it, and my crazy ass doctor gave me a “moment to deal with how I was going to lose my virginity to the speculum” which was not only fucked because EEWWWW, but also because asexual doesn’t equal virgin and she didn’t ask. Then, after that was done, she said she wouldn’t write me a birth control prescription because I wasn’t “planning to have sex,” despite why I actually wanted it, and that if I started having sex I could come back and she’d prescribe some. Because, you know, that’s something you should get AFTER you’re sexually active. I used telehealth to get the prescription and don’t go to that entire medical complex anymore, not just that doctor lol

[@Emily-ce7hd]

@@averyeml holy shit that is an insane response from a doctor! I'm glad you were able to get it and it's insane that it's this hard to receive basic medical care.

[@music_YT2023]

Birth control helps with PCOS and endometriosis as well; it's literally a medical treatment for severe and debilitating conditions. Sandra Fluke was dragged through the media for requesting student access to this treatment while at University; I think it was O'Reilly or Limbaugh that called her a prostitute because in their minds birth control is only used by the promiscuous... 🙄

[@condimentking3395]

@@averyeml Yep. I’ve learned you have to know what to hide from a doctor for the best chance of getting legitimate help. I hate general care so much tbh. It’s always a fight for the most simple things because the doctor doesn’t know shit about the treatments they can give. The most useful help they have is to say to see a specialist

[@augustrempelewert4377]

I told my Oma about this video, and she told me that there IS a war on Christmas, but it's not being waged by secular liberals who say "Happy Holidays". That's perfectly fine. The actual threat is the insidious lure of American consumerism, which makes Christmas about Santa instead of Jesus and tempts us to idolize material things and selfishness and to forget about what's actually important (i.e. behaving lovingly towards others, including those who don't look like us or agree with us).

[@jmiquelmb]

Exactly. Anyone who is really Christian rather than a braindead conservative who uses Christianity for virtue signaling can see that. My grandma was pretty much this way too

[@razi_man]

Based.

[@lich.possum]

I mean the idea that we should be extra good during Christmas times is kind of shitty. Like shouldn't we be good and kind to everyone all year

[@augustrempelewert4377]

@@lich.possum That idea is an excellent example of how Christian beliefs have been perverted by modern American society. It revolves around the misconception that Christmas is ABOUT giving presents, when in fact the presents are (supposed to be) merely a tool for celebrating the birth of Jesus.

[@Deadflower019]

Based Oma.

[@akorn9943]

As a waiter I always make sure to gasp and jump back a few feet every time someone says “Merry Christmas” just to make sure Dennis Prager remembers to sleep with one eye open 😌

[@pookypoo1169]

Lmao 🤣

[@josephdavis9234]

Merry Christmas

[@simonalozeva917]

You sir are hero tis season 🎄

[@keysmashwarrior5057]

🤣

[@seqka711]

Does anyone else feel like there's an element to classism about all this? Like it's always rich white guys complaining about being told "happy holidays" by poor retail workers who obviously have bigger things to worry about than some "war on Christmas" but these Christians feel entitled to complain about it because "how dare this lower class retail worker offend me?!". It feels very Karen-y and privilege-y to me. Like it has that same vibe.

[@NoiseDay]

As a privileged and uneducated white person, my running theory is that everything boils down to classism aka power.

[@FreyaEinde]

That and an underlying paranoia about minorities no longer valuing assimilation

[@chriss780]

When You’re Accustomed to Privilege, Equality Feels Like Oppression

[@noahv7528]

Honestly most things in the culture war feel like that. Oh you’re mad because I said happy holidays? You’re mad because they stopped printing some Dr Seuss books? In a country where thousands of children go to bed hungry every night you’re seriously worked up over goddamn pronouns?

[@KrankuSama]

It is absolutely, working class people have no stake in whether Happy Holiday or Merry Christmas is the norm for whatever pre-planned greeting they have and yet they are sacrificed to deal with the front lines of a banal "culture war" distraction. Just as other commenters pointed out the pushback against any more inclusive greetings like a Seasons Greetings or a Happy Holidays is reactionary rhetoric aimed at POC and other cultures for existing. In reality such greetings are normal and also inclusive of Christianity

[@wendys9500]

I really wanna meet the hypothetical people who are so offended by “Merry Christmas” or any references to Christianity. I’m pretty sure most non-Christians understand that “Merry Christmas” is just a phrase of well-wishing and won’t try to stop anyone from saying it.

[@elvingearmasterirma7241]

And at most, a few of us get upset because Christmas can be a trigger for us. For me it was the phrase "Merry Christmas" Because I still have to heal the wound of losing my mum to cancer! Christmas hurts without her! Other people can have the same pain. For others its because Christmas is tied to an abusive family Etc. But we wont stop you from saying it. i just need to chug a cup of tea afterwards

[@ChadillacGrills]

I mean . . . I don't like those things, especially anything that advances or attempts to legitimize Christianity publicly. I just don't tend to say anything about it and move on when I encounter it, that's all.

[@futon2345]

Why would u say merry Christmas to someone who doesn’t celebrate it? It’s rude

[@John_Doe742]

@@elvingearmasterirma7241 wtf I hope you're joking

[@derp195]

@@John_Doe742 I hope the 4 people who upvoted them were joking too.

[@olliestratton9960]

Context: I worked at McDonalds during the peak of this "War on Christmas" bullshit during Trumps precidency. I also live in the deep south. I told a woman "Happy Holidays" when I gave her her food and she did a DOUBLE TAKE AND LEANED IN AND WENT "Is someone forcing you to say that sweetie? You know you can say Merry Christmas, its your right" and she literally tried to pressure me into saying it??? like girl idgaf what you believe. You can say what you want, I can say what I want. Isn't the first ammendment lile yalls whole argument?

[@namelesskat4814]

Wow

[@rogue_2k374]

The issue with the first amendment argument is that people don’t really understand what “Freedom of Religion” means. To the most basic terms it is “The freedom to practice religion or lack-thereof without fear of governmental interference, and without fear that others will exclude you for your religious practices or lack-thereof” so in other words “You can worship Waluigi and Deadpool riding a Unicorn so long as you don’t exclude other religions and you don’t exclusively show yours in public places” but “Nooo, that’s against the first amendment because it infringe on my religion” which it isn’t its protecting your religion from attack and making sure you don’t attack others.

[@abeestosruinsageneration3725]

As a christian, I literally burst into flames whenever someone wishes me "Happy holidays."

[@rikustorm13]

Lmao

[@guilhermeteodosio40]

You must have Deadpool-like regeneration powers if you can literally *burst into flames* whenever you hear "Happy Holidays"

[@abeestosruinsageneration3725]

@@guilhermeteodosio40 As a matter of fact, I do.

[@guilhermeteodosio40]

@@abeestosruinsageneration3725 Does it hurt? Does it work when you *read* "happy holidays" or only hearing?

[@abeestosruinsageneration3725]

@@guilhermeteodosio40 ye

[@cceccon8]

As a former hospitality worker, I feel saying “happy holidays” is just a far quicker and more efficient way of saying “I hope you have a merry Christmas and a happy new year”, meaning I can finish up with my current patron and focus on others without too much loss of stride or time. Dennis, I’m sorry that I didn’t spend my entire shift catering to you specifically, I’ll try better next time :(

[@RyanTosh]

That's a good point...like, do these people think Christmas isn't a holiday? If someone says "happy holidays" to you a week from Christmas, it's pretty clearly one of the ones they're implying lol

[@joshshrum2764]

I still like saying the name of the holiday, but it’s easier to say happy holidays in real life if you are saying happy blessings online to people it’s fine to say, but it’s just nicer, and easier to say happy holidays since you will be saying it so much.

[@joshshrum2764]

@@RyanTosh Honestly it’s happy holidays once the last two months of the year hit i mean you don’t really say happy holidays during Halloween you say happy Halloween because it isn’t linked to the main holidays, it’s like the song Holiday by Green Day, they are obviously singing about Christmas.

[@OBrasilo]

The funny thing is, "Happy holidays" is basically the norm in Italy and even the Pope never complained about that. Only in the US does this appear to be such a major issue.

[@alisaurus4224]

YES THANK YOU.

[@Bluecho4]

I'm an opponent of Christmas, but only because I'm a Halloween Nationalist. And Christmas has overstepped its temporal borders by eating up more and more of the year. Including into October and earlier, firmly Halloween's sovereign territory on the calendar. I'm fully willing to make peace with Christmas. But only when it withdraws to its December territory, and allows other holidays to operate unmolested. Until such happens, there can be no reconciliation. Happy Halloween.

