# So who the fuck is offended by Santa Claus? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [December 1, 2016, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-the-fuck-is-offended-by-santa-claus/773541 "2016-12-01T16:40:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2016, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-the-fuck-is-offended-by-santa-claus/773541/41 "2016-12-01T21:05:58Z")
> [@quimper](#): > > Really dude? :dubious: [Yes, really](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKl0MtN_lf4). ---
**Author:** ![Eonwe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eonwe/32/240_2.png) [@Eonwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eonwe)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2016, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-the-fuck-is-offended-by-santa-claus/773541/42 "2016-12-01T21:18:38Z")
> [@aldiboronti](#): > > Let the kids enjoy seeing Santa at Christmas in the schools, assholes. I guarantee no kids are going to run from the class screaming “I’m so offended!”. They exist only in your fevered imaginations. And if some stupid parent comes in complaining tell them to blow it out their ass. Santa isn’t Christian any more, live with it. I have talked to kids who have told me they felt invisible, ignored, and turned into outsiders when their schools turn into giant Christmas celebrations. Guess I should have told those kids to stop being such pussy assholes and stop ruining it for the rest of us? > [@Original Memo](#): > > You may still decorate your door or office if you like, but we ask that you be respectful and sensitive to the diverse perspectives and beliefs of our community and refrain from using religious-themed decorations or images like Santa Claus. IOW, “hey, think about the non-Christmas-celebrating kids in school and how they might feel as minorities in a mostly Christian nation before you decorate your room in Christian holiday imagery. That’s all. No rule, just be mindful.” Yep, this is something to get really angry about for sure. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2016, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-the-fuck-is-offended-by-santa-claus/773541/43 "2016-12-01T21:39:57Z")
> [@MikeF](#): > > Who is offended? I’ll tell you who is offended. First off, PETA. How in the world can we celebrate someone who treats reindeer in this way? Capturing, holding captive, training and forcing these innocent animals to work under such harsh conditions is unethical, inhumane and downright criminal. > > Second, the anti-immigrant crowd. This clown, dressed in red, is not a U.S. citizen. He doesn’t live in the U.S. but comes and goes just as he pleases. This is a slap in the face to our sovereignty. Sure, he’s leaving gifts now but you can bet the farm that, down the road, he is going to want services meant for REAL ‘mericans. > > Far right wingers – Santa is a secular being and Christmas is a goddamn religious holiday! This country was founded on Christian values. Saint Nicholas? Fine. Santa Claus? I don’t think so. Don’t forget - you can’t spell Christmas without G-O-D. > > Far left wingers – Santa is a religious figure and this country was founded on freedom of (and FROM!) religion. Having this Christian saint shoved down our throats every year is too much. While we’re at it, you can throw that stupid rabbit and his eggs in the stew pot. Sorry PETA. > > Anti-NAFTAers – Just look at all those jobs outsourced to the North Pole. With any luck he of orange skin and silly hair will bring these manufacturing jobs back to where they came from. If S.C. doesn’t want to play ball we should hit him with a 30% tariff. That’ll give him pause and I’m not talking about “up on the rooftop reindeer pause”. He’ll be “Ho, ho ho” –ing out the other side of his face. > > Climate change deniers – the next thing you know he’ll be complaining about melting ice and polar bears eating his elves. The best defense is a good offense so let’s get rid of him now. Besides, do you know how much oil could be under the North Pole? > > Feel free to add to the list. Feminists: And just WHY isn’t MS Claus ever included? Oh sure, she’s expected to spread ‘em whenever ol’ beardface gets excited over the elfettes, and she’s supposed to clean up after the little fuckers and wash the stripes out of Santa’s suit after he’s dragged his fat ass around the world, and just WHO gets to clean out the fucking stables after those antlered shit machines get done? Sure, goooood ol’ MS VAGINA CLAUS, THAT’S WHO! ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2016, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-the-fuck-is-offended-by-santa-claus/773541/44 "2016-12-01T23:31:33Z")
Ms Claus opts out because she’s Jewish. ---
**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2016, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-the-fuck-is-offended-by-santa-claus/773541/45 "2016-12-01T23:57:19Z")
Little People too. Just like in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, it is clear that they are enslaved. ---
**Author:** ![Trancephalic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trancephalic/32/380_2.png) [@Trancephalic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trancephalic)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2016, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-the-fuck-is-offended-by-santa-claus/773541/46 "2016-12-01T23:57:53Z")
As a child I’d’ve preferred not to associate Christmas with 12 years of compulsory prison time. ---
