It never ceases to amaze me that the first thing people do in these situations is ban something. No better way to incite hatred than to insinuate that something has to go because others of a different persuasion don't like it.
Imagine what a different world we could live in if, instead of stopping something for fear (and this is the big problem in most of these situations, FEAR) of upsetting others, we actually spoke to each other and came to an agreement that was mutually beneficial. How good would that be?
A classic example of this in action is where my parents live. On one side they have people from Egypt and the other people from Lebanon. (This is in sunny Sydney) Anyway, my parents are from N. Ireland and have been brought up as protestants. Though to paraphrase my mother, she doesn't believe in that s@#t. However, at Christmas time she celebrates what I believe Christmas is all about, peace and goodwill (though she pretty much does this all year round just more so at Christmas). Anyway, her neighbours are religious and their religions celebrate Christmas on a different day. It may surprise you to know that on each of these people's "christmas's" they all celebrate part of the day together.
Why is this so hard? Why can't people be more tolerant of each others customs and beliefs? Instead of being insular and exclusive why not be broadminded and inclusive?
Does it matter what god we acknowledge?
Does it matter if we celebrate Easter with fluffy bunnies (or in my case Bilby's?)
I wonder what would happen if, instead of hiding away all the Easter tradition, we smiled at someone (no matter what creed they were) and offered them a gift of easter in the spirit that Easter is intended?