[@PandaWithAJetpack]

Agreed. Halloween is my favorite holiday, but I like to joke that it starts on July 5th as it is the next big commercial and capitalist spending season after July 4th, US independence day. Christmas has long since wronged me of the right to celebrate in the month of my birth (December) as my birthday is often overlooked due to the thrall of ‘tis the season, winter wonderland cheer.

[@Rawnblade13]

They already annihilated Thanksgiving. Poor bastard.

[@mizjulio]

I stand behind you comrade 💪

[@zwarriorkrillin6400]

The War on Christmas cannot end until the Claus regime returns to the borders established in the Black Friday Agreement

[@cookingwithtool159]

The Kringle regime must stop its illegal occupation of late October and November in order for peace talks to begin. Until this day, it is our duty as Americans to wage a war on Christmas

[@ar.temis696]

I got an ad by PragerU Kids that pretty much said “America was never racist”. Like ok our country is built on racism.

[@emptybeb1462]

I got the ad to

[@wrathofainz]

Propagandizing the youth is an ancient technique.

[@227gamerman]

The “War on Christmas” narrative is just one of the best examples of Conservatives playing victim

[@EvilVacuum]

And they’re getting mad when someone literally wishes them well by saying “Happy Holidays”. “Have a great day!” “You didn’t say the right words!”

[@Rawnblade13]

They're really good at that. Conservative Christians especially, since you got the conservative persecution complex and the Christian persecution complex all in one

[@Tcrror]

Yet they say we're the ones with the victim complex, LMFAO! They literally create fake problems for their base to get offended about.

[@cakecinema9385]

@@Tcrror Lefties: hey, trans kids are killing them selves because we’re not accomodating their identity, we should fix that. Right-winger: pssh, snowflake, let’em die. You idiots are so sensitive. Lefties: other religions exist Right winger: *demonic screeching*

[@jmiquelmb]

@@EvilVacuum "Oh, right. Don't have a good day"

[@Sip_Dhit]

I think the funniest shit is when you get someone saying "it's alright you can say it" and the person says "happy Hanukkah" or "happy new year"

[@graceellison118]

As a religiously neutral person that works in a restaurant, holy shit I am going to do that

[@atlroxmysox98]

@@graceellison118 do you really get told that by customers? like in a “blink twice if you need help” kind of way?

[@graceellison118]

@@atlroxmysox98 I work in a pretty nice restaurant in a particularly affluent and religious part of my city, so I’ve heard it about 3 times since I’ve started working there. Not a LOT, but I can’t wait to use that line next winter.

[@atlroxmysox98]

@@graceellison118 Beautiful. Don’t be afraid to experiment with a “Happy festivus!”

[@worthythaneofross3925]

@@atlroxmysox98 really get them mad with “Happy Kwanza”

[@dunstonlion1342]

I do find it fascinating that these kinds of movies are completely and utterly incapable of imagining atheists as just people who don't believe in God The atheist always has to be damaged or directly injured in some way, insinuating that EVERYONE is actually a Christian but some people turn against it because some bad thing happened. It is such a narcissistic view of their religion.

[@joshtrue6521]

Also weird that they have to be personally extremely professionally invested in the destruction of Christianity, like they pretend that not believing in the Christian god equates directly to somehow still caring a lot about the Christian god

[@dopaminecloud]

I think deep down they're not blind and can see that their value systems are largely being left behind by the march of time. And because their whole religion is centered on anthropomorphizing abstract concepts into beings, it's no surprise to me that an angry deliberately destructive atheist can come to represent this unstoppable cultural shift.

[@Petticca]

That's because in Christian propaganda, atheists are either: Someone who is angry and "mad at God" because their lives are shitty, or someone in their life died from cancer, or, An atheist is someone who "just wants to sin" so they go through life pretending that they don't believe in God anymore, and with that, they free to just go crazy with the alcohol -fueled secular-immorality, trying to outlaw Christians.

[@TheVCRTimeMachine]

I am 51 years old...People have been using the phrases, "Merry Christmas," "Happy Holidays," and "Seasons Greetings" interchangeably for my entire existence and even long before that. There's no war on Christmas. Just walk down any street or into any store from about mid-November and all the Christmas lights, trees, and displays ought to make it pretty clear that Christmas is alive and well.

[@Ojo10]

I know. There's literally a Christmas Carol from 1942 that's called Happy Holiday. People have always been saying it, people literally just want to take every opportunity to complain that "things are not the same anymore".

[@TheVCRTimeMachine]

@@Ojo10 The thing is, it IS the same as it was before. In fact, Christmas is more ubiquitous than ever. We have "Christmas In July" celebrations now. The Hallmark Channel shows Christmas movies in July and October through the end of the year. Big box stores and department stores like Wal-Mart and Meijer in the mid-west have Christmas Tree forests in their stores where they display the trees they have for sale. I don't know where these guys dream up these imaginary attacks on their beliefs.

[@sierrasasmartass7755]

A couple years ago my uncle and sister actually had a sort of game they'd play as soon as Halloween was over. My uncle was a ticket clerk at a movie theater and my sister was a barista. The game was they kept count of how many people they would piss off by saying 'Happy Holidays' at their jobs and tally up at the end of each week. There was no prize or anything they just found it ridiculous how many people would be so offended by someone saying it. Their jobs didn't even require them to say it or say anything about wishing people a Merry Christmas or a happy anything.

[@maka5065]

How does it feel knowing your sister and uncle are complete chads

[@sierrasasmartass7755]

@@maka5065 We're just a bunch of petty assholes.

[@davespanksalot8413]

I like to wish people a happy summer solstice.

[@frozenyogurth]

@@davespanksalot8413 FUCK YES. Celebrating solstices just makes sense, honestly. In winter you celebrate the days getting longer and in summer you celebrate the longest day of the year

[@BalorShield]

Happy Saturnalia (Dec 17-23)

[@DreadedEntityMain]

Ironic that they call liberals perpetually-offended, then turn around and utter phrases like "The war on Christmas" and "Gay rights agenda". One group is offended by bigotry and blatant disrespect while the other is offended by...people existing? And wanting the same treatment? When somebody tells you happy holidays, that includes Christmas. Maybe you just don't respect everyone that's different from you, well, why the hell should they respect you?

[@derp195]

Fun fact: Chuck Palahniuk coined the term "snowflake" to describe these people, who didn't understand it and started using it themselves without seeing the irony.

[@someonerandom8552]

@@derp195 Yep. They are the folks who emulate the aspects of Fight Club that were being called out by the author as toxic macho idiocy. The book was an explicit warning and chuds took it as an instruction manual. Smh

[@jaysea5939]

@@someonerandom8552 similar thing with American Psycho

[@someonerandom8552]

@@jaysea5939 I swear I’m more surprised when these guys actually understand a movie/story properly lol

[@adrianmetzler2523]

Especially when respect is earned and evangelicals literally go out of their way to burn their bridges of getting respect probably because they think they have enough “power” to not give a fuck. And when we look at Texas, it’s prime example of some of these people getting soooo triggered by (probably losing the election) that they’re attempting to pass and possibly achieving, straight theocratic laws over such petty benign issues. Reasons are what matter and they can’t understand. Same group to say fuck your feelings get over it, complain about the false idea that “cities” burnt to the ground during the protests they called riots. Yet storm the capitol in a whiny uncoordinated frenzy all cuz they didn’t get their way. Their reason, losing. The reason for average citizens to protest, was because we were tired of seeing racism cause harm and tired of seeing videos of police murder other citizens and get off Scott free. Our reasons to smash a window are far more valid then their reasons to smash a window. In like every single political field. They have always been the reactionary party of emotions and just “mirror” the “bad” stuff.

[@CteCrassus]

Ah yes, the "universal" 'Merry Christmas' that applies to only *one* specific religion vs. the constrictive 'Happy Holidays' that is equally applicable to every culture and religion with reason to celebrate the Winter Solstice.

[@rhythmandblues_alibi]

Or summer solstice in the southern hemisphere! How dare you be so exclusionary! 😝

[@mynameisreallycool1]

Ah yes, the "incel Merry Chirstmas" vs. the "Chad Happy Holidays".

[@ogolthorp]

Not to mention, New Year’s Day is right after Christmas. Literally multiple holidays that Christians would celebrate in a very short period. “Happy holidays” would still clearly apply to Christians celebrating Christmas.

