Christians to Gap: Promote Our Religion, or Else!

Once again, the American Family Association demonstrates its Christmas Spirit by calling for a boycott on retailers because they “censor Christmas” . . . that is, because they refuse to do what the American Family Association wants.

From Tim Wildmon, President of the AFA:

AFA is calling for a limited two-month boycott of Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic, the three stores owned by San Francisco-based Gap Inc., over the company’s censorship of the word “Christmas.”

The boycott is part of our ongoing campaign to encourage businesses, communities and individuals to put Christ back in Christmas. The boycott runs from November 1 through Christmas Day.

For years, Gap has refused to use the word Christmas in its television commercials, newspaper ads and in-store promotions, despite tens of thousands of consumer requests to recognize Christmas and in spite of repeated requests from AFA to do the same.

Last year, Gap issued this politically-correct statement to Christmas shoppers: “Gap recognizes that many traditions are celebrated throughout this season and we feel it is important to display holiday signage that is inclusive to everyone.”

(Emphasis in original.)

That’s right, folks. A private corporation’s decisions to advertise to all Americans instead of only to Christians is “censorship”!

Mr. Wildmon needs to learn, first of all, that censorship is done by governments. A private corporation can produce whatever message their Board decides. Choosing to advertise as a secular company in a secular nation is admirable.

Second, censorship is a means to stifle dissenting opinions. This is exactly what Mr. Wildmon hopes to do with his little boycott — eliminate advertising which does not celebrate his preferred holiday.

AFA’s Christmas Spirit is even more clearly demonstrated with the timing of this boycott:

Gap Inc. has teamed up with six non-profit organizations as part of its Give & Get program; this year, participating charities include Feeding America, Teach For America and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The program offers shoppers big discounts and and easy way to donate a portion of their sale towards the cause of their choice.

Gap is offering a coupon good for 30% off merchandise at Gap Inc. stores (specifically Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Gap Outlet, and Banana Republic Factory Stores). The coupon is good from November 12 to November 15, and can be reused as many times as you like in stores (but the online coupon can be used just once). In addition, every time the coupon is used, 5% of the proceeds go to a participating charity. The discount is always 30% off, and and you can come back as many times as you like in the four-day period.

Gap Inc. has long been getting into the giving spirit with its Give & Get program, which has raised $4.3 million since it began in 2008. Gap lets customers and employees choose which non-profits to sponsor, and in addition to the organizations listed above, is working with DonorsChoose.org and Service Nation.

That’s right, Tim “Grinch” Wildmon not only wants to increase unemployment, taking jobs away from low-paid retail employees — let’s face it, that’s the effect of a boycott — but he also wants to keep you from joining Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic in donating funds to charities.

Shop Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic. Let the AFA see that bowing to their strong-arm Religious Mob tactics isn’t necessary to be successful! And get yourself that 30% off coupon HERE! (Pick another charity if you prefer!)

Related articles:

1. GAP Caves to Fundamentalist "Christmas" Demands
2. Who Would Jesus Boycott? Christians to Bully GAP, Old Navy into Celebrating Christmas
3. Horrors! Christians terrified by religion-neutral ethics classes – New South Wales
4. LaBarbera: Chicago Cubs Promote "Destructive Behavior" For Making It Gets Better Video
5. Dick’s Sporting Goods caves to American Family Association bullying

Jenny Donati is webmistress and co-editor of Secular News Daily. Jenny is an outspoken secularist who believes firmly in the separation of church and state. She demands evidence to support arguments, and holds herself to the same standard. She doesn't write about herself in the third person . . . but there's a first time for everything.

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