There was a woman on the news this morning who was making a huge stink about her company not allowing her to wear her cross outside of her uniform. She was saying that they were anti Christian.
Here is why this angered me:
- The dress code clearly states that ALL necklaces should be worn under the uniform
- She complained that her Muslim cohorts were allowed to wear thier headscarves even though "The Koran does not make the rule about them absolute"
- She just wants to show everyone that she is a Christian and is willing to take unpaid leave in protest.
Dress codes are no fun. But I accept the strict one at my job because I want to work there. I am proud to work there. If you don't like the dress code, don't call your company anti religion and expect them to change for you, go work for a company that allows you to wear your jewlery. I don't wear my religious symbols because I understand that my faith makes some people uncomfortable. I also get tired of answering questions. It's not like I run around in a big pointy hat. Many jobs don't allow you to wear jewelry at all. How many carpenters leave off thier wedding ring because they don't want it to get caught in a saw? does that mean they are not married at work?
After pondering the issue above for a bit what came to mind was this
Faith is in the heart, not in the jewelry.
People don't need to know that you are Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Wicca. Heck, I occationally wear my grandmother's cross just to feel close to her. If you want to be a good Christian, then follow the teaching of Jesus. I could be wrong, but I don't think he ever said "Go forth and wear a cross as a symbol of your love for me". I think what he said was, "No matter what, I am in your heart" or something like that.
If I were Chrisitan, I would cringe, just as I would rant if a fellow Wiccan made a stink like this. Not that they haven't.
Shouldn't it be enough that you know it's there? Can't you be faithful without carrying a sign?
In other news, I had a wonderful evening just staying home last night. I was able to finish my catalog so that I can have it printed today, and work on the Advent Calender that I am making for a craftster swap. I made dinner and put the dishes in the dishwasher away as soon as they were done. I have not cleaned my room, so I still can't stretch out fully on my bed for all the laundry on it, but, no one goes in there but me anyway.
5 comments:
I (sort of) feel the same way about people who wear (pick one: yellow, pink, purple, green, rainbow, puzzle, tie-dye) ribbons to awards ceremonies. It says "I care more than YOU do because I WEAR A RIBBON!"
Actually, I'm not sure it says that. But it sure SEEMS like it.
A dress code is a dress code. Period.
Great post. I am so with you on this one!
Work is for WORK, people.
I gotta say, I don't know if I agree with you on this. Do you have a link to the article? It kind of depends on the job, the context, etc.
Now... I'm all for dress codes in the schools, and I think everyone in my company should wear black ninja suits, but generally protesting the idea of personally-worn religious symbolism by saying it contradicts the feelings inside... I just don't know if I agree.
I always take these ideas and extend 'em. So, I would take your writing to say that people shouldn't wear expensive clothes (see how much money I have!), unnecessarily cheap clothes (see how frugal I am!), running shoes during the day (I'm an athlete!), etc., etc.
I dunno. It's 7am, so I probably shouldn't be saying anything at all.
But I've written too much to delete.
Heh.
Rich,
I do think people in really expensive name brand clothes are rediculous, but that is another post for another day.
What I was trying to get accross is that it isn't your jewelry that makes you Christian. And it chouldn't matter if other people can see it, should you choose to wear it, it should matter that you know it is there. a necklace does not make you a Christian, your faith in Christ does.
Chickie,
Work is for work...and blogging. hee hee.
nwjr,
I always feel a little less enthusiastic without my ribbon. But I always feel a bit overboard with it. That's why I attend all ceremonies nakid.
I couldn't agree with you more. It drives me crazy when people do shit like this, and the Pagan community is just as guilty as everyone else in the big picture.
Also, just for something to add to your rant, here is a copy of Exodus 20:4-6, also known as the second commandment: "You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth."
So technically speaking, using a cross as a symbol of your faith to the exreme that this woman is is idolatry.
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