I don't wanna "Have a Blessed Day" o.k. Lady?

[mopaul]

have you been assaulted with that little hammer lately, maybe at the checkout line, or in the elevator?

it may seem like a friendly, harmless platitude, but it's really an in your face insult. arrogant too.

[babylonsister]

1. Much more preferable than

'God' bless you, because that presumes everyone has a belief in God.
So I'll take 'bless you'. HAve a blessed day? Hasn't happened to me yet.

[jayctravis]

70. I've heard Wiccans say "blessed be".

It's the equivalent of "have a nice day" I guess.

It seems to be a popular saying among African-American churchgoers...I call people about appointments and hear it at the end of answering machine messages all the time.

[knight_of_the_star]

85. It's a common expression

It's not really aimed at any particular faith, just sort of goodwill in general.

[FreedomAngel82]

92. With me

I always just say "have a nice day." :shrug: Simple and easy.

[IdaBriggs]

2. Why?

Just respond back politely with the deity of your choice. For example,

"As the Goddess wills it, so mote it be."

- or -

"Only if my Satanic Demon Master allows it."

- or -

"In the name of the Mother, the Maiden, and the Crone, Amen."

- or -

"Lest Thor's Hammer smite my enemies down!"

- or -

"Praise all the Saints in Heaven!"

- or -

You could just be polite, and say "thank you." Really, its a nice thought when someone hopes the deity they worship wants to bless you.

:)

[alcibiades_mystery]

3. I was at the checkout at a supermarket the day before Easter

I noticed the checkout woman saying "Happy Easter!" to everyone who checked out. Huh, I thought. So, up comes my turn, and I'm pleasant, as is my wont, and I finish my purchase, and I'm ready to go. Here it comes. "Happy Easter!"

I look her dead in the eye and say, "Oh, I'm an atheist."

The woman is taken aback, but quickly recovers. She pats my arm and says "That's alright. Don't worry."

Arrogant? You betcha. "Is it still OK to be an atheist, then?" I say. "Well, that's a relief." She's not smiling anymore, it perhaps having dawned on her that I wasn't confessing a sin but lodging an implicit complaint. "Have a nice weekend," I say, and depart.

[Jara sang]

4. My response to fundies that say that to me:

"Fuck off!" Stops them dead in their tracks.:spray:

[Solly Mack]

5. I always think of "he blessed me out " when I hear "have a blessed day"

So I just smile and say "You, too!"

[Montauk6]

6. Nah, I'm in Manhattan (Blue Headquarters)

[im10ashus]

45. I'm in Manhattan too.

There used to be a lady who drove the crosstown bus at 86th Street. She always said that, "have a blessed day", to which I would just say "she already has". This only further confuses her, as I guess coming from a man, she wasn't expecting it.

[Stephanie]

55. I'm in Manhattan & there was a woman in Times Square subway station today

Screaming at the top of her lungs that we should all come to Jesus. She looked perfectly normal, well dressed, all by herself, but she felt compelled to set her purse down on the floor and stand in the middle of throngs of people trying to get to work and HARASS them just as loudly as she could.

[smirkymonkey]

105. Holy crap!

When you start hearing that kind of stuff in Manhattan, you know things are really getting fucked up.

Part of the reason I live here is because I thought I was safe from the madness of Christian Fundamentalists. :scared:

[Dorian Gray]

129. Have you ever BEEN to Times Square?

There is always preaching going on there! I've never been there when there hasn't been!

[Princess Turandot]

110. You see well dressed schizophrenics..they are not all bag ladies..nm

[Stephanie]

118. She was neither - she was just a zealot

But you don't usually see them all by themselves. Usually they have a crew.

[BiggJawn]

7. "Oh...I had one yesterday, can I just have an ORDINARY day today?"

My stock reply to the "Have a Nice Day" innanity of the late 70's....

[demnan]

8. Yep, I have felt mildly insulted by that little quip

especially from people who don't know me, so it's really fucking phony. (I have deeply religious friends who are earnest in praying for my benefit as well, I have no problem with someone praying for me - it can't hurt and who the hell knows, it might help.)

But the "Have a Blessed Day" crowd doesn't sincerely wish you a blessed day or indicate that the Christian before you really wishes to pray for you or wish you well, what it really says is, "I use the terminology of the born again church, therefore I am one of the good people, saved in God, and if you don't like it you are vastly inferior to me".

Some of my friends are well meaning and use these expressions innocently and they mean no harm, I just don't like them in the workplace from strangers. I also have a friend with an incessant need to wish me Moseltoff (not sure I spelled it right) which she has picked up from a recent immersion in Judaism, from her Synagogue. It is just about the same thing. Ok from a friend, but too ethnic a remark from a stranger in the workplace, where she doesn't use it.