[@duffman18]

Yeah "happy holidays" has always only meant Christmas and New Years (and thanksgiving if you're american too). It didn't originate as a way to include things like Hannukah. And actually if you look it up, over the last century or so, the use of "happy holidays" has DROPPED and the use of "merry christmas" has RISEN! We have centuries worth of evidence of the use of "happy holidays" in all english speaking countries, but Denis Prager doesn't belive in facts, he only believes in his personal feelings

[@CteCrassus]

@@duffman18 It must be challenging being a fundamentalist Christian. After all, their magic book is pretty explicit that if you're not being discriminated you're doing something wrong, so what do you do when you live in a country where Christianity holds night totalitarian power?

[@orcatabletop4766]

I love the idea of someone saying "happy holidays" to a conservative person and they then have a existential crisis cause of it.

[@darthsidious6380]

tell any christian a scientific fact and honestly, theyll explode, they simply hate to be told that their god doesnt exist. I’m suprised more of them arent angry when they cant produce any tangible evidence for their invisible man in the sky

[@thatguy1593]

It's why I always say happy winter solstice to my family lol

[@coasterblocks3420]

I say happy violently co-opted pagan holiday.

[@issafraud419]

I say “happy holidays” over “merry Christmas” bc I think wishing someone who doesn’t celebrate Christmas a merry one is just as embarrassing as saying “you too” after your waiter says “enjoy your food” edit: i should clarify, embarrassing for me. i have anxiety lol. I’m sure most people where i live would just smile and say it back.

[@MissMoontree]

Is it? Where I live it is not seen as inherently religious. Still, happy holidays has a nice ring to it. It means happy new year too, even for Christians that should be easy to understand.

[@atlroxmysox98]

Happy Holidays just makes so much more sense, as there are various holidays in the holiday season. Especially where I live (Mexico), we have holidays and celebrations all through december. Really, the season starts in September and ends in February.

[@NottJoeyOfficial]

There's a Jewish community near me I visited one year around December and everyone was wishing me a Happy Hanukkah, and it's not like I died as someone who celebrated Christmas. I was just happy and wished them a Happy Hanukkah too, because I knew what holiday to say. Made things a lot easier, and I didn't explode or something because of it.

[@8jijjoo126]

Nobody celebrates 'Christmas', its a secular holiday for the most part

[@snausages43]

I say Merry Christmas, despite being an atheist, because I love presents.

[@KatKomodo]

There’s a “War on Christmas” so, sometimes people say Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas. How horrifying.

[@Cri_Jackal]

"Happy Holidays" is something employees were forced by corporate to say as a way to better appeal to people who don't practice Christmas, which is just nonsensical, Christmas is part of American culture, you don't go to Japan and expect them not to say the name of their own Shinto holidays, people should be able to handle other people's culture being the most prominent in a country. Now while those sorts of mandates no longer exist, it still left a bad taste in people's mouths, and that's part of what fueled this whole nonsense in the first place.

[@cheddarurchin3844]

@@Cri_Jackal uh huh, wow corporations trying to accommodate all their customers oh no

[@whatthehellisthis]

and left-wingers are the sensitive ones…

[@swanpride]

@@Cri_Jackal Christmas originated in Germany. And in Germany, people have always said "Happy Hollidays" in advance to the actual celebration, while the "Merry Christmas" isn't uttered before the actual Christmas Eve (which you spend with your family anyway). It were Cooperations which kind of undermined that tradition with their stupid advertising, and if they now change the habit, they are just fixing what they ruined in the first place.

[@aqwthetroop]

​@@Cri_Jackal Sure, I guess Christmas is part of American culture? The issue is that the U.S. is on paper a secular country (which is pointed out in the first amendment) and we have people of all religious backgrounds who celebrate all sorts of holidays (roughly 30% of Americans are non-Christian). If the term "happy holidays" is enough to offend you then I have to ask how do you think the people who don't celebrate Christmas feel when their holidays of preference aren't respected in wider conversation? Do you go around telling all your non-Jewish friends "happy Hanukah"? You can see how appealing to a "culturally dominant" group is quite disrespectful to millions of people, and really that's the whole point of saying 'happy holidays': to include everyone in the festivities that coalesce at the end of the year without marginalizing non-Christians.

[@PhosphorAlchemist]

Back near the beginning of the spinning of the War on Christmas, I was encouraged to "keep the Christ in Christmas" (i.e. to campaign against use of the abbreviation "Xmas") in a Catholic parish school. The people entrusted with my religious formation had seemingly no awareness that the abbreviation X comes from the Greek letter Chi being the first letter of Christ (in ancient Greek) and thus used as an abbreviation since ancient times. The War on Christmas has only gotten sillier and more wild from there.

[@Card_lol]

I've seen more people do that too. It's just rediculous.

[@InTrancedState]

Yeah my dad used to always shorten my name to Xtian on papers and gifts when I was younger

[@LoisoPondohva]

Can also work as a pun on criss-cross (especially considering etymology of that is Christ's cross).

[@Rawnblade13]

It always astounds me how little most Christians know about their own religion.

[@darthsidious6380]

the christians dont know what theyre fighting for anymore. Whatever gets priests jet planes, doesnt matter what people actually believe or harm others with

[@livelongandtroll9108]

"I have been wished Happy Holidays by every waiter and waitress in every restaurant I have dined." The horror. In all my years on this planet, I've never heard something that brazenly vile.

[@gianlucazinarof8617]

Underrated line. It really gives away the skewed perspective that this story is being told from.

[@candicefrost4561]

This dude is the most ridiculously privileged person, second only to royalty. The fact that this is his horror.

[@guts1258]

Conservative: "Everyone is so easily offended and soft these days. I'm tired of snowflakes getting mad at things that don't matter." Random minimum wage employee: "Enjoy the Holidays" Conservative: "How can she slap?"

[@derekrequiem4359]

upvoted for the "how can she slap" reference lmao 😂

[@BrennahAdrianna]

Respect for your channel name

[@OttoVonBizmarkie]

Guts is that really you?

[@guts1258]

@@OttoVonBizmarkie I am not a shadow cast on the flow of causality, as Skull Knight put so eloquently, "Maybe you aren't a shadow on the water... But instead, a fish that breaches water's surface". I am a fish with both fins and both eyes. So, in other words, no I am not Guts in the literal sense.

[@crazyluigi6664]

It's been ages since I last heard how can she slap around here........

[@Captain_Olimar]

Conservatives: “don’t indoctrinate my kids” Also conservatives: *create films like this*

[@mofire5674]

Well you can't go around indoctrinating people's kids....that's for the parents to do themselves!

[@twell4773]

😂😂😂

[@khanhnguyen-tt3ff]

what they mean is school is not allow to indoctrinate their kid it the jobs of their local church.( they better at it then teacher and professor anyway )

[@alvarorey9308]

Dennis Prager made a "PragerU for kids". He is the last person to whine about "indoctrinating kids".

[@johnwatters3431]

Don't indoctrinate my kids, especially in public school. Now, please stand for the daily pledge of allegiance.

[@haileyfields7179]

Im atheist as fuck but still celebrate Christmas, and so do most of my coworkers regardless of religion. Its for fun, presents, to show love to your family and friends. We all used happy holidays and merry Christmas interchangeably. Its not wrong to respect that people may have different religions. As people have also pointed out happy holidays helps encompass both christmas and new years. I find it funny how eager conservatives are to call people triggered snowflakes, then get mad at ridiculous little things that don’t/shouldn’t affect them.

[@lollybowser]

This! My family and my friends' families celebrate Christmas despite not being very religious or at all since it's a fun holiday passed down generations. That doesn't mean we're stealing from Christmas and it also doesn't mean that everyone should celebrate it even if they're not religious. Celebrate, don't celebrate, it's your choice! Just don't be a dick and pretend you're under attack by people simply using more inclusive language etc

[@khanhnguyen-tt3ff]

lol im buddhist i got to pick what holiday i celebrate i only have to go pray and read script twice a year and by good luck orange or fruit once im there.

[@lollybowser]

@@khanhnguyen-tt3ff learning about Buddhism was a huge inspiration in finding my own religious path, which ended up being none (atheist/agnosticism) back when I was just 12 and been indoctrinated into Catholicism for years by my school.

[@Coolgravy]

@@lollybowser lol I kinda have the same story. I tried to rationalize Christianity by seeing "miricles" as evidence. For example, there was this news story of a boy that "died" and when he came back he said he went to heaven. Once I realized practically every other religion also had some type of "miricle" happen, I had to change what counted as evidence. Really the existence of other religions really helped me become an agnostic atheist.

