Chicago Sun-Times columnist Cathleen Falsani has this to say about it:
Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not one of those paranoid religious folks who believes that there is an organized effort to take the Christ out of Christmas orchestrated by a clandestine cabal of secular humanist movie moguls, feminists and vegetarians who plot their nefarious attack on family values (and the Baby Jesus) in triannual meetings at a secret country mansion in Colorado, known as The Meadows, to paraphrase a brilliant line from the movie "So I Married an Axe Murderer."You can read the rest at the Sun-Times link.
I am no proponent of the alleged "War on Christmas."
And I'm all for inclusiveness and multiculturalism, as much as I am for inexpensive cotton T-shirts and reindeer-themed boxer shorts.
But this year's Gap "holiday" ad campaign just rubs me the wrong way.
In its effort, I would surmise, to be inclusive and inoffensive, the Gap has made the mortal advertising (and cultural) error of being twee. Not to mention spiritually facile.
Adding fuel to the Yule log fire: the American Family Association has now called for a boycott of the Gap. If you haven't seen it yet -- who with a TV set has missed it? -- check it out below.
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It is just a commercial people! I do not see anything wrong with it. I actually think it is pretty cool.
The columnist put it very well and I have to agree with much of what he says. Though there is no defined conspiracy against Christmas there has been an unfortunate line drawn in the sand between our political parties and Christmas is caught in the crossfire. As some folks have been successful in making Christians out to be secularists and ignorant it has made many Christians stand up and take notice and some take action. Gap put out a Christmas ad for Old Navy today and the AFA called off the wolves.
I am not saying that everyone on one side of the aisle has a particular point of view either. But it is apparent that there are liberals out there that scream for tolerance and hate Christians.
"Here's a fun mind game just in time for the year's biggest shopping season: If Jesus were a clerk ringing up your purchase at The Gap, would he wish you "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays"? What would Jesus do?.."
Well Terriblitha, here is a fun mind game for you: DO YOU THINK JESUS WOULD APPROVE OF THE RETAIL MADNESS WHICH IS CHRISTMAS? DO YOU THINK HE WOULD BE YOUR CASHIER? WOW!
Sorry to "shout" but some of you are just plain simple minded. And I don't mean simple as in plain, either!
I find it ironic when people who say that people who are offended by Christmas (or any other thing not mainstream) should get over themselves then turn around and say they are offended by a sweet ad that tries to celebrate all paths. Who is being too sensitive?
I like the ad. I much prefer celebrating diversity over washing it out.
A little late to this discussion but there is an effort to keep Christ out of Christmas. It may not be with secret meetings, but from publics schools to public places, there is a concerted effort to minimize Christmas and the religious aspect. A menorah has to be displayed with a "Tree"- a tree isn't even a religious symbol; it should be a creche or manger.
As for the Old Navy commercial- how about Navy only sell to people celebrating solstics- please.
Take a look at American Express gift Cards- there's a Hanukka card with a manorah but only a holiday cards no Christmas card or Christmas religious symbols.
Why in America, where we be bend over backwards to embrace every culture & religion, we can't embrace the Christian celebration of Christmas.
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