[immoderate]

11. Mazel tov means good luck.

It is not religious.

--IMM

[Bridget Burke]

14. But it's "ethnic"--that was the complaint.

Everybody must be plain vanilla WASP to avoid giving offense...

[immoderate]

34. Gadzooks!

--IMM

[universalcitizen]

9. Offense is in the eye of the beholder;

This is the day you've created, how do you like it?

[wideopen]

17. Hmmm...

interesting food for thought, thanks.

[Dhalgren]

27. Praise Yahweh!

But isn't this day that He created? And some offenses are not "eye of the beholder" stuff. In a community, the days tend to be a creation of join effort, dontcha think?

[universalcitizen]

115. He and I are the joined effort, so yes He created the day. I see no

offenses because I believe His word, "All things work together for the good."

And the truth is you and I are joined in Him, but for those that don't know Him, aren't married to Him, think that they are separate from Him, call themselves atheists, then I let them create their own days filled with offenses when blessings are falling all around them.

But if there is comm-unity, then all share the manifold blessings of the joint effort, yes.

[Dhalgren]

120. I'm sure they appreciate you letting "them create their own day".

That's pretty big of you. Thanks for the info.

[Cash]

10. When I hear that...

I usually just say something like "Thanks, you too." I know they mean well by it and life's too short to let these types of things bother me. I've got more productive items on my list to do than to find things to get PO'd about.

[Dhalgren]

20. Yeah, it's just like in Nazi Germany

when someone leaving an elevator would say, "Heil Hitler." It didn't mean anything, it was just a way of saying "Bless you"...

[Cash]

22. Oh Really.

I've definately never heard that before.

[ClassWarrior]

25. Look at all the "Progressives" pre-judging a person they never met...

...and a situation they never witnessed. If it was freepers doing it, we all would be stumbling over one another to call them bigots.

Christianity equivalent with Nazism, Dhalgren??? Criminey. Why do you people let the Radical RW manipulate you into dividing us along religious lines??

NGU.

[Dhalgren]

30. "Criminey?" I like that!

Look, a stranger giving you the "Have a blessed day" line is not a blessing. The poor sap uttering this inanity may not be aware of it, but it is a "sign phrase". It isn't, "God bless you." It isn't, "Have a nice day." It is a terminology used to impart "condition" - of the speaker and of the recipient. It is very similar to the "Heil Hitler" of Nazi usage. The "Heiler" was making a statement about his/her "condition" and was awaiting the conditioned response of "community". Again, the speaker in question may not have been aware of this phraseology and it's source, she may have just been parroting what she has heard, but then that's why it is used...

[ClassWarrior]

31. I use it. And I know what it means to me.

Tell me, what is this mysterious "phraseology" and source you claim? I'd be interested to know what evil meme I'm "parroting."

And while you're at it, why don't you imply to us once or twice more that you're a Jew who doesn't appreciate Christians speaking to you.

NGU.

[Dhalgren]

32. Ok, so I am a Jew. Right.

I don't mind Christians talking to me, but they shouldn't feel required to impart their religious convictions to me. Christianity is a "feeding" religion. It is based upon the conversion of all non-believers - the "Good News" is to be spread, right? Missionary-ism is the big thing, right? It is just as Epicurus said - "Do unto others as you would have done unto you." I don't care about your religion. You believe it; that's fine. That's good. But, it scares the hell out of me, that people who profess this particular religion want to control everyone's life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. Now, you may say that all Christians aren't like that. O.k. So what? All Republicans aren't anti-choice - does that mean we can no longer say that Republicans are against choice? If Christians who disagree with the fundamentalists who are currently in control of the religion's image, want to change that image, they should do so. I do not hold anyone's religion against them - most of them can't help it. But I won't be forced to give lip-service to a respect that I don't feel. Believe what you want and I will to - see? If you don't respect or give credence to what I believe that's fine. No problem. It works both ways. Pat Robertson and the 700-Club SS are the ones who have pushed the "Blessed day" thing. When was the first time you heard it used?

[ClassWarrior]

38. In my church.

My mom used to say that when I was a kid. While Pat Robertson was only a minor league hater.

That post is filled with so many distortions and so much hatred, I don't even know where to start.

Have a blessed day.

NGU.

[Dhalgren]

40. And may Yahweh insure that all of your camels' dung

smell of lilies of the field! :hi:

[ClassWarrior]

41. The new Progressive hatred - smirky and snide.

NGU.

[Dhalgren]

57. I don't hate anyone...really.

There are people, things, beliefs, ideas that I hold very little respect for. There are people, things, beliefs, ideas that I oppose, intellectually, politically, and spiritually. But I don't hate them - I think, if you'll check, you were the one who used that word...