[@lollybowser]

@@Coolgravy yup. My real miracle was learning to think on my own. I respect religions greatly but I do find it problematic how obsessed people can become with them and how often they're used as motive and/or shield for doing truly heinous acts. If there is a god there's so way they'd support intolerance and hate.

[@renaissanceweeb]

The War on Christmas is actually pretty straightforward if you understand what conservative intellectuals say in their own spaces. The whole thing is built on the idea that societies prosper because they follow proper codes of conduct, ethics, and foster community. This is where the concept of "moral decay" comes from. Individual people acting abnormally may not directly harm society as a whole, but when the entire community is normalizing hedonistic or destructive behaviors, the entire community suffers. You can see this most plainly in marriage: One person being gay feels like a threat to them because what if **everyone** was gay???? Then there'd be no children!!! It's slippery slope, the ideology. Drawing a line in the sand to ensure that deviation from what is percieved as the social and moral values that make american society wealthy does not permeate or grow. Now consider what these social values they believe make american society wealthy are: Work ethic, respect for authority, family bonds, et cetera. These are all deeply tied up in american christianity, and so to them a decay of Christianity's primacy in american society, is a decay of the very things that make america great. That is essentially the war on christmas. Sure, it's only a minor deviation from the norm, but if they let this one happen, then it'll be that much easier for the next deviation from the norm happen. And then the next. And before we know it, america is an atheist society where there's nobody to tell americans to work hard and take care of their family, and if that happens, we'll all be a bunch of selfish layabouts who leave each other to rot in squalor. In summary: They believe Christianity is what makes america great, that other religions and irreligiousness is *tolerated* as an act of charity by the Christians with the understanding that they won't undermine Christian Primacy, and *any* affront to Christian Primacy should be stopped, lest a slippery slope ensue. Hell you can see this in Christmas with a Capital C: Their concern with violating the establishment clause isn't one of concern for the rights of non-christians, *it's respect for authority*. The constitution says so, so do it. And to be clear, this isn't necessarily a state-mandated primacy of the faith, but a cultural hegemony. They're not advocating the establishment of a state religion, but preserving the cultural hegemony that christianity has over american society.

[@DestroyerOfAglets]

Well said

[@nuttysquirrel8816]

From my perspective, a lot of conservative Christians are also Christian Nationalists when it's convenient. If people are warned not to socialize and gather for a while because there's a global pandemic that's threatening the human population, Conservative Christianity cries persecution and calls for _"separation of church and state."_ The state shouldn't have authority to stop religious gatherings. However, if a church happens to be progressive and affirm LGBTQIA+ rights, the conservative church will want gay marriage outlawed because of something the Bible says.

[@spongeintheshoe]

I think if everyone was gay, we could just use sperm banks.

[@DimaRakesah]

Although I would say that in the last few years we have seen a frightening upswing in support for a Christian state religion. The idea that our country's morals and best values are *because* of Christianity is used as a justification, as if society can't properly function without religion ensuring people do not murder, pillage and rape. Of course it then makes you wonder just how many of them are horrible people who are only being kept in check by the fear of eternal damnation, because I for one would never consider becoming a criminal just because religion or law no longer can force me not to kill people or steal things. It's a very strange way to think about it, when you view it from outside.

[@Pinely]

As a jewish guy I don't think that saying "merry christmas" is anything more offensive than saying "happy hannukah", and I doubt there's anyone out there who has a different opinion lmao

[@Pinely]

Also this year hannukah was almost a month away from christmas, they don't always align

[@Usagi393]

As a Jewish girl, the only time I get offended (or roll my eyes) is when Christians assume Hanukkah is Jewish Christmas.

[@justwhy9427]

I’m also Jewish and I don’t get mad or anything, it just gets annoying after a while. Especially because often I choose to be more visibly Jewish

[@dragongirl7978]

@@Pinely Actually, it was funny, I celebrate Christmas, but I live in an area with a lot of Jewish people. I was working retail this holiday season and was a bit flummoxed as to what I should say once Hanukkah was over. I ended up deciding that if people were buying Christmas stuff, I would wish them a Merry Christmas (I'd earlier applied the same principle to Hanukkah), and if they weren't, I would wish them a wonderful day. Seemed to work out okay. 🙂

[@iopohable]

as a human i always respond with 'fuck you' to literally anything anyone says to me

[@krrowthemyuii]

Conservatives whining about this fake-ass "War on Christmas" is what really ruins Christmas for me. They are warring against Christmas all on their own by ripping the fun out of it. I remember when my parents and grandparents (who watched Fox News all the time) started talking about "The War on Christmas". I was reading a book in the corner of the living room when I heard them saying "The Muslim atheists are trying to take Christmas away from us Christians!" It was so embarrassing, I cringed so hard I nearly imploded. My grandma asked me to join their discussion because I was "an adult now" and I was like, "Uh, no thanks. I'm going to keep reading this book." Instead of having fun and being at peace, I had to be exposed to more hatred, ignorance, and bigotry from my family. I'm not even religious and I still celebrate Christmas, but sometimes consider switching to a different winter holiday because of ugly, tainted memories like this one.

[@indiramaldonadovalverde778]

Muslim atheists?????????????

[@krrowthemyuii]

@@indiramaldonadovalverde778 If you've been around Fox-News-consuming Republicans, that's exactly the kind of ignorant and contradictory statement you'll hear them make. They pick words that sound bad to them and string them together to make an even bigger "bad word" or insult, without regard to actual meanings or truth.

[@darkpixel1128]

@@krrowthemyuii "communist corporations" - thing a person has actually said

[@st.anselmsfire3547]

I have to admit that I'm impressed that Pureflix was willing to have a minister character call out Evangelicals' obsession with religious symbols while ignoring Jesus's teachings for what it is: idolatry.

[@kmaher1424]

Catholics are traditionally the ones called out for idolatry. The Massachusetts Bay Colony forbade celebrating Christmas because it was Popish and Pagan. Any Catholics in the town?

[@TrinityShoji]

My dad is a very devout Christian man from the Midwestern US, raised in a small town and polite and friendly to everyone. He told me, from a young age, to use "Happy Holidays" over Merry Christmas. -It's polite to those who don't celebrate Christmas -Everyone celebrates New Years: Christians, Jews, Muslims, Atheists, Buddhists, etc. But it is often forgotten about behind the ridiculous consumerist hype around Christmas.

[@adrienneczerni6516]

I love how everyone celebrates Gregorian New Year but a lot of us also have an additional new year. I think my friend group is coming up on a total of four or five separate New Years (including Gregorian)

[@johnoconnell5004]

You're dad is a chad.

[@thatguy1593]

Which honestly is far more with "actual" Christian values than you see with those who push their beliefs down other's throats and demand others treat their faith above all else.

[@pizzagroom6221]

My first interaction the War on Christmas was from my grandmother. We were on the phone on Christmas, and we did the usual Merry Christmas. Then, as we were getting ready to hang up, I said "Happy Holidays", wanting to make reference to Boxing day, New Years, and my sisters birthday, but she immediately snapped "well that's not very Christian of you". I was so shocked and only 12, so I couldn't express that I was wishing her a good week, and continued on with the goodbyes. So from that point, Ive always though of the "War on Christmas" as certain Christians being unwilling to open their hearts up to anyone that doesn't follow their beliefs.

[@atlroxmysox98]

That’s what I’m saying, there are sooo many holidays during the holiday season. Especially where I live (Mexico), really the holidays arguably start in september and end in february. “Happy holidays” just makes more sense.

[@MatthewChenault]

Why not just wish her a happy new year?

[@wrenkozlowski8362]

@@MatthewChenault how about just saying happy holidays why is that the epitome of liberal degeneracy in this country

[@MatthewChenault]

@@wrenkozlowski8362, it isn’t, but why would I appease those engrossed with the degeneracy?

[@wrenkozlowski8362]

@@MatthewChenault idk, because maybe this whole culture war shit is a distraction that's not even limited just to this Christmas bullshit. People believe differently, act differently, and see themselves differently than you and the Republican party wants you to believe, act and identify. It's about as degenerate to say happy holidays as it is to say Merry Christmas as it is to be queer or any other minority as it is to be muslin or Jewish or Hindu or Buddhist or atheist. I just said what I said because that's how it comes off to me. It's literally a meaningless problem, because there is no problem. If you have a problem with Christmas, you should be mad at the capitalist system co-opting to sell you shit you don't need

[@tartas1995]

At my place, we say happy holidays because most people want to wish "happy Christmas " and "a nice new year" and new year is a holiday like Christmas. (at least for 20 years)

[@swanpride]

In my COUNTRY there is this supersticion that it is bad luck to congratulate people before their birthday. I am not sure how this is related, but the most common way phrase used here before the actual Christmas eve is "Schöne Feiertage und guten Rutsch" which translates roughly to "Have a nice holiday and a good start in the next year". We don't really wish a Happy Christmas before the actual Christmas eve (at which point you are with your close family anyway) and we don't wish a "Happy new year" before the new year has actually started. Hence the whole discussion in the US was always extremely weird to me.

