We should respect each other’s traditions

Times Colonist
January 12, 2013

Re: “Politically correct has become passé,” Jan. 3.

I welcome with open arms anyone who comes to this country seeking a better life and the freedom to observe their cherished traditions without others telling them they can’t. My own relatives came here for these same reasons a couple of generations ago.

One of their cherished traditions was Christmas. Not “seasons” or “holidays.”

I have attended and enjoyed such wonderful cultural events as Vaisakhi and Diwali and felt honoured to be included by our new citizens in their traditions. I also honour and invite people of other backgrounds to be included in mine. I do not expect anyone to change any aspect of their traditions for me and would be horrified if anyone thought that was expected. Similarly, I do not expect anyone to pressure me to change mine. That would be oppressive — what so many people have fled their home countries to escape, and not what Canada is all about.

It would be nice now if we could all just enjoy our own traditions as well as those of others without anyone being further harangued. Remember, almost everyone here came from somewhere else for the express purpose of enjoying these same freedoms. We all deserve that respect.

Kathleen Worth

Victoria