[ClassWarrior]

67. Then please don't pre-judge.

Remember - the enemy isn't a little old lady behind a cash register. The enemy is the blood-thirsty, power-mad, profit-hungry criminals trying to turn us against one another.

Peace.

NGU.

[Tansy_Gold]

72. I'll agree with Dhalgren on this one

The not-so-little-old ladies who stand behind the grocery store cash register and spew "Have a Blessed Day" while wearing their "WWJD" name badge lanyards are the foot soldiers in the rightwing army.

In most cases, if either a customer or a co-worker complained about the "religious" nature of the greeting, the complaint would be dismissed, pretty much as it has been here on DU.

If another cashier routinely wished her customers "mazel tov" or "goddess bless," and a customer complained, that cashier would be out on her ass.

Expressions of christianity and pseudo-christianity (In God We Trust, "one nation under God") are protected in this country in a way that other expressions of faith or the lack thereof are not.

Hence my sig line.

[ClassWarrior]

78. So two wrongs make a right?

NGU.

[knight_of_the_star]

86. Just to let you know

That expression is VERY similar to "Blessed be" and that one is a Wiccan expression that is fairly commonly used. That and I think if it was a fundie they would say something like, "God bless you," not something that can be confused with an expression that is not uncommon to hear in some parts of the pagan community.

[ClassWarrior]

94. In the Jewish tradition, "Blessed be He" is used in deference to God.

NGU.

[CarefullyLiberal]

121. Reply

That has to be one of the most ridiculous analogies I have ever read on the Democratic Underground.

"Have a blessed day" = Heil Hitler

[Dhalgren]

131. Well, you haven't been here long.

Does anyone who says, "Have a blessed day", do so without really thinking of what it is that they are saying? Did anyone in Germany ever say, "Heil Hitler" without really thinking about what it was that they were saying? There is your analogy. Does anyone ever say, "Have a blessed day" not for the blessing bestowed upon another, but because of what it says about themselves? Did anyone in Germany ever say, "Heil Hitler" not because they were showing subservience to Hitler, but because of what it said about themselves? There is your analogy. Neither of those are "ridiculous" by any standards. Often things seem to be ridiculous, when in actuality they are simply not understood. And, please, I want to make clear, I don't hate you or anything that you may believe. :hi:

[CarefullyLiberal]

134. I don't hate you either, Dhalgren

Nothing but love and kisses from me!!

I understand your premise, perhaps your choice of phases you choose were not good ones.

Can we leave it at that?

Take care,

-Fergus

[Dhalgren]

136. Sure. No problem.

I think if two fighters on the same side can't have a friendly tussle once in awhile it just is no fun! I can absolutely disagree with you on any number of issues and still hold you to be a fine, upstanding person.

Peace... :toast:

[CarefullyLiberal]

150. To continue our heterosexual lovefest for a few more moments....

While I disagree with you, I admire and respect how you have defended your thoughts in this thread.

Keep up the fight!!

:toast:

[quiet.american]

140. Amen. n/t

[ClassWarrior]

12. Or it could be sincere.

I didn't think Progressives painted things with such a broad brush.

NGU.

[liberalpress]

93. Don't think of this as a thread hijacker...

... think of it as a momentary digression.

I've noticed a (you-should-pardon-the-expression) "liberal use" of the broad brush lately. Thank you for pointing that out. Someone once pointed out to me that the right winng was very effective in getting their message across, and we shoukd adopt their strategy for spreading ours.

That's a philosophy that looks good on the surface, but has one fatal flaw.

We are not them.

By using their tactics we become them.

Then they win.

[ClassWarrior]

102. I agree... depending on how you define strategies and tactics.

I think we'd be smart adopt ALL the ideology-neutral strategies and tactics of the Radical RW, things like framing and media blasting and such.

But broad-brushing people (that is, bigotry) isn't so much a tactic as, to use your phrase, a philosophy. Or to use Lakoff's phrase, a part of their value system. And one that's directly opposed to our value system.

When deciding which strategies and tactics we do adopt, we simply need to use our own values as a guide to decide which are legit.

Thanks for the digression.

Never Give Up.

[Dhalgren]

13. What the person telling you this is actually saying is,

"I will ask the Creator of the Universe, the omni-omni God of all existence, to bless you this day!" (If it is Christian "blessing" you). This is pretty serious stuff! I always want to say, "Oh, hey, if you have that kind of "in" with Yahweh please don't mention me, ok? I mean, look at what all has happened to the Jews ever since He chose them for His personal, permanent "blessing". So, please, just leave me out of it. Thanks." Geese, I mean you try to fly under the radar, all these years, and then some do-gooder outs you and fingers you to da man...er...da god! Thanks, but no thanks...

