The PC war on Christmas. How PR and the media play their parts.
By Aneela Rose

‘Winter lights’ might be a good blanket name for Christmas celebrations but being seen to downplay or cover up this annual festival that is of world-wide significance - both financially and culturally, undoubtedly flames the media’s interest.

Some local authorities are deleting Christmas from their greetings cards and street decorations, which reinforces the stereotypical views of the public sector and makes easy headlines for newspapers - political correctness gone mad; The Sun’s ‘Kick ‘em in the baubles’ and ‘Christmas is banned’ and ‘Now Christ is banned’ both appeared in The Daily Express and although they caused anger, these local authorities received unprecedented publicity as newspapers were sold in their thousands and the PC debate started up again. Working together, PR and the media prove their power once again.

Although the media is sometimes viewed as a nuisance, they are a necessity and influence opinion. In business, we all have the power to influence our customers, staff, prospects and suppliers, and that is why PR companies and the media exist. We are here to help you spread the word; whether you’re launching a new product, entering new markets, recruiting new staff or providing opinion on a topical subject.

The PC war on Christmas continues. I have Jewish, Hindu and Muslim friends who all celebrate Christmas and have all sung in choirs! Myself included! Why is it acceptable to openly reference the Hindu Diwali, the Muslim Eid or the Jewish Yom Kippur, but not the Christian Christmas? Political Correctness to this degree is not only negative, it’s insulting.

Poor communications and a lack of understanding of different cultural groups and faiths contribute to a divided society. I am stunned that references to Christmas in a country where 73% of the population is Christian, is allowed to be banned. Surely this fuels intolerance and ignorance. Religious leaders from minority faiths have consistently said they have no problem with Christmas. Muslims recognise Jesus and Jews have no problem with Christians celebrating Christmas. It seems that only local authorities have a problem and seem to be completely unaware of the irony of the situation.

The increased sensitivity towards words and labels seems to have gone too far, and as with many situations, much of this could be avoided if communications were improved. Who are the local authorities trying to protect anyway? Surely if the authorities implementing these ridiculous rules spoke directly to their communities and employees (who in fact represent the local population) they would better understand the state of affairs. It’s a controversial subject which PR companies and the media get caught up in each Christmas.

Over the years, I have met people from diverse backgrounds, faiths and cultures and I’ve never once encountered negativity towards references to Christmas. So where is the root of this festive evil? This article has sparked debate at Aneela Rose PR and at Johnston Newspapers where it is being printed. Strong opinions all around – what’s yours?

Political Correctness is nonsense and I’m baffled by it all. I am looking forward to buying my halal turkey from my local Muslim butcher and celebrating Christmas with all the trimmings with my Muslim family.

Merry Christmas everyone.

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