Sunday, November 27, 2005
Christmas Lights
Christmas switched on in South Shields
The festive season officially began with the switching on of the "Christmas Lights" in South Shields yesterday afternoon. I really do want to emphasise that they are Christmas Lights, not "winter lights", or "festive lights", or "seasonal lights", or any other sort of politically correct term. We have the sort of town and community that will not be offended by celebrating the Christian festival of Christmas.
The lights were switched on by Tommy the Trumpeter (aka Ray Spencer, Customs House Director), and the Mayor of South Tyneside, Cllr Bill Lynch. further entertainment was provided with the Metro radio Roadshow, as well as the Silly Billy Xmas Roadshow, Robbie Williams tribute, and talent show winner and star of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang-Leyci Whiteman.
Unfortunately things did not go to plan again, with only half a display showing at the Town Hall, I won't embarass officials by publishing my picture, but a small army of technicians were in attendance this morning to try and rectify the problem!
Cllr. Eddie McAtominey had declared in advance that this Borough would not be joining the politically correct legions who are busy banning the use of the term Christmas (in case it offends religious minorities), and I take my hat off to him for this gesture. This argument is totally counterproductive and helps destroy rather than enhance multi-culturalism. Those areas, such as Brent in London, who have adopted this stance should take cognisance of the fact that Christianity is probably the minority religion in their area of responsibility, and by calling their decorations anything other than Christmas decorations, they are in fact offending Christians, regardless of their race or colour.
I think if I lived in such an area I would feel ethnically, culturally, racially, and religiously excluded, and would enjoy testing the motives of these politically correct fools. Multi-culturalism depends upon recognition of peoples ethnic, cultural, and racial diversity and the ability to tolerate differences and use the positive aspects to knit communities together.
If our Borough, for instance, wished to do something to help celebrate Eide, or Diwali, or The Feast of Tabernacles, I would be all for it as something which "adds" to the overall life of the community. The secret to successful racial integration and multi-cultural unity is found in areas such as South Shields, which has always tolerated each other's values.
Further pictures of our Christmas lights - click to enlarge.
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