[mopaul]

19. this is actually an identification system, like Gaydar

it's a way of finding out who is and isn't a born again in the community, and isolating them, catagorizing them, and treating them accordingly.

if you are one of them, you'll hear that blessed buzz word and join in the cultism. if you arent', you won't respond at all, or if you're like me, an asshole, you'll say something nasty and rude.

[ClassWarrior]

68. So you're saying bigotry against gays is okay, too?

NGU.

[Zenlitened]

132. Your reading comprehension score is plummeting.

:D

[MXMLLN]

98. Actually, ... they don't have time for all that ...

... there are other customers behind you.

Just wishing you a 'nice' day is all.

[MXMLLN]

97. Whoops ... they're not going to pray for you ...

... after you, ... it's on to the next customer.

They're just wishing you a 'nice' day.

[Flying Dream Blues]

138. That reminds me of the old bumper sticker

"Jesus is coming. Look busy."

[Clark2008]

15. In the South, it's just a saying, like "Have a Nice Day."

Seriously, I don't think people are meaning to be "in your face" or "arrogant."

There is so much more to worry about than this. It's not meant to be an insult to non-Christians, seriously. It's a colloquialism.

[fasttense]

21. You're in the South so tell me if you also

get "We appreciate you"? I actually like that one and was wondering if it's an East TN thing or a Southern expression. But anyway I like being appreciated.

[Clark2008]

79. I think it's just Southern

We say it here in East TN, too, naturally.
Of course, it comes out more like, "We appreciatcha!"

:)

[Individualist]

83. I had never heard the expression

before I started using it in the early 80's. I worked in a hospital administrative office (Tri-Cities) and frequently needed information/input from employees in various areas of the hospital. Thank you has been overused so much that I felt it had become just another meaningless phrase. I wanted to express my appreciation to employees who were so helpful, so started saying I appreciate you (actually I appreciatecha as clark2008 noted). It wasn't long before I started hearing others around the hospital using it, and each time I heard it, I'd smile. The expression does say more than a simple thank you.

[DARE to HOPE]

16. There is not enough love and blessing in this world--

Take it in the spirit it is intended.

[fasttense]

18. You know, I have this face that

shows absolutely everything I'm thinking. I've tried to be more stoic but for some reason my facial expressions always give me away. So that said, you should see the hesitant looks and half finished "have a blessed..." sentences I get. They start to say it than look me in the eye and never finish. I'm in the middle of a red state, in the bible belt, so I get it a lot. I wonder what I look like? It mustn't be pleasant.

[sinkingfeeling]

50. Me too!! I just start to glare or something when I hear stuff like that

coming and people stop speaking! Oh what power we have!!

[MXMLLN]

100. Not pleasant ? ... maybe a little scary ? n/t

[Walt Starr]

23. Simple response to those with that crap.

Go to hell.

Or how about, I'll have whatever kind of DAMNED day I want to!"

[eridani]

117. Reminds me of those 70s buttons and bumperstickers

Don't tell ME what kind of a day to have!

[Ripley]

24. The woman at the pharmacy used to say that.

Often with another line about how she hoped God would be with me today, or blah blah blah.

I would usually just answer "have a nice day" or just nod my head and leave. She always looked a little wary that I didn't respond the way she wanted me to. A "you too" or whatever. Then I noticed she didn't work the drive-through window for awhile - another person did who just said "thanks" etc.

The other day "blessed" woman was back. So, I'm waiting for her to say it and she stumbled over her words "thank you mam, and um, er." Pause. "You enjoy your afternoon now." It seems someone complained or something.

It didn't really insult me, but I did find it very unprofessional.

Now the coffee cafe guy - he lost my business. I used to go regularly to this place - then after a few months he added a big screen TV and blared Faux News. I cringed but kept going. Then he put up all these religious signs. Then one day I had to wait for him to finish talking to another customer about how "he always thought Catholics were weird because they seemed to worship Mary"... never went back.

Religion should not be forced upon people doing business in a public place that is not advertised as being of a religious nature.

[htuttle]

26. Respond with "Blessed Be"

Maybe they won't get it, but you will. And sometimes that's enough.

[gollygee]

36. or "May the goddess bless you too"

:D

[Just Me]

28. I just say, "thanks, backatcha'".

:shrug: I suppose I'd rather presume they mean well than that they mean ill. Either way, I have bigger issues to confront.

[sendero]

29. Now mopaul...

... you need to chill out :)

I love your rants and generally agree with them. But so what if the little old lady is sending you a coded message?

I'd just reply "Bless your heart" which is a coded message of its own :)

[Clark2008]

80. "Bless your heart"

Said with the proper entonement in the South is stronger than "Fuck you" in terms of put-downs. :hi:

[fishwax]

89. that phrase is almost as versatile as the f word

depending on intonation and context. I like it as a synonym for fuck you.