[@namaenamae1]

@@swanpride warum has du COUNTRY in large letters geskrieft

[@swanpride]

@@namaenamae1 To underline how stupid the notion is that there is a need to say Merry Christmas...though I guess I should have added that my country happens to be Germany...the one in which Christmas basically originated.

[@namaenamae1]

@@swanpride et kunnen wi lett werstandn? du has ja "skööne feirdag" geskrieft?

[@carolyntalbot947]

That's how I've always understood and intended "Happy Holidays" when directed at Christians, doubling as a general well-wishing to people who celebrate different religious or secular holidays this time of year.

[@KeithBallardA]

"We're really doing the war on Christmas again?... alright." ... "Oh my god this movie is absolutely fascinating!" ... "Oh no..." The skill that's going into video essays lately is blowing me away. They have emotional arcs now lol

[@AlbeitBasilisk]

i didn't realize you also watch joel, I was just watching your mgs playthrough

[@WAMTAT]

As a Christian the most offensive thing about Christmas is Capitalism

[@augustrempelewert4377]

Exactly.

[@kyleyoung2464]

Based comment. The true war on christmas is over. Big business won.

[@roninfredricson6958]

I didn't know this but upp until fairly recently the major gripe Christians would have with companies around christmas was they DIDN'T want a bunch of Christian references and iconography in ads because it was offensive to cheapen Jesus like that.

[@lv67890]

Every year as an atheist I amen corner Christians who say this. Christmas is capitalist. It was not celebrated this way before capitalism and wasn’t even the biggest festival. This is a money spending festival. That’s all.

[@august_m_j]

fuck yeah. im an atheist but we need more anti capitalist christians

[@ASloppyJoe]

This movie is a stunningly honest and accurate portrayal of devout, God-fearing Christians, by showing them to be supremely stubborn and utterly stupid over their 'traditions'. Like, what they have the judge suggest they do to allow the nativity scene is so unbelievably simple - come on just put up a christmas tree and go get a plastic menorah or something, you can do the bare minimum and still get what you want - but budging AT ALL is against Christian values, apparently. Compromise is nonexistent, you do what they want or nothing. Edit: I should probably say, I understand that this isn't the view of all religious Christians, and I'm real sorry that this kinda stuff is what sticks in the public eye more than the normal things lol

[@tomechan5139]

Let's be honest, that's still not enough. If they won't allow *any* religion to put up a display, they shouldn't have any religion put up a display. The Satanic Temple directly proves that point over and over again

[@Saltience]

As a Christian, I want to say that when I first heard "War on Christmas", my first thought was: "Gullible people are getting scammed out of their money again." It's no secret that a lot of "Christian" leaders turn out to be frauds or con artists, just look at Peter Popoff, or that guy who wanted to build a 1:1 scale Noah's Ark while flying around in his private jets. Heck, even some of the old Catholic Popes. I attribute this to the fact that the Bible talks a lot about how Christians were persecuted, and therefore modern Christians view being persecuted as something righteous and that they should be a martyr for a good cause. This also means that anyone who sells Christians the idea of them being persecuted can stand to gain a lot of money. The bible talks a lot about how Christians are not superior to everyone else, which is where the term Good Samaritan comes from, yet many people do not internalize this and want to view themselves as superior. Is it the majority? Probably not. Is it the ones who make the most noise? Most definently.

[@Crumpeter1]

at the risk of putting on a fedora, I do think religiosity lends itself very well to absolutism. If you truly believe that you know the ultimate truth and good in the universe, doing anything contrary to that truth must be viewed as evil. Obviously conscientious people can have strong faith while still understanding that people might have different but equally strong beliefs, but that takes a rare level of empathy.

[@matthewbrooks5470]

The Bible teaches us that God created the earth and everything in it. Such Bible thumpers take this a step further by…I guess reclaiming God’s land by trying to enforce their standards and customs rather than trying to co-exist with our fellow brothers and sisters. To be certain, we are not called to force our beliefs on others and doing so only serves to strengthen animosity against us as well as our ideals

[@razi_man]

@@Crumpeter1 This is basically what I hate about the "theism vs atheism" community, I shid you not when I say that even atheists are not free from this tribal delusion, the superiority syndrome is real, it is bonkers how these idiots keep gaining traction because apparently viewing your side (whatever it is) as "the truth" creates the delusion of superiority.

[@jaynestrange]

Something that always strikes me about this whole "war on Christmas" thing is that they're only defending a specific type of American Christianity. Like, the *entire Eastern Orthodox Church* doesn't even celebrate Christmas in December. (So Orthodox Christians who live in North America often have to work/go to school on Christmas.) And I grew up celebrating Christmas, Epiphany, & Saint Nicholas Day - so saying "happy holidays" in December would be accurate.

[@donalny]

Also, Jehovah's Witnesses and I think Seventh Day Adventists don't celebrate it either.

[@mario-lucaionescu4011]

The Orthodox Church is divided on the issue, generally speaking, in the Byzantine Rite, Serbs, Ukrainians, Belarusians, Russians, "Old Rite" and "Old Calendarist" churches do it in January. Romanians, Greeks, Bulgarians celebrate it in December. As for non-Byzantine Orthodoxy the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates it in January as far as I know but I don't know when the Copts (incl Ethiopian Taewhado Church) or the Chaldean Syriacs do it, I assume January though given the Armenians and Copts are in communion

[@janmelantu7490]

@Roa It depends on whether you use the Gregorian or Julian Calendar

[@jaynestrange]

@Roa I'm just going off what the Russian Orthodox friends I had in college did? They all celebrated in January, idk what to tell you.

[@jaynestrange]

@@mario-lucaionescu4011 Ah, I didn't know that! I was remembering the Russian & Ukrainian Orthodox people I knew, who celebrated in January & weren't thrilled that the Christian university we went to didn't give them the day off on their Christmas.

[@bozo1919]

As a Christian myself and a firm believer in the separation between church and state, it genuinely disgusts me to see shit like this, what really would be so difficult about putting up a menorah or Kwanzaa decorations? Part of what makes this country beautiful is it’s diversity and I just can’t fathom how people can see inclusivity as a bad thing

[@TheEnmineer]

From what I've seen, people who see inclusivity as a bad thing generally fall into one of two camps. Either they're uncomfortable with new things and are trying to resist change to stay in their comfort zone, or they've become bigoted and are the type who'd point to historical examples of correlations between the downfall of a nation and inclusivity, trying to justify their bias against others. I actually can't tell which Denis falls into, but my benefit of the doubt says he's just an old man uncomfortable with how the world looks nothing like what he grew up in.

[@machinismus]

I've read a bit about Christianity and its denominations, and I think a lot of Christians think it's a sin in itself to consider other religions at all.

[@LoisoPondohva]

@@machinismus true. I would gloat about it losing the most popular religion status but the contender is kinda worse.

[@SheeplessNW6]

Well, a menorah wouldn't necessarily help, what with Hanukkah ending on 6 December last year. In some years, it doesn't even start until 27 December.

[@MatthewChenault]

The separation of church and state does not mean “every single institution usurping Christian holidays and gutting out their spiritual meaning in order to make them into corporate holidays.”

[@MarioPokemonShadow]

I'm a Southern Jew, and when people tell me "Merry Christmas", I always come back with "Happy Holidays". Not everyone is Christian, and I am already pissed during the holidays. Also, I am tired with people saying that Christmas is not specifically religious. Yes it is, is a Christian holiday. It just happens to be a holiday that most people celebrate.

[@rogue_2k374]

When they say that I think they’re thinking of Santa and forgetting he was inspired by Saint Nicholas, a very real Christian person. And also that the whole giving gifts in stockings comes from a legend of him leaving a poor family gold in their socks that were hung out to dry so the daughters didn’t have to marry themselves off. Funny how Christians forget the details isn’t it.

