Found myself in a conversation with the branch manager (white male pushing thru his late 60's) about holiday decorations. I just told him how I've been directed by corporate to keep the winter holiday decorations as non denominational and he nearly exploded. Starts saying how Christmas is the "American Way" and "nobody is going to take MY Christmas" and "this is MY BRANCH, I will decorate for CHRISTMAS" and so much more. I'm just flabbergasted, frustrated but not surprised.

funnylikehelpful
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Is your branch manager Michael Scott?

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funnylike

Apparently I am Michael Scott to my boss 🙄

funnylike

You just encountered a Karen in the wild. Don't get too close; they can bite or call the police for no logical reason.

likefunny

I'm not worried about anyone calling the police but I definitely have concerns about getting fired for no particular good reason.

like

I work in a dreary office, I don’t celebrate Christmas but one time of the year we get tinsel and more cheer.

I’m actually down for every holiday being celebrated no matter how niche if it brings more cheer to the office

Also what is a non denominational winter holiday decoration, you mean Christmas decorations without saying the C word? I guess it could be pagan if you have a tree.

likefunny

OA - so Christmas just beating around the holly bush?

funnylike

The things people blow up over... at work

likefunny

Switching the script: you are the antagonist office life worker trying to destroy a what could be the most wonderful Christmas for the protagonist in a hallmark movie.

Also, what happened to Halloween? Thanksgiving?

likefunny

Hilarious

Why is it important that it’s a white male in his 60s? What if you just told that story about your manager. In a bid to be inclusive to everybody, we have mainlined racism and ageism .

likefunny

CEO there are plenty of old white Jewish men who have put up with Christmas and no recognition of their own faith for the same reason.

There are plenty of people of color who think Christmas is specifically American. Age and race are not necessarily the issue here.

DEI is not about being non-denominational, which if anything is avoidance. It's about accepting multiple beliefs and backgrounds. The approach shouldn't be "Christmas is cancelled" but inclusive for other denominational decorations as well. The response from the manager is emotional and clearly shows that he feels his personal beliefs are being attacked and discarded. DEI includes the "pushing 60 white male Christian" as well.

likeuplifting

Well said.

Old white guys have had it their way their entire lives and are frightened by social progress. They dont know what it feels like to be marginalized etc. they will either figure it out or panic and be pissed the rest of their lives. Just ignore them.

like

Can’t think of any moment in history where a people who imposed stereotypes on others based on age/sex/origin ever emerged with a positive outcome. I don’t care if the stereotype is against a young black babies or an old white men. No one deserves to be painted using a broad brush

likesmart

I’m young and black and this man is based, of course AJ+ watcher wants to think he’s wrong

like

I'm not sure I understand what your trying to say. Could you please clarify?

like

What’s wrong with putting up Christmas and other denominations that celebrate the winter break? A Christmas tree, some dreidels, kawanza menorah, etc. I feel like in an effort to represent the “every person” by genericising everything we strip back all the actual material. Can we not celebrate it all instead of celebrating nothing?

like

Because not everyone celebrates a winter holiday or others who have a negative association with their winter holiday. I say the latter with a friend in mind whom has had difficulty with the holidays due to loss of a loved on on Christmas.
Point is that it's better to be generalized than offensive.

Huh? What is the point: celebrating a holiday or catering to specific people? If morale is improved by acknowledging Christmas-Hanukkah-Kwanza, then put up the wreath, menorah, etc. I’m sorry that some individuals have negative thoughts about a holiday, but it’s really about the office team. My son was killed in an accident right before Christmas several years ago- those who know about it are sympathetic, which is very kind of them, but I certainly don’t ask or want others to ignore their own joy and happiness during the holidays! Decorate and make it fun for everyone- even a display of holiday cards received by the office is nice.

helpful

Tell him because Hanukkah falls so close to Christmas this year we either decorate for both or we go with general winter theme.

There's like 15 holidays between Dec 1st & Jan 1st. "Winter" themed makes *sense*

Hmm. He's being too emotional. I can't believe people like him still exist. Lol

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