I suppose sometimes it may be sincere, but I hear it more commonly as something akin to "your suffering is interesting and all, but I'm going to interrupt and cut you off because I'd much rather talk about what I'm going through."

As in:

JILL: So my brother had his first chemo treatment today ...
JANE: Bless his heart ... did I tell you I stubbed my toe today? Oy Vey! You should see the bruise ...

[liberalpress]

95. Ain't that the truth!

My wife and I always look at each other when King George comes on the TV and in unison belt out a big ol' "Bless his heart!"

[dweller]

33. i just smile

put my forefinger and thumb together (like the OK signal) in front of my face and respond kindly with a choice chinese phrase.

"ahh, ni bu dongxi"

let 'em figure it out.

dp

[KitSileya]

157. Now you made me curious!

Does that mean anything, or have you just made it up?

[SouthernDem2004]

35. Maybe its time for a vacation? Relax a little...

[Connie_Corleone]

37. Why don't we just not say anything to each other.

That way, people won't be offended by what's coming out of our mouths.

Or maybe we'll get offended because we aren't speaking to each other??

[ClassWarrior]

42. LOL

Thank you.

NGU.

[Cash]

46. Exactly!

Also all products ever made are symbols of oppression. Therefore, we should buy nothing and live in caves and eat plants even though they don't like to be eaten and, like you stated, not talk to each other because all oppression begins when two people communicate. We will then be pure and world peace will arrive.

Long live the revolution! Long live ideological purity. Long live those who refuse to sell out. We shall inherit the dirt of the earth and revert back to apes.

Oh, excuse me, "revert" is a politically incorrect term, an example of specie-ism gone amok. Hopefully, the apes will eat us and put an end to the human race which has done nothing but cause trouble.

Long live mass suicide! Long live the absolutely unfettered and pure progressivism that recognizes that life itself is an act of oppression since no creature can survive without eating another and freedom will not reign until the earth is a cold lifeless rock floating aimlessly through space.

[Flying Dream Blues]

139. LOL!! I swear, it can wear you out trying to be PC at times...

[youthere]

73. Good idea...

or what if, before we speak to another human, being we should fill out and exchange a "faith preference inventory". Then we will automatically know the appropriate greeting or farewell to give to a complete stranger. That ought to work.

[Flying Dream Blues]

141. YES!! It could be on our

Big Brother "customer cards" at the supermarket! Then in addition to reading me my name off the receipt as they thank me (which I cringe at), they can give me my "faith inventory" pre-printed "day blessing." It's so f***ing simple, I can't believe they haven't already thought of it. "Goddess be with you, Mrs. Pigwimple"...etc.

[Bouncy Ball]

39. mopaul! Some links for you!

http://christianretail.blogspot.com/2004/09/have-blessed-day.html

This guy works in a Christian bookstore and writes about his experiences on this blog. Quite interesting.

http://www.hoyweb.com/dh/blessed.htm <---article about woman ordered to stop saying it at work, don't know how true it is, though.

http://www.eeonews.com/news/religious/havea.html <---I think this is a follow-up to that case. She lost her case in court, because the judge found that saying "have a blessed day" is not a requirement of Christianity. And apparently she was saying it a LOT.

[Terran]

43. Calm down man.

I suppose some people may mean it arrogantly, but I don't see why another person's religious convictions have to bug you so much when they simply offer it as a small beneficence to you. I really think that most people who take the trouble to say such things really believe it sincerely.

What pisses ME off is when you ask someone how they are, and they respond, "I'm blessed." Now THAT'S an insult. "I'm blessed...and you're not."

[Fescue4u]

44. Yea I hate friendly people. I prefer them mean and sullen

???

[SheepyMcSheepster]

47. it gets on my nerves, but i don't judge people by it

it's just another silly thing people say.

[Catherine Vincent]

48. Just this morning, one of our security guards at work

told me that. I smiled and said "Thanks". It doesn't bother me though, as long as we aren't forced to repeat it back.

[Beetwasher]

49. And May YOU Have A Godless Day!

That's the only proper response. Watch their heads explode.

[mopaul]

52. maybe i just wanna have a shitty, unblessed, cranky day

maybe i have a right to say have a lousy day too. i'm an old crank and i have rights.

[TXlib]

51. Does a day go by that you're not angry at SOMETHING?

Geez Louise.

I am as atheist as they come, but come off it already!

Nobody's oppressing you if they say "Have a blessed day", or "God bless you." Don't try to dig for any possible negative hidden meaning; just ASSUME the person is wishing you well, smile, say thank you and go on with your day. Don't seethe and obsess so much that you have to post an angry screed about it hours or days later.

Relax. Have a beer. Or three.

[mopaul]

53. i'm cranky o.k.?

is that so wrong?

