Agreed. Like you say it's starts off as seemingly harmless and is probably done in good intention. But, it can easily get out of hand. Wishing Jews happy Yom Kippur is harmless enough, but you'll get those who are either antisemitic, anti Israel or pro Palestine up in arms. Then as well if you wish Jews a happy Yom Kippur, you'll have to wish muslins a happy Ramadan to be seen as being equal, opening up the same criticisms from anti muslims. The you'd have to do it for Sihks, Diwali for Hindus and so on and so on, or otherwise you're open to criticism for discrimination. But at the same time if you don't do it, you're open to criticism for not. It's a mess, really.
Looking at the comments on that Facebook there are supporters of Palestine and supporters of Israel. So , people putting their time and attention on political affairs , instead of their normal mutual connection and interest of talking and supporting the club. And guess what , look what I’m doing right now . Football and your club is sport for entertainment , not a platform for divisive issues.
I worked in France, for many years, with all kinds of nationalities and learned French 'on the hoof'. As you probably know there are two forms of 'you', basically being tu for people you know and vous for those you don't. I learned with mates so almost always used tu but explained why and showed everyone equal respect ... ... that's what always springs to mind with this kind of thing, just show people respect but don't make it fake or forced. I wouldn't wish anyone a Yom Kippur or Diwali when I don't really know what they are, I'd find it patronising tbh.
Di Canio was admired at West Ham, Sheff Wed, etc, but came to Sunderland and was declared a rabid fascist ... ... it really makes me uneasy when we get involved with anything that isn't football.
There were threads from a few years ago discussing this sort of thing, I think I was mostly trying to push back against these sorts of things at the time, I just see it as pointless now, I expect it to ramp up in the coming years with increasing political gusto. <insert profound statement about seeing the writing on the wall>.
The Geordie Dancer was embarrassing but at least he had some kind of talent ... ... these people just want attention on the flimsiest pretext
99% sure, a quick Google throws up messages from the club re Diwali and Ramadan for a start. We also obviously do all the Christian ones too (Christmas, Easter) as well as the hallmark holidays like mother’s and father’s days. It’s just about inclusivity and community for me.
I'd never noticed them tbh but I still don't like it. I'm sure the club respects everyone's right to practice their own faith despite not always agreeing with them. My issue is who you leave out and why ... ... if it's Moonies and Scientologists is that because the club are against them or that they don't believe they merit a message.
I think the club can take a common sense approach. No need to shun the majority through fear of the more obscure minority (within reason).