[@deeznutz1428]

well it is Christian holiday but turned out more like a commercial holiday (which it is ) then it is religious holiday lol. when we think about Christmas today its all about lighting and trees which are not so Christianity related so this is why most people celebrate it in a secular way like a winter festival. and whole Christmas celebration even comes from pagan tradition.

[@myoak108]

lol I feel like people try so hard to be outraged and upset. I say merry Christmas, I say happy holidays, the thought it's pissing off both groups makes me cackle with glee.

[@tombrandis]

I get you viewpoint but as a atheist who celebrates Christmas, it isn't about jesus for me

[@venum17]

I love the statement, "traditions we've have for over 50 years" As far as traditions go, that's baby years.

[@GrayYeonWannabe]

as a baby country, anything that goes back further than a single generation is tradition here lol

[@chriss780]

@@GrayYeonWannabe rootless settlers have to lay it on think they have any sort of actual culture to compensate, dominate wasp american culture is utterly without culture american culture is basically soulless suburbs and a grotesque accumulation of advertisements

[@gorgannan5177]

@@chriss780 Capitalism is the only culture we have :c

[@chriss780]

@@gorgannan5177 we're all living in the same country and its called capitalism.

[@Gwestytears]

50 years is a pretty long time

[@a.morphous66]

Offering a salute to our boys, girls, and non-binary troops fighting bravely to put down the tyrannical Chr*stmas loyalists. o7

[@littlemoth4956]

Careful, you might make Dennis nut with rage

[@janmelantu7490]

I’m TIRED of Christmas Fanatics overrunning Thanksgiving with their Christmas “Cheer”. If we don’t fight them now they’ll take over Halloween too!!!

[@arachnofiend2859]

@@janmelantu7490 The War on Christmas will not end until it ceases its illegal occupation of November.

[@aaronskuse2207]

“The war on Christmas must not, and will not end until it’s illegal occupation of October and November ends.” The Grinch, circa second battle of Whosville.

[@rogue_2k374]

WE SHALL NOT FALL FOR ANYTHING! DEATH TO MARIAH CARREY! NO SURRENDER NO RETREAT! THE ONLY THING I ALLOW THROUGH MY GATE IS oddly peppermint. That shits addicting. But yeah, I’m with the Grinch for once.

[@idunnobutyay2520]

I like Christmas but it has no business coming so early. It’s like I want to have my Halloween fun before I have to put up my Christmas decorations

[@thephony1651]

“The Grinch? Fuck that guy.” -Jack Skellington, circa right after that

[@thecollector4332]

@@thephony1651 Would jack be considered a Halloween traitor since he prefers Christmas? Or a Halloween hero since he tried to take over Christmas as well?

[@getaround1276]

@thecollecter4332 it's like how when the romans took over the greeks they began acting like em

[@STBill]

Merry Sciencemas fellow humans. May Darwin Claus evolve plenty of gifts under the Sciencemas tree!

[@ScrawnyTreeDemon]

Saying this and only this from now on

[@johnpatterson4816]

Funny how these characters holler about "Teaching our children to disrespect our country!!"yet these are the same bunch who worship Trump and took part in the January 6th Capitol Inserruction!!

[@RedFloyd469]

Happy Hawkingdays

[@Awesomeguy614]

*tips fedora*

[@tamago8042]

This is even better with the chad pfp. Merry sciencemas to all, and to all a good half earth rotation away from the sun!

[@CloudCuckooCountry]

Conservatives: “Unlike you snowflakes, I don’t get offended easily.” Random barista: “Happy Holidays” Conservatives: “HOW DARE”

[@sluttyMapleSyrup]

"ThE aUdAcItY!¡1"

[@ananousous]

Conservative: "Argh! Then pay with your blood!"

[@jpoor1]

Naw they’re not offended they’re just “DeFeNdInG tHiEr RiGhTs

[@YourCapyFrenBigly_3DPipes1999]

"so you have chosen death"

[@blob5907]

nobody said how dare you

[@luccaladinig2783]

Say what you will about PragerU, but calling Christmas "the C-word" is a stroke of genius. Everybody should do that!

[@-xirx-]

Funny, when I think of PragerU I always think of the C-word too!

[@RyanTosh]

From now on, from December to January, whenever I greet someone I'm gonna go "Merry..." (wiggles eyebrows suggestively) "C-word" and then pretend it's a totally normal

[@braidena1633]

@@-xirx- I always think of Dennis writing an article series about how hilariously horny as hell he is kzbin.info/www/bejne/enjWmaijodCImcU

[@plaguedoctorjamespainshe6009]

Happy C-word everyone

[@bibianaguadalupeislasherre9880]

@@plaguedoctorjamespainshe6009 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Snarl_Marx]

I always think about that one guy who was so pissed they took "Christmas" off the cups at Starbucks. So in protest he told the barista his name was "Merry Christmas". Like, they don't care. They just want your money. And they're getting it.

[@animeking1674]

They're one the (not so)few people on earth that truly believe that corporate organizations are individuals who personal beliefs run them and matter. No, they've business men first and only, and if it makes lots of money, they'll stand by anything

[@killermmouse8874]

@@animeking1674 that is really the funniest thing with American right and their berade or liberal ideology with google and shit. Like they don’t give a flying fuck about the ideas, if it makes more money the will do it

[@Rawnblade13]

It's something people on both sides of the political spectrum don't seem to get. Corporations have no political party or religion, they'll do whatever is necessary to get money. The only reason they lean EVER SO SLIGHTLY to the left is because guess what, being more inclusive means more people you can suck money out of.

[@ultralord8919]

@@animeking1674 You're an absolute fool if you think corporations don't have internal beliefs. I can guarantee that there's little to no evidence that writing "Christmas" on Starbucks cups hurt sales in any substantial way, so taking it off is a personal corporate decision based on internal beliefs.

[@frosty6845]

@@Rawnblade13 no, actual leftists completely understand that

[@atillanandorfuri3343]

Am I the only one who thought "happy holidays" refers to Christmas and new years eve both? It just seems logical to say that when there are multiple holidays in the span of a single week. This whole culture war aspect of it never even crossed my mind until now, and I gotta say I was way happier before it did

[@adrienneczerni6516]

Also historically there are a lot of Saint’s Days in December, some European Christians still celebrate it, like how my family does Santa Lucia Day

[@sonorasgirl]

@@adrienneczerni6516 - ahhh!!! I grew up with Sainta Lucia! It was very fun lol

[@spongeintheshoe]

Christmas, New Year’s, Hanukkah, Kwanza, the Winter Solstice, Baxter Day… The point is, there’s a lot of different holidays that people celebrate around that same time of year, so “happy holidays” covers all of them.

[@Kayizcray]

It's so wild to have Those Christians be so incensed by having people say "happy holidays" when my friends who celebrate other holidays can't even get time off work for them because "it's not Christmas, so it's not holiday time off for you." The absolute insane privilege in the idea that you're being persecuted in America for celebrating Christmas because other holidays.... just are not allowed to even exist ig????

[@donalny]

I went to 12 years of Catholic school and was taught Happy Holidays was perfectly acceptable because not only does it include people who don't celebrate Christmas, but it also included all the holidays celebrated by Christians this time of year like New Year's.

[@noahbossier1131]

Yes. It’s makes sense.

[@JeepnHeel]

I don't know how to tell you this, but you may have been tricked into 12 years of Antifa school. It's a common tactic for radical leftists to use corporate taxes to buy those schools and operate them covertly. Did you notice whether the "sisters" wore black uniforms? Did any cover their hair so you couldn't tell what color it was?

[@donalny]

@@JeepnHeel that would explain all the socialist propaganda. "Love thy neighbor", "camel through they eye of a needle", and "render unto Caesar", etc

[@Queen_Of_Discord]

Imagine being so entitled that you throw a fit because people are acknowledging the fact that not everyone celebrates your holiday. Can we just start saying Happy Hanukkah or Merry Kwanza next year and not acknowledge Christmas at all just to see what their reaction is? That would be gold.

[@lyudmilapavlichenko7551]

That would be hilarious if not for the fact some conservative will start foaming at the mouth and make a scene. If you're a minimum wage retail worker you could possibly lose your job. Especially in conservative majority places. Plus, dealing with their temper tantrum isn't worth $7.50 a hour. It'd make a great tic toc though.

[@toastsoup489]

@@lyudmilapavlichenko7551 I wonder if the same would apply by saying Merry Christmas in woke majority places and losing your job because you are excluding non Christians

[@lyudmilapavlichenko7551]

@@toastsoup489 No one cares if you say Merry Christmas in "woke majority" places.