[TXlib]

58. Do you enjoy the stomach acid churning every day?

Just relax. Not everything is political.

Enjoy the nice weather. Invite your neighbors over for a barbeque. Get to know them.

I went through a "Hate Republicans" phase a couple of years ago. But i realised there was another reason i had so much anger, and repubs were just a convenient target. I addressed the real reason for my rage. Now, I still don't like republican politicians much, but i don't understand the need to vilify all republicans.

I have friends who vote R who are ALMOST identical to me in their views -- differing ONLY in the priority of the issues.

Just chill. You'll be happier, and live longer.

[mopaul]

60. thanks for the friendly advice, and have a blessed day

[TXlib]

65. LOL!

At least you still have your sense of humor.

[northzax]

54. you know what really pisses me off?

the other day, I was on the Metro and I sneezed. This woman I don't even know had the temerity to say "Bless you" and I turned to her and said, "look, lady, I maybe I want the pagan spirits to enter my body in the time after my sneeze and turn me into a debauched personm obsessed with evil, violence and sex. If I didn't want that, I wouldn't have sneezed in the first place, so get your fucking God out of my body!"

turns out it was a Polish tourist, and those were the only words she knew in English. But I made my point, damnit.

[Catherine Vincent]

59. Now that was mean.

Did you really tell her that? LOL! Poor lady, now she'll never tell a stranger "Bless you" anymore because of what you said.

[TXlib]

61. Thanks for being a goodwill ambassador for the US.

Why?

Why be so frackin' miserable?

Have you considered counseling?

[northzax]

69. the very fact you used "frack"

disqualifies you from commenting on my post. See Secret Internet Rule 4.56.00.34 Section F "any use of pseudo-swear words coined to allow mediocre early-80's Science Fiction television shows to seem cutting edge shall disqualify the user from moral commentary on another user, especially when the user is unable to use contextual clues to determine the presence of satirical commentary in the original post."

Sorry, but them's the rules, if you didn't read them, it's your own damn fault :)

[TXlib]

74. OK, why can't you apply that sense of humor

to other situations, like when some woman on the metro says "Bless you"?

[northzax]

75. ok, I guess I'm not getting through here

I MADE THE THING UP to demonstrate to Mopaul how silly the issue was. it was http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=satire">satire! it never happened! I'm way to engrossed in my iPod to listen to anyone else on the Metro!

plus, I thought the reference to why people say "god bless you" after sneezing to be quite relevant, no? always worth reminding people of the pagan rituals their sacred behaviour is based on.

We drinkin decaf this morning Tex? :donut:

[TXlib]

76. Oh, whew!

OK, thanks!

There's just so much bitterness in this thread I honestly didn't see it for satire.

Thanks for clearing it up.

Duh, I went back and read your reply, and realised I should have read it the whole way through the first time. You SAID it was satire.

[northzax]

81. no problem, I'm a little punch-drunk from finals

didn't know if I was being to subtle, it's just astonishing that anyone could get so worked up about someone saying something nice to them. It reminds me of telling a teacher in High School "well I don't want to have a nice day, damnit" (I was 15, after all) his response "tough shit, it was a platitude."


Happy thursday!

[AngryOldDem]

108. Exactly

I suppose some people would rather hear "go f--- yourself"?

Accept it for what it is and just move on. No need to have a hemmorhage over it. Sometimes it's nice to hear a bit of civility, genuinely intended or not.

[loudestchick]

91. ROTFLMAO!!

:spray: :rofl: :spray:

[Touchdown]

114. It's a late 70s mediocre Sci-fi show.

...which disqualifies you from referencing it in any form on the internet. Rule number THX-1138.:P

[northzax]

127. touche.

but I was in the UK, so it aired in 1980.

damn imperialist yankee!

[Dhalgren]

104. Whoa, there, fella!

Are you saying that "pagan spirits" will turn someone "into a debauched personm (sic) obsessed with evil, violence and sex"? Because that is serious insensitivity to the Pagan faith. We should all be so blessed to have Pagan spirits join us in a physical union. Talk about being "blessed"!

[northzax]

128. dude, didn't you see Dragnet?

PAGAN? hmm?

[sinkingfeeling]

56. Just reply, "May the Force be with you"!

[Hugin]

63. I like that one!

Although, I'd be likely to say, "May the Farce be with you!"

[SidDithers]

84. "May the Schwartz be with you" works too! nt

Sid

[G_j]

64. perfect!!! n/t

[mondo joe]

62. Tell her "Have a rational day, for a change".

[RPM]

153. I'll try that one in the future

thanks!

[ChickMagic]

66. It kind of bugs me too

I don't know how to respond. I usually just say, "Okay. Have a good one." It doesn't offend me. However, I stopped in a shop last weekend I haven't been to in a while. When I checked out, the lady pushed a pamphlet in my bag and said, "God bless you - here's the word of the lord to take with you." That was beyond the pale. I must have looked like a deer in headlights and she got a really confused look on her face. I just turned and walked out.

