In the classic festive film Miracle on 34th Street, character Kris Kringle declares that “Christmas isn’t just a day, it’s a state of mind”. If this is true, then it would appear that, for many in the UK, the current state of mind seems to be one that is laden with xenophobic tones.
Tesco recently released its Christmas advert showing families up and down the land coming together for Christmas. However, rather than taking inspiration from the supermarket giant’s “Everyone’s welcome” slogan, some viewers took it upon themselves to voraciously complain about a scene which shows a Muslim get-together on Christmas day.
Twitter was aflame with a range of accusations, including anger at the removal of references to Christianity from the Christmas advert – despite no other major retailer taking a religious tone in their promotions.
Tesco has defended its position and stressed that the advert focuses on families coming together. However as some have pointed out, while the supermarket promotes an inclusive ethos, it doesn’t stock Halal turkeysfor those who might fancy a traditional dinner.
Festive spirit
We are about to enter that time of year when false accusations and fake stories are circulated – nativities being banned, no Christmas carols allowed in schools, the word Christmas being replaced by “holiday” – all allegedly because Muslims will be offended. This is not remotely true, and despite Muslims and Muslim groups repeatedly stating that far from being offended, Christmas is an enjoyable time for them, it does nothing to stop the rumours’ annual perpetuation.
Those that object to the inclusion of Muslims in Christmas campaigns and celebrations are likely the same Islamophobic people who accuse Muslims of not integrating – but at the slightest indication that Muslims are integrated (as so many are), start to object at Muslims “taking over”.
There is something about Christmas that brings out the Muslim hatred in some people. When popular Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain wrote about her favourite Christmas recipes, rather than delight in the new twists on old favourites, some commenters claimed that apparently as a Muslim she had no right to cook festive foods.