[@justalurker3489]

@@toastsoup489 I hate to break it to you, but literally every year people in the US say Merry Christmas in "majority woke" and every other place in the country without people getting fired. In fact they also don't get crazy people taking up tons of time on FOX saying there's a war on saying "happy holidays" either

[@Rawnblade13]

@@toastsoup489 That's literally never happened ever. Because guess what, no one actually cares if you say "Merry Christmas".

[@jrakko]

I've gotten so used to Christmas rom coms when you first started describing the movie I assumed those two guys were going to get together and I was genuinely intrigued

[@sixstringedthing]

Amusingly, the comment directly above this at the time I'm reading it is someone being jokingly surprised about them not having an "enemies to lovers" arc. Perfect.

[@devinbraun1852]

I’m not offended by a “Merry Christmas”, it’s ubiquitous and usually used with no sectarian intent. That said, I often use “Happy Holidays” intentionally like bait to draw out the self-righteous asshole in the room who wants to make a point of telling you it’s all about Christ; it’s fun and informative.

[@chungusbooper]

Thank you for your sacrifice and service, so we can more easily clock and avoid them.

[@mynameisreallycool1]

It almost makes me want to use "Happy Holidays" more too for a very similar reason.

[@solarpolarity]

i know what im doing next winter >:)

[@michellebradford1624]

I know what I’m doing for work today

[@rogue_2k374]

I mean I used it for the saving of breath since I want to wish a happy new year and anything else they celebrate, but now I just want to see what happens next time one of the entitled old people comes by a lane I’m bagging in this year.

[@Len124]

"Wouldn't it be kinda nice if I said, 'holidays,' in case they're not a Christian?" - Person who actually wants to project good will to all. "Casting a larger net by saying, 'holidays,' would improve our customer service protocol and we'd make more money." - Any business "So this is how liberty dies..." - Bill O'Reilly

[@jaxonsevero1045]

💀

[@ctartistry360]

Doesn't liberty imply that you can say whatever you want? I really don't understand his viewpoint

[@issa3789]

I love how most of the "The war on Christmas is real!" people don't even acknowledge the fact that whenever happy holidays is presented, it's always in the context of something very closely associated with Christmas, such as a green and red color palette, lots of snow, mistletoes, and so on. Even the "secularist propaganda" still incorporates so much Christmas imagery

[@matsab7930]

honestly at this point i'd argue that christmas isn't even a christian tradition anymore, it's more of a general western tradition. I've celebrated it all my life as an atheist as nothing more than an opportunity/ excuse for a family get together. Perhaps my experience is the exception, but i don't think it's celebrated in much of a religious light in most parts of western europe. Perhaps america is different though.

[@zabtesler]

This is honestly the most insightful breakdown I've seen of the whole war on Christmas thing that goes beyond "this doesn't exist, you're not persecuted." And all that is true, of course, but actually delving into the mindset behind it instead of simply debunking it is really valuable.

[@yy-hj4br]

Muslim here, live in a largely Muslim, and Catholic neighborhood in a Western country. I say "Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays." I go out of my way on Easter to greet known Christians with "Happy Easter" and "Happy Passover" to Jewish friends. When it's Ramadan or Eid, I only hear holiday greetings from other Muslims or non-Muslims in the know, and I even go out of my way to greet Shias on Ashura and Muharram. For Atheists I say Happy holidays around this time, but go out of my way on Thanksgiving to wish them a happy Thanksgiving since the atheists I know use that holiday as a time of reflection. It's called civil society, it's not very complicated and I don't know what Praeger and Co have a hard time with.

[@Romanticoutlaw]

for hardcore conservatives and traditionalists, I think being kind and respectful to others seems to be some kind of equivalent to how apologizing implies admitting fault. They don't want to imply that someone else's religion or tradition is as valid as their own. It's sad tbh

[@iopohable]

i say good morning all year round. even to birds. i dont even care if people respond. i do it for me. i dont really care abou anyones mornings

[@yy-hj4br]

@@iopohable ngl birds are awesome. I'm glad you say good morning to them. I used to say good morning to the street cats back home.

[@justineberlein5916]

Left-leaning Christian (vaguely Episcopalian) here. Honestly? Same. I make a point of remembering when Eid is, so I can wish any Muslims I know well, and similar with Chanukah and Rosh Hashanah for Jews. (Pro-tip, by the way: Apparently Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are the actual major holidays in Judaism, not Pesach, to the point that only going to synagogue on those two days is the Jewish equivalent to being a Chreaster)

[@ichemnutcracker]

To me, the irony of the "War on Christmas" nonsense is that I now feel disinclined to say "Happy Holidays" *OR* "Merry Christmas" to people. I want to be nice to people, not have a political debate with them. Now I just say "have a good one", like I do every other time of the year.

[@arturoaguilar6002]

Gotta see how long it takes for conservatives to call “have a good one” be the new attack on Christmas…

[@Gh0sb0ss]

Based

[@siukong]

So true. Now I tend not to wish anything unless they say something first. The "war on Christmas" conservatives forgot that _Happy Holidays_ was also an effort to include _them_ , and by bitching so hard about it they're making it so that people just don't say anything.

[@JaredConnell]

Me too, I just say "have a good one" usually and if they say Merry Christmas or happy holidays to me, I'll just say "you too".

[@wheeledjustice7381]

I can count the people in my life who celebrate Christmas purely for religious reasons on one hand. I hate to break it to Dennis but it might have gone secular.

[@donalny]

What we know as "Christmas" was essentially invented by Coca-Cola.

[@sertralydian]

@@donalny elaborate?

[@TylerWardhaha]

@@donalny what we know as coca-cola was also invented by, you guessed it, coca-cola.

[@joshtrue6521]

@@sertralydian Santa is an invention of coca cola, and by extension much of the modem iteration of Christmas stems from that. Coca Cola is very proud of this, it's why they have so much Christmas merch

[@jenblack98]

@@joshtrue6521 That's not entirely true. Santa has existed since the early 19th century. What Coca Cola did was popularise (and commercialised) the image of Santa as a fat guy with a white beard who wears red. Before that Santa (And Father Christmas in Britain) had been portrayed in green, Red, and even blue and was quite often Buff and Ginger.

[@armandk.armand3608]

I think this film is just showing off a relatively common trope: "The law is infallible as written, but actually enforcing it against me is bureaucratic bullying." It's a statement that enforcing the establishment clause is technically valid but merely in a "following the letter but not the spirit of the law" way. (The spirit in this case is presumably, I dunno, that the founding fathers penned it in with a wink and a nudge?)

[@bascal133]

I’m actually really impressed with the scene where I guess the lawyer/judge tells them that they do have a space for other religious symbols. I feel like that is the mascot moment when it becomes clear that this family isn’t defending Christianity instead they’re actively excluding other religions and that that central issue that they have

[@elijahfordsidioticvarietys8770]

Why is Happy Holidays considered "anti-Christmas"? Is Christmas no longer one of the holidays now?

[@briankaslewicz6130]

I think it's just a double standard. There's holidays year round, but when building up the anticipation for something for like Independence Day or Valentine's Day, nobody says "Happy Holidays" in February or July. More power to you if you spread that chaotic good nature, though.

[@jeniferjoseph9200]

It’s because they quite simply don’t want to acknowledge other holidays as being equally valid

[@are_ya_wynning_son]

@@briankaslewicz6130 I think what you observed could be because the wintertime has a few different holidays/festivals all clustered together: Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa (and perhaps others I haven't heard of). Valentine's Day and Independence Day are pretty isolated holiday-wise in American culture, but Christmas and Hanukkah (for example) are celebrated at about the same time by two different religious groups which celebrate either one or the other. So 'Happy Holidays' covers everything without presuming they celebrate a holiday which they don't.

[@yetanotherkeyblader3572]

​@@are_ya_wynning_son Not to mention that there's also New Year's relatively close. So Even if you limit it to Christian Holidays, "Happy holidays" is still decently valid since two holidays are less than a week apart.

[@ddjsoyenby]

because it hurts their fee fees.

[@atoaster1209]

There’s something so compelling about how this video is structured, the way the typical Big Joel narrative about “Christmas with a Capital C” is interwoven with anecdotes that explain the true meaning of (the war on) Christmas. Great video, Joel, definitely one of your finest and most thoughtful.