[Norquist Nemesis]

71. Just say, "I sure hope so! I'm a Liberal!" OR

"I don't doubt it for a moment! I'm a Liberal!"

:evilgrin:

[lectrobyte]

77. Yeah, I hate that one too, but I usually don't do anything about it

but it does seem a bit hypocritical, unless I am misinterpreting the about-to-explode-Church-Lady look they are giving my partner, my t-shirt, my bumper sticker, my tats, etc. etc. So, in the spirit of Ghandi, or Leary (Tim, not Dennis), I try to smile my biggest Suthren-boy smile and wish them a frop-tastic day or some other off-the-wallism.

[txaslftist]

82. Hmmmmph. Inn't that special. I suppose this thread was ...

inspired by... hmmmm ... Satan?

[northzax]

88. well, it is the 616th thread

since some other random thread, so I guess so!

[Cleita]

87. Yeah, like when I say something outrageous, like "Bush is

a Nazi", I always get "I'll pray for you".

My thoughts are that these *bots need to save their prayers for themselves. They are going to need them if this idiot isn't put on trial sooner and not later.

[JNelson6563]

90. Have a Democratic day!

And remember, Jesus was the first liberal! ;-)

Julie

[donsu]

96. depending on my mood I say either:

what is a blessed day?

or

I'm not religious

[JHB]

99. Depends on my mood and their attitude

If it's just their way, who cares, let'em have it.

If it's a fundy being pushy, there's always "Gesundheit!"

Or for something fishier, "Cthulhu ftaghn!"

[AngryOldDem]

101. I hear it all the time

From the homeless population I work with.

It kinda puts things in perspective for me.

[nini]

103. It should not be allowed in a place of business

I've had people say this to me after checking out of a store and think it is way out of line.

I would NEVER say that or anything similar to someone I did not know and especially at work.

[Mrs_Beastman]

106. I work at at bank

Talk to 150 people a day. An yes, the ones that bless me creep me out. Even after two years of blessings. Usually, they only bless me if I reverse a fee. If I don't reverse the fee, then I'm every name in the book..which is easier to take, actually!

[StepfordWife]

107. I'm in the South and I hear it all the time

I never used to hear it at home, so it stuck out quite a bit when I first moved down here. I usually just respond with "Thanks," or something to that effect. I don't necessarily find it insulting. I just prefer "Have a good day."

Even worse, though, is when people in elevators/checkout lines/restaurants say "God bless." How is one supposed to respond to that?

[info being]

109. Tell her to "embrace the process of evolution today"

[chieftain]

111. Amen( So to speak)

It gripes me when someone says it to me. Why do these people think that they are so holy that they have the standing to offer a blessing? Holy roller piety is truly obnoxious.

[many a good man]

112. Its all about civility and inclusiveness

In a diverse society we have to use neutral language to avoid offending others or making them feel excluded. There are plenty of customary greetings and other sayings that don't exclude people because they are part of a different group.

I grew up in a place that was all white and all Xtn. You said "merry Christmas" or "Happy Easter" or "God Bless you" because that's what everybody said and everybody believed. You didn't even think about it. Then I moved away and worked some place with a lot of Jewish people. It was hard at first to stop myself from saying things like Christmas and Easter. But I did because I knew it would make them feel uncomfortable.

Its rude to make people feel uncomfortable. Why are there so many rude people nowadays?

[okieinpain]

113. oh no it's not (well I guess it depends on the person) when I say

it I really mean you well and I'm not trying to get you all hot and wet for the lord.

[mopaul]

116. yeah but what if you're having a shitty day?

let's say you are having a shitty day and the checkout lady says have a blessed day? i WISH i was having a blessed day, so don't remind me. glad your day is so blessed lady, mine ain't

[RPM]

119. I reply with "See you in hell"

it worked great with the fundies passing out pamphlets in teh sqaure the other day - he was flabbergasted.

[Flying Dream Blues]

142. hahahahahahaha n/t

[notadmblnd]

122. The first time I heard that phrase

it was from a Realtor who my husband referred to as "snake eyes". My husband didn't like the guy, said he was sneaky and evil. Ever since then the phrase brings negative images in my mind. Whatever, is usually my reply to the people who use it.

