Dear Abby
The following letter appeared in “Dear Abby,” a syndicated column published in hundreds of U.S. newspapers:
A rough approximation of the Bible Belt. (Copied from Wikipedia)
“Dear Abby, I am a Hindu woman living in the ‘Bible Belt.’ Many of my friends and acquaintances are Christians, and they are all wonderful except for one thing. Some try in small, subtle ways to convert me to their faith. With Christmas approaching, I know what’s coming: boxes of baked goodies with little brochures and pamphlets tucked inside all about Jesus and the Christian faith. I wish you would remind people that all of us in this diverse nation should respect the faiths of others. To try to convert someone to your faith implies that you consider your religious beliefs superior, and this is just plain wrong. I know these gestures are well meant, but I wouldn’t dream of sending Hindu brochures with my holiday goodies. Abby, what is a tactful, but firm, way of dealing with this?” Signed, Happy Hindu In The Bible Belt.
Abby’s response:
“Dear Happy Hindu, much as you would like, you are not going to change people who feel its part of their religious commitment to ‘save’ you. Ignore the brochures and enjoy the goodies.”
Based on a 12/21/02 Chicago Tribune feature under the head-line “American Advice Columnist Responds to a Hindu’s Concern.”
Email This Post
July 4th, 2010 18:02
Dear Happy Hindu,
I live and work in a Christian dominated society in the West Indies. I make sure that my Hinduness(if there is such a word) is visible. I wear Indian cloth and accessories.I invite my non- Hindu friends to all my functions. I play Indian music in my car, home and office. I have a picture of Satya Sai Baba on my desk top.
For divali, I give sweets and Hindu pamphlets to my friends, including parsad, if they do not want it I take it back without being offended. And at all times I show love, Happiness and respect to all, showing that I do not have to be a Christian to be happy, I am a very proud Hindu