I saw this at the dollar store, yesterday:
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| Buddha with Headphones Air Freshener |
Yes, another Buddha-shaped air freshener! But this time, with headphones!
I wish I could find the Christian equivalent of the Buddha air fresheners, with or without headphones!
Some people don't realize how insensitive these statues are. Or, the way they think about respect is very different. Perhaps they don't think at all. :(
ReplyDeleteMy sentiments, exactly, Nil, although, I don't suppose they mean any disrespect. Asian/Buddhist seems to be considered rather "cool" and "in", these days. Maybe that's a good thing?
DeleteI agree. I don't think people mean any disrespect when they use decorations like these. It's simply that they define 'respect' differently. For example, I wouldn't use a statue of Jesus as a plant holder or air freshener but someone else might think of it as incorporating Jesus into their everyday living.
DeleteYes. One of my first roommates when I was at university was excited to show me the Buddha statue she had received as a holder for a special cocktail at a restaurant! It had been made so that part of the back had been open so that a glass could be placed there. She was planning to use it as a planter and thought I'd be pleased and couldn't quite understand why I was not! I asked her how she'd feel if I had shown her a bottle of shampoo or something, shaped like Jesus. She understood what I was saying and gave me the statue (I had it for several years, until it fell and broke during an earthquake).
DeleteI don't like anything which shows a lack of respect for any religion and/or belief.
ReplyDeleteWhen I see things like these, I just don't know whether to laugh or to cry! Part of me hates the irreverence being displayed, while a part of me rejoices in the fact that the founder of my religion is seen as something desirable to display in the homes of people of other religions. It's ironic to say the least, isn't it?
DeleteI really don't know what to say. I'm left kind of speechless.
ReplyDeleteI know, Susan. I wasn't quite sure what to say in my post, either! I felt conflicting emotions when I saw that item on the store shelf. But, my daughter, who is wise beyond her years, explained it as a sort of secularization of Buddhism. I guess I can accept that. :)
DeleteI think you daughter's right and we shouldn't read too much into it. Maybe we're old school, but something like that was not acceptable when I was growing up no matter what religion. BTW, I did a quick google search of Jesus with headphones and there are lots of them out there. Even one when he was wearing the crown of thorns. I don't think any religion is exempt.
ReplyDeleteMy goodness, but you are right! I did a search, after you mentioned it! I am just shaking my head! I guess I am old fashioned, after all!
DeleteThey do make Jesus Air Fresheners too! My NYC cab today had one and I didn't know, as you mentioned above, if he was mocking Christians or being pious.
ReplyDeleteLet's hope he was being pious!
DeletePut it down to the secular world hi-jacking yet another religious symbol. There was an endless spate of cherubs and angels in the stores and they are still around, as are so many representations of Buddha,often not particularly tasteful. Of course at this time of year we have the hi-jacking of Christmas carols in order for performers to sell yet another CD. This is why so much Christmas music played in stores is so moribund. But if these items and music bring pleasure to some people then who are we to grumble? They may even bring comfort to some people, who knows?
ReplyDeleteYou are right, Bushlady. Christmas, and Easter, too, have become quite secular over the years and I give Christmas gifts to family and friends, and decorate my house, even if I am not Christian. I am finding that my outlook is being broadened and I am growing because of it. For that, I am grateful! :)
DeleteOh my! I've never seen anything quite like that before. X
ReplyDeleteYes, it's rather unique, isn't it?
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