I
like to think I've got a reasonable sense of humour, I don't take myself too
seriously, and always try to see the funny side of life.
But
- and you knew there was a but coming, didn't you? - I have to say I think some
recent Christmas marketing campaigns have been a little, let's say, ill-judged
and have left me distinctly unamused.
First
up, Greggs. Greggs' Advertising and
Marketing Department, what exactly were you thinking? How could you possibly consider that
substituting the Baby Jesus in the manger for an over-sized sausage roll would
be remotely acceptable, even in this mainly-Godless day and age?!
It's
in very poor taste - surely not a phrase you want associated with your food? And
don't even get me started on what would have happened had your inappropriate humour
been aimed at any other religion but Christianity!
Fortunately
there's no such thing as Church of England extremism, and I guess you're safe
in the knowledge that although a few folk will grumble, there will only be a
small minority of principled people who stop purchasing your pasties, pies and
pastries in protest.
Next
up Cadbury - who given their Quaker heritage really should know better.
The
dictionary definition of advent is "the time leading up to
Christmas", which as we all know, whether Christian or not, celebrates the
birth of Christ.
So
what is Cadvent, a word which appears on their TV adverts? What exactly are we waiting for, the arrival
of chocolate (don't answer that - there's far more to Christmas than large tins
of Roses and Quality Street!).
Yes,
I know they sell calendars with tiny pieces of chocolate behind the doors at
this time of year, but again, I don't think they should be hijacking the word
'advent' for their marketing campaign.
While
I appreciate that not everybody in this country is Christian, respect needs to
be shown to those that are. Christmas is
still an important religious festival for many; surely tolerance should apply
to all religions, including Christianity?
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