[@lauraanderson8785]

As a Christian, I never understood the offence of "Happy Holidays". I didn't even notice that people were sometimes saying that, sometimes saying "Merry Christmas" to me, it was when I heard these entitled Christians howl about it when I even found out this was an issue for some 🙄🙄 Not everyone celebrates Christmas, they cry if gay people kiss on TV bc they're "forcing their agenda on them", but then they ACTUALLY force their agenda on others!

[@SirPhysics]

It's the existential horror of recognizing that things aren't made specifically for you but are meant to accommodate others. In some parts of the world people are throwing hissy fits that some foods are being labeled as 'halal.' Not being removed from stores, not being made accessible only to Muslims, not even being changed to become halal. They are literally just upset that the packages of the foods they like have been changed to include the word halal.

[@DeanCalhoun]

In my days at the front, I saw it all. I’ve slaughtered probably hundreds of elves. I’ve gone deep undercover to sabotage present production facilities in the heart of the north pole. I wrested a reindeer with my bare hands, and I still keep that bastards head on my mantle. The War on Christmas is a noble struggle, and inshallah I see the day that Santa is brought to justice.

[@FreyaEinde]

This joke is epic. I want an epic fantasy movie where Father Christmas and Santa Claus have to bury their centuries long beef to prevent insane fundies from resurrecting St. Nicholas.

[@chriss780]

ill say merry christmas when im dead

[@sarah-zv8ld]

you're so brave. thank you for your service

[@marocat4749]

Odin will wage war on you for this :P

[@ananousous]

#FreeNovember

[@Lee-dm7xm]

Big city lawyers love going home for Christmas and having a change of heart. They love that shit.

[@JackgarPrime]

Every time I hear a conservative pundit tell a "War on Christmas" story, it reads exactly like something that belongs on r/thathappened

[@LoisoPondohva]

One time a tired retail worker wished me happy holidays, so I've read the whole bible to him from memory on the spot and I shit you knot brother 40 demons exited him and entered some pigs (with dubious consent) and threw themselves from the nearest cliff (which wasn't very near as this took place in Kansas). Everyone clapped, too.

[@jamesclarkson923]

@@LoisoPondohva omg! Crazy that that happened to you! Ain’t that interesting

[@rogue_2k374]

Happened to me oddly enough. Well not to me, but a guy in another lane had that happen. Craziest shit I ever did see.

[@callmemackeroni]

@@LoisoPondohva In Kansas everybody is full of 40 demons.

[@edgarallenhoe3518]

If we're going to play the "well, actually" game with Christmas and American history, I propose the most pedantic solution of all: no one should be saying "Merry Christmas" unless it is LITERALLY December 25, or maybe December 24. There, is everybody happy now?

[@katherinehudson7391]

It’s so weird that Dennis Prager is so insistent on “Merry Xmas” when he was raised as an Orthodox Jew and is friends with the author of multiple Jewish books (one of which Prager is mentioned in), Rabbi Harold Kushner

[@MoOveOver_plz]

Pandering to evangelicals gets you paid :(

[@kingofbruhssia4639]

Same goes to Ben Shapiro

[@j0hnicide]

$

[@ernestoacosta7918]

“Judeo-Christian values” often means big money for the right wingers

[@deeznutz1428]

its good the the business.

[@DoomPickle490]

I think the biggest problem I have with so much of “War on Christmas” bologna is the way in which it constantly ignores the fact that Christianity is still the dominant religion in America and has been for YEARS. For years Christianity has affected so much of how things are done in America and used as a weapon against dozens of different things like the LGBTQ community and stuff like that. Christianity was and is still very much does effect of a lot of political decisions. So it’s just so constantly annoying that as time has gone on and more people steer away from it, the Christian response has genuinely been “No we’re actually oppressed”. With the LGBTQ community it’s accused of being like a cult that “turns people gay” and brainwashes kids into being gay. And with the war on Christmas the truth is that the real anger is that Christianity is not being treated as the default anymore and is acknowledging other religions which to many Christians feels like an attack on their religion. Creating this idea of evil boogey men that the government is attacking religion and will lock them in chains for being Christians. Hence why in so many of these movies it’s about atheist with authority and the personality of Disney villains. But what’s all so annoying about this is that for as much as these people wish to believe they’re the oppressed fighting people that are against them, they don’t realize that for years THEYVE been the people who constantly try to suppress anything they don’t personally agree with. And the worse part is that in the end of the day, so much of what their fighting really is something they genuinely don’t have any real stakes in. If from now, the phrase merry Christmas was completely replaced by Happy Holidays, nothing would happen that would fatally wound the Christian faith, it’s exclusively a thing that’s made to be more inclusive. And I honestly don’t even mind the phrase Merry Christmas. I think it SHOULD be the phrase that stays for wishing people who celebrate Christmas a good Christmas, but to constantly treat its absence as an attempt on oppression is just dumb

[@KittSpiken]

So your argument is: "there is no war, they're just losing."

[@Coolgravy]

And half the time their portrayals of atheists aren't actually atheists. They're Christians who are mad at God lol.

[@LoisoPondohva]

"for years" is an interesting way to say "always".

[@DoomPickle490]

@@LoisoPondohva Lol yeah my bad

[@DoomPickle490]

@@KittSpiken My argument is that America is a place of diversity that houses people of many different cultures and many different religions that deserve to be just as represented and things like "Happy Holidays" are attempts at inclusivity that hurts literally no one. The War on Christmas doesn't exist. It's just people being mad that for once other cultures are being equally acknowledged

[@BluWoolify]

Evan as a Christian I can recognise "Heathen's greetings" is objectively funny

[@FaiaHalo]

I just love the constant question-making in your videos. The curiosity, the desire to know, the way in which you want to learn the meaning behind all these seemingly unhinged ideas from the religious right. I want to thank you so much for this. Much love from Argentina!

[@chriiiiis]

Do people not realize that Christmas is a holiday? "Happy Holidays." Is basically just "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year." To most people. Or like whatever other holiday a person might celebrate in December. It isn't that complicated.

[@CaptainPrincess]

cause the people who take issue with it are just hiding the fact that their real problem is "youre not being explicitly and exclusively christian and that bothers me"

[@chriiiiis]

@@CaptainPrincess very true

[@kaiyote7924]

im honestly never going to say merry christmas because i dont believe in it. to force me to say it is a violation of the right ot religious freedom. i dont care or mind if someone says merry christmas to me, if they believe or celebrate it/ want to say it they are free too. but i am also free to not say it, especially since it isnt my religion. like honestly you're just an asshole if you walk around and demand that jewish ppl, practicing muslims, pagan people, or buddists wish you a merry Christmas. some of these religions dont even have those holidays as recognized federal holidays unlike christmas. your religion is still a federal holiday, you havent lost ANYTHING that you already have. and if theyre that hell bent on "honoring god" then make it federally mandated that no one works on the sabbath, everything non-essential on sunday should be closed because working on sunday is "sin".

[@RackednStackeddd]

Honestly I always had subconscious thought that happy holidays meant "I hope you have a good holiday break!" Like basically wishing you well for the entirety of December

[@baintreachas]

yeah, and Christmas is usually more than one holiday, too…

[@music_YT2023]

It's depressing that, 'hey, why not make a small concession that non-Christian holidays/festivities exist?' is just immediately dismissed in this film and IRL. It's Christian domination or the highway. What ever happened to living in the joy of the Lord and letting that happiness shine through (i.e., living your best life, being loving and inclusive and setting a good earthly example)? Love what you're doing Joel. Have a Happy New Years! 🎊

[@voidify3]

Dennis is a Jewish man. Why is he so invested in saying merry Christmas when he doesn’t believe in Christ? A flex?

[@littlewyzard]

right??? i was literally so confused

[@jodajoda2863]

💵 I'm 💵 not 💵 really 💵 sure 💵 but 💵 yeah 💵 it 💵 really 💵 is 💵 weird 💵 when 💵 these 💵 guys 💵 like 💵 Dennis 💵 Prager 💵 and 💵 Ben 💵 Shapiro 💵 ignore 💵 the 💵 fact 💵 that 💵 they 💵 don't 💵 celebrate 💵 Christmas 💵 let 💵 alone 💵 believe 💵 in 💵 Jesus 💵 definitely 💵 weird 💵 I 💵 don't 💵 really 💵 get 💵 it 💵

[@Etaoinshrdlu69]

To own the libs

[@myroc1]

If only there were a greeting that could reflect Jewish and Christian holidays in one fast saying.

[@angelikaskoroszyn8495]

He inadvertently agrees that Christmas is no longer about Christianity. Jewish people, Buddhists, atheists - we all celebrate it. And we all are "persecuted" for not hearing Merry Christians