An open letter

[sonia]

Dear construction company who did a fine job on a project for me this summer but whom I won't be hiring or recommending again,

Yes, I understand that you experience it as "fun and festive" to dress up your employees to pose in a creche scene and then send a photo as part of a "Merry Christmas" card to your customers.

I understand that you belong to the majority religion in this area and therefore have trouble imagining that someone might not be delighted to receive a religious Christmas greeting, even in fun.

However, I do expect you to be courteous and receptive when I phone and let you know that in fact there are people on your mailing list who are not Christian and do not want to receive Christmas greetings.

Thank you for removing me from your Christian-only mailing list,
Sonia

Comments

[batdina]

I usually just recycle them myself. Unopened.

But yeah, very frustrating, and incredibly RUDE, aren't they?

[sonia]

Sounds like a good strategy. Unfortunately, they're onto that one - this was a photo postcard, no opening required. *sigh*

Thanks for the sympathy!

[suncat]

Sorry you had to put up with this, and I applaud your courage in telling them exactly why you were taking your business elsewhere.

I say it that way because some years ago, I was collecting bids for some work on our house (I think it was having the roof done, something routine). When I realized that one of the companies involved was using their Christian identity as a selling point (which was horribly common in that period), I called and told them I wouldn't be using their services. Sadly, I was too afraid of the possibility of harassment, that I wasn't explicit why. I hope that now, I could follow your example instead.

[sonia]

Interesting. I didn't feel threatened at all, just erased. I think it's good policy to listen to your gut about when to speak up!

Plus, in all honesty, I don't think it will make a darn bit of difference to that company. The two people I spoke to were completely impervious to input, and I don't think I have the energy to write a letter to the owner. Dressed up! To make a creche! In 2011 in Portland Oregon! *still boggling*