**Author:** ![watchwolf49](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e9c0ed/32.png) [@watchwolf49](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/watchwolf49)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2016, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-the-fuck-is-offended-by-santa-claus/773541/47 "2016-12-01T23:58:59Z")
Sounds like a whole lot of hot air from people who like telling others what to do … Oregon has this weird and freaky thing about having school districts run by … get this … “School Boards” … I told you it was weird … but wait wait wait … here’s the freaky part … the people on the “School Board” are _elected_ by the people who live in that school district … crazy shit I know … so they wind up with the actual _parents_ having a say on whether Satan Claws can be in your schools or not … can you imagine the disconnect from reality? You’d think with all that tax money you pay that’s sent to Hillsboro, all those health insurance premiums you send to care for Hillsboro residents, all the military spending _ **out of your pocket** _ to protect a bunch ungrateful anti-American _socialists_ … without giving you back the flying fuck you most certainly deserve … it’s a true disgrace I say … Those folks who celebrate diversity … damn … it’s like they’re shitting on the face of every White Man in the land … I could just cry … ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2016, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-the-fuck-is-offended-by-santa-claus/773541/48 "2016-12-02T00:08:21Z")
> [@quimper](#): > > Really dude? :dubious: You’ve never seen _A Christmas Story_, I take it. Most of us have a sense of humor and got the reference. ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2016, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-the-fuck-is-offended-by-santa-claus/773541/49 "2016-12-02T00:49:58Z")
Well, the Devil is sick and tired of getting all those cards from dyslexic kids. ---
**Author:** ![Musicat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/musicat/32/20189_2.png) [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2016, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-the-fuck-is-offended-by-santa-claus/773541/50 "2016-12-02T00:56:22Z")
> [@Gatopescado](#): > > An elephant? 😕 To [some religions,](http://www.kashgar.com.au/articles/ganesh) an elephant is as sacred as the baby Jesus. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2016, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-the-fuck-is-offended-by-santa-claus/773541/51 "2016-12-02T01:51:26Z")
> [@CatandMouse](#): > > I’m an atheist and I attend the Unitarian Church on occasion. We go by 7 principles, so there’s no need for all that God stuff. I also celebrate Christmas. I’d say our Christmas celebrations are secular because we are not celebrating the birth of Jesus, or anything having to do with religion. I’m a Christian, so I asked Jesus and he spit-taked his Guiness all over a couple of seraphim. “Santa? Religious? Pfffft!” I’d say that I celebrate Christmas as a completely secular holiday. Shopping for presents? Secular. Cleaning the house? Secular and tedious. Enjoying neighbors’ over-the-top decorations? Fun yet secular. Sappy music in the shops, starting in October? Satanic. I do take a break and celebrate Happy Birthday Baby Jesus for a few minutes the night before at midnight while sipping port. The same way I acknowledge the pilgrims for a few seconds at Thanksgiving. ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2016, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-the-fuck-is-offended-by-santa-claus/773541/52 "2016-12-02T01:57:49Z")
So Christ Mass and Saint Nicholas are not Christian? Do what offends me more than images of Santa? People telling me not to be offended by Santa. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2016, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-the-fuck-is-offended-by-santa-claus/773541/53 "2016-12-02T01:57:57Z")
I admit that I’m biased by the fact that I have really wonderful memories of childhood Christmases. At least some of it has to do with school because, after all, that’s where all the kids are, and that’s where, so to speak, the critical mass of events is – the decorations, the plays and concerts, the communal spirit and excited anticipation. Now I’m not sure exactly what the Oregon schools are saying because it seems to have changed with public opinion, but it sounds like bullshit to me for one simple reason. I’m as inclusive as anyone, but the idea of being “inclusive” is that you welcome others into your customs, not that you curtail your own customs to appease someone else. I have no problem with those of other traditions and religions bringing their own celebrations and traditions to school, and we might even learn from them and expand our understanding of other cultures. Inclusiveness is not about excluding and disdain, it’s the opposite. As I said, I’m about as liberally open-minded and inclusive as can be, but if anyone arrives here from someplace that disdains Christmas and want me or my kids to dial down our celebration of Christmas, they can just fuck right off. ---
**Author:** ![Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hilarity_n.suze/32/6223_2.png) [@Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hilarity_N.Suze)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2016, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-the-fuck-is-offended-by-santa-claus/773541/54 "2016-12-02T02:03:30Z")
> [@Musicat](#): > > To [some religions,](http://www.kashgar.com.au/articles/ganesh) an elephant is as sacred as the baby Jesus. Just any elephant? ---
**Author:** ![Trancephalic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trancephalic/32/380_2.png) [@Trancephalic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trancephalic)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2016, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-the-fuck-is-offended-by-santa-claus/773541/55 "2016-12-02T02:29:53Z")
> [@digs](#): > > The same way I acknowledge the pilgrims for a few seconds at Thanksgiving. Just the pilgrims? ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2016, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-the-fuck-is-offended-by-santa-claus/773541/56 "2016-12-02T02:47:13Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > I admit that I’m biased by the fact that I have really wonderful memories of childhood Christmases. At least some of it has to do with school because, after all, that’s where all the kids are, and that’s where, so to speak, the critical mass of events is – the decorations, the plays and concerts, the communal spirit and excited anticipation. > > Now I’m not sure exactly what the Oregon schools are saying because it seems to have changed with public opinion, but it sounds like bullshit to me for one simple reason. I’m as inclusive as anyone, but the idea of being “inclusive” is that you welcome others into your customs, not that you curtail your own customs to appease someone else. I have no problem with those of other traditions and religions bringing their own celebrations and traditions to school, and we might even learn from them and expand our understanding of other cultures. Inclusiveness is not about excluding and disdain, it’s the opposite. As I said, I’m about as liberally open-minded and inclusive as can be, but if anyone arrives here from someplace that disdains Christmas and want me or my kids to dial down our celebration of Christmas, they can just fuck right off. Is the situation in Canada different from the US? Is there a Canadian “establishment clause”-- which is what makes these things controversial in the US in the first place? ---