[earth mom]

123. I don't think you're cranky at all!

Wow, can't believe some of the replies to this thread telling you to chill. I'm with you on this one mopaul. This preaching that is going on in this country is WAY out of hand and you have every right to feel intruded upon! If the shoe were on the other foot and these wacked out people were getting an earful themselves-that they didn't agree with-their reaction to it wouldn't be pretty! :grr:

[mopaul]

124. "HAVE A SECULAR DAY"

they wouldn't like that would they, huh? no, i didn't think so, nyaaah.

besides setting off my scrooge mode, it's another example of 'in your face-ism' and as other posters here have pointed out, is akin to 'fuck you if your not a born again christian'

[earth mom]

130. Exactly

I just don't get how some people here on DU don't get how obnoxious it is and keep defending it...it's like they refuse to hear the truth....

What's the saying? If you're not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.

[Dorian Gray]

125. Being in New York

that's not something that I get often. It's happened once or twice, on the telephone, when I've called certain agencies. I just say thank you. It's easier than getting all riled up.

Of course, I'm somewhat religious so it doesn't offend me. It also doesn't offend me when someone says "God Bless you" when I sneeze.

[mopaul]

126. 'god bless you' goes back hundreds of years

but 'have a blessed day' is a new one thought up by some right wing religious types, and it took off like 'where's the beef'.

this phrase seems to be the property of a certain, vocal group, who see dobson falwell and robertson as shining examples of christianity.

[heidiho]

133. I have said "It's hard to have a blessed day in George Bush's America."

That sure does seem to offend them!

[barb162]

135. I have heard it once or twice and I am not wild about it.

(But then again they mean well so it's hard to say something like "have a wicked day")

[geniph]

137. I think the proper response is, "Well, bless your heart!"

in the true Southern sense of that phrase, of course. ;-)

[King Coal]

143. Hey Mopaul, have a dagnabbed blessed day!

Is it okay if you put a "dagnabbed" in front of it?
:smoke:

[mopaul]

154. well i just ding dang will then, dernit

[Fescue4u]

144. I agree. THANK YOU for that BLESSED post

Bless you mopaul.

[Jack_DeLeon]

145. Geez some of you fuckers are wound up tight...

have a nice day, got to go to work now. :P

[quiet.american]

146. Okay, so maybe it is pretentious

That's how the comment generally strikes me, the same as the co-worker who has a huge "I LOVE JESUS" bumpersticker taped to her cubicle wall. I just feel one should quietly worship, if one is so inclined, without "distorting one's face in public" to paraphrase Emmanuel, but that's how I feel about it and what I feel isn't necessarily THE TRUTH.

But, I appreciate the many ways different faiths and cultures have of "blessing" people -- I may not be a Hindu, but I don't get upset if a Hindu invokes Krishna on my behalf, I'm not a Muslim, and I don't get upset if a Muslim shares that he'll pray to Allah for me, and I'm not Jewish, but I can appreciate Shalom.

I take it on a case-by-case basis. Some people are attempting to blindly force-feed their beliefs to the public at large (aka wild-eyed fundies) and they're reprehensible. But some people are just trying to be good souls in wishing people well and I understand that, too.

[Merope215]

147. I think it's kind of jarring too

I don't mind "God bless you" or "Merry Christmas" or whatever (possibly because I'm Catholic, even if only marginally) but "Have a blessed day" does kind of get on my nerves. Most expressions of religious goodwill I take as just that - expressions of goodwill - but "Have a blessed day" is a little too code-word for me, I guess.

In some areas, though, that kind of thing is sort of an accepted deal. My father used to be in the Air Force, and he and my mom were living in Arkansas for a while; both of them grew up in New York in a heavily Catholic area, where it's not really considered socially appropriate to talk about your religion even when you know that all your neighbors believe the same things you do. Anyway, when they moved in, the next-door neighbor came over and said to my father, "Hi, I'm from next door. What church do you go to?"

My dad was flabbergasted. He said, "We're non-practicing Druids." The guy next door never spoke to either of them again. :shrug:

[AnotherMother4Peace]

148. Mopaul, lighten up - just 'cause the religious right hijacked

Christianity, doesn't mean all people of faith are diabolical. That group of Native Americans who camped next to us last year gave us some wonderful blessings, and I accepted them gratefully. Rell Sun, that wonderful Hawaiian female surfer, had a wonderful belief in her ancestors as protectors. And the thing I miss the most about my mother is that she was always praying for me.

And I'm glad someone dug this thread up, 'cause I didn't have time to respond to it the other day.

[Hubert Flottz]

149. What the GOPers really mean to say is:

"Bend Over Please and Let Me Bless You!"

[6000eliot]

151. The word "goodbye"

is a contraction meaning "god be with ye." So I don't know what the alternative is.

[Swamp Rat]

152. Praise Satan!

May his seed bear fruit in the loins of your daughters! :D

[mopaul]

155. speaking for myself mo, i think your headline is hilarious

thanks, i was hoping SOMEONE would see the obvious humor of it.

[Piperay]

156. Yeah

WHATEVER...tell them that in a cynical tone of voice. :evilgrin: