We’re perplexed by a boycott of Target Corp. organized by two Christian groups that are angry with the retailer for forcing its employees to wish customers “Happy holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas.”
Especially because it isn’t true.
“We’re puzzled by it as well,” said Target spokeswoman Lena Michaud.
“We don’t have any policy that says our team members can’t say ‘Merry Christmas.’ We incorporate a wide variety of holidays into our holiday marketing and messaging. … We try to meet the needs of our guests and help them celebrate holidays in traditions that are important to them.”
That’s a pragmatic approach, especially given that between 15 and 20 percent of the U.S. population are adherents of other faiths, or follow no religion.
The American Family Association and the Campaign for Children and Families have assailed Target’s use of the term “holiday” in advertising as evidence of some sinister anti-Christian plot. The association also has complained about seasonal phrasings supposedly used by Kmart, Sears, Wal-Mart, Lowe’s and Walgreens – both in advertising and in store displays.
From our perspective, it’s sensible in a diverse society for retailers to recognize all the celebrations of the season (yes, Christmas included). It’s a welcome spiritual approach for all of us.