**Author:** ![octopus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/octopus/32/3716_2.png) [@octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octopus)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2016, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-the-fuck-is-offended-by-santa-claus/773541/57 "2016-12-02T02:52:58Z")
> [@watchwolf49](#): > > Sounds like a whole lot of hot air from people who like telling others what to do … > > Oregon has this weird and freaky thing about having school districts run by … get this … “School Boards” … I told you it was weird … but wait wait wait … here’s the freaky part … the people on the “School Board” are _elected_ by the people who live in that school district … crazy shit I know … so they wind up with the actual _parents_ having a say on whether Satan Claws can be in your schools or not … can you imagine the disconnect from reality? > > You’d think with all that tax money you pay that’s sent to Hillsboro, all those health insurance premiums you send to care for Hillsboro residents, all the military spending _ **out of your pocket** _ to protect a bunch ungrateful anti-American _socialists_ … without giving you back the flying fuck you most certainly deserve … it’s a true disgrace I say … > > Those folks who celebrate diversity … damn … it’s like they’re shitting on the face of every White Man in the land … I could just cry … The same Oregon that banned the phrase “brown bag” is being ridiculed again? ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2016, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-the-fuck-is-offended-by-santa-claus/773541/58 "2016-12-02T02:53:47Z")
One year in school, back in the '50s, we had to make Christmas decorations. Everyone was making Christmas trees, Santas, etc. Being the only Jewish kid, I made a menorah. When the other kids saw it, half of them started making menorahs. Of course the teacher made us tear them up. And my totally Jewish family had a Christmas tree every year, because our parents didn’t want us to feel left out. We received gifts for both Christmas and Hanukkah. One year, my father even dressed as Santa Claus. There was nothing at all religious about any of it. Now, as an adult, I’m a devout atheist who is married to another devout atheist who was raised Muslim. We have a Christmas tree and a menorah and exchange gifts. These have absolutely no religious significance, but are only because we enjoy Christmas trees, menorahs and gifts. Nothing related to the holiday season should be disallowed. It’s all just fun. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2016, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-the-fuck-is-offended-by-santa-claus/773541/59 "2016-12-02T03:10:00Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > Is the situation in Canada different from the US? Is there a Canadian “establishment clause”-- which is what makes these things controversial in the US in the first place? There is no explicit “establishment clause” in Canada, although there has always been freedom of religion and effectively the same principles as the First Amendment are now enshrined in the Constitution. But what I was talking about has never really been about religion. I don’t recall the school Christmas activities, either mine or my kids’, being in any particular way religious. It wasn’t so much about Jesus as about Santa and reindeer and traditional celebrations. I regard it as a cultural thing that’s deeply ingrained in both our nations and the western world more than a religious thing. > [@panache45](#): > > One year in school, back in the '50s, we had to make Christmas decorations. Everyone was making Christmas trees, Santas, etc. Being the only Jewish kid, I made a menorah. When the other kids saw it, half of them started making menorahs. Of course the teacher made us tear them up. > > And my totally Jewish family had a Christmas tree every year, because our parents didn’t want us to feel left out. We received gifts for both Christmas and Hanukkah. One year, my father even dressed as Santa Claus. There was nothing at all religious about any of it. > > Now, as an adult, I’m a devout atheist who is married to another devout atheist who was raised Muslim. We have a Christmas tree and a menorah and exchange gifts. These have absolutely no religious significance, but are only because we enjoy Christmas trees, menorahs and gifts. > > Nothing related to the holiday season should be disallowed. It’s all just fun. Yes, pretty much this. Although I would add that it’s more than just fun, as Christmas does tend to inspire a commendable empathy and generosity in many of us. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2016, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-the-fuck-is-offended-by-santa-claus/773541/60 "2016-12-02T03:43:21Z")
> [@panache45](#): > > Nothing related to the holiday season should be disallowed. It’s all just fun. Thank you. The crowds and the insipid carols can get me pretty cynical. But this was a good reminder. I’m going to ignore the people of Oregon (ok, just some of them…) and just see the unbridled _JOY_ in the tacky light displays and Charlie Brown’s Christmas and The Hannukah Song and Festivus and finding the perfect present and egg nog and Jeremy the elf/dentist. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-the-fuck-is-offended-by-santa-claus/773541.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-the-fuck-is-offended-by-santa-claus/773541.md?page=4)