Wow, Target is closed today

[luvmy3]

But why would I have a problem going out on Saturday? And why would a Jewish person have a problem going out on a Sunday? A Jewish holiday may not be on my radar, but that doesn't mean I don't respect it. And if a majority of people started celebrating a Jewish holiday, and major stores decided to close for it - I would be respectful of that. It doesn't mean I might not "run out" to whatever stores were open. Respectfully, I don't understand the hypocrisy in this.

I'm speaking about those Christians who are very vocal about what retail establishments should do on Christmas, Easter and/or even just on Sundays. If you aren't one of them who cares about stores being open on your holiday, or your Sunday, then I'm not referring to you.
Respectfully I'm not sure what is so hard to understand about a person like that wanting stores closed for their days, yet have no problem with going out to those stores on holy days of other religions. They have no issues running out for an Xbox on rosh Hashanah, but Heaven forbid anyone want to do it on Easter That is the hypocrisy I see among some (note, not all) Christians, and here on the DIS whenever the holidays roll around.

 

[skater]

I'm speaking about those Christians who are very vocal about what retail establishments should do on Christmas, Easter and/or even just on Sundays. If you aren't one of them who cares about stores being open on your holiday, or your Sunday, then I'm not referring to you.
Respectfully I'm not sure what is so hard to understand about a person like that wanting stores closed for their days, yet have no problem with going out to those stores on holy days of other religions. They have no issues running out for an Xbox on rosh Hashanah, but Heaven forbid anyone want to do it on Easter That is the hypocrisy I see among some (note, not all) Christians, and here on the DIS whenever the holidays roll around.

I think it would only be hypocritical if the person wanting to buy an XBox on Rosh Hashanah was mad that the store was closed. Otherwise, it wouldn't be on my radar because its not my faith. But if I wanted stores closed on Easter and then, was mad that stores were closed on another religious holiday - I would be a hypocrite. (Unless I'm missing something else - my brain seems to be a little fried already . Thanks for the response - I really love discussing these issues, and I'm glad we can do it in a reasonable fashion).

 

[Mkrop]

I guess we all struggle against some kind of hypocrisy . I have lots of faults, but one of my better traits is loads of empathy. So, I do care about anyone that has to work who would rather be with their families on a holiday that's important to them. Some people are in positions that must work on holidays - pharmacists, doctors, police, etc. Of course, they are compensated for their time a lot more than a WalMart or Target employee. I can still feel bad for them that they're not with their families, but at least they're doing something that is worth doing on a holiday and they're being paid a reasonable wage for it.

I think what you are failing to realize is that yes the pharmacist is a professional but the rest of the people in that drugstore are just retail workers like the rest of the people that work in Target or other places. A pharmacy would never be open with just a pharmacist on staff.

And you have empathy but I think the argument here is that many dont have empathy for all the others working that day. There was a thread at Christmas or Thanksgiving with a mom in tears about her child working on that day. She never cared until it affected her holiday. Dont get me wrong, it stinks if your child, husband, favorite aunt etc cant make a holiday event bc of work, but it is life, and there are tons of jobs, NOT just the professionals, that are working on these days, and no one fights for them or people are utilizing the services of these businesses. Many people eat out, watch TV or go to the movies, but that is ok for some people to work on holidays but not ok for others, or when it somehow directly affects them.

Or what also bothers me is the attitude that only professionals are working these holidays, there are plenty of low paying jobs that are working, and where are the people up in arms about them. Who is complaining on a message board for the server who has to work the holiday at a nursing home, when they might rather be at home with their families, but those people need to eat. This is what bothers me the most, I guess!


Or when people have an issue with McDs being open in their neighborhood on a holiday but no one blinks and eye that the McDs is open at a turnpike rest stop

 

[sam_gordon]

Because Easter is the holiest time of the year for Christians.

Funny, I work in Manhatten and grew up in New York. The stores are closed for days in a row routinely for Jewish holidays.
Yet, that's acceptable?

Christians have 2 days(should be 3 with Good Friday) that we cekebrate yet people have a problem with it.

No one has a problem with you celebrating. No one has a problem with the stores being closed (ok, they may admit it's an inconvenience, but I haven't heard anyone say the stores should be open). What people have a problem with with those posters who think the stores should be closed on days (whether holidays or Sundays in general) that are important to them.

Unfortunately, its not always that easy, and it gets more difficult as more stores elect to be open on Thanksgiving.

True. But it's a matter of priorities. If it's that important that you're off on (pick your) holiday, it's up to you to find a job that allows that.

 

[jrmasm]

I really can only speak for myself. I would feel the same about restaurants. I'm not complaining about any of them though.

Are you upset that some stores were open on Easter?

 

[skater]

I think what you are failing to realize is that yes the pharmacist is a professional but the rest of the people in that drugstore are just retail workers like the rest of the people that work in Target or other places. A pharmacy would never be open with just a pharmacist on staff.

And you have empathy but I think the argument here is that many dont have empathy for all the others working that day. There was a thread at Christmas or Thanksgiving with a mom in tears about her child working on that day. She never cared until it affected her holiday. Dont get me wrong, it stinks if your child, husband, favorite aunt etc cant make a holiday event bc of work, but it is life, and there are tons of jobs, NOT just the professionals, that are working on these days, and no one fights for them or people are utilizing the services of these businesses. Many people eat out, watch TV or go to the movies, but that is ok for some people to work on holidays but not ok for others, or when it somehow directly affects them.

Or what also bothers me is the attitude that only professionals are working these holidays, there are plenty of low paying jobs that are working, and where are the people up in arms about them. Who is complaining on a message board for the server who has to work the holiday at a nursing home, when they might rather be at home with their families, but those people need to eat. This is what bothers me the most, I guess!


Or when people have an issue with McDs being open in their neighborhood on a holiday but no one blinks and eye that the McDs is open at a turnpike rest stop

Yes, I do realize that it takes other people to keep the pharmacy open. And isn't it human nature to "not care" about something until it affects us? Maybe having a child have to work on a holiday is what makes someone aware of how much it can hurt. And I am guilty of what you've described to a point. I've been glad that a store was closed and then ran out to 7-11 for the ice that I forgot to buy the day before. Does that make me a hypocrite? I'm really not sure. I wouldn't be mad if the 7-11 was closed, but I would probably be mad if the hospital was closed (though I wouldn't think about it unless I needed it).

Obviously, there's not a one size fits all approach to this. I'm thankful that businesses can still make this choice. And I'm respectful about the different needs and different beliefs in this country.

 

[Planogirl]

It's not that easy to find jobs in some areas. It is however easy to say that people should just find other jobs.

I personally feel empathy for everyone that has to work on holidays. It's not only the holiday for me but I celebrate any time people get an extra day off. If that is bad somehow so be it.

 

[skater]

Are you upset that some stores were open on Easter?

Good question. I love discussions - especially discussions concerning all the banned topics on the DIS . I remember thinking that it was silly for stores like PetCo to be open, but I can understand that someone else with a different (or no) faith might have been glad that it was available. If my child was working in a pharmacy and had to work on Easter, I would feel more understanding than if he/she was working at a pet store. I don't know if that makes me wrong, but that's my feelings at this time.

 

[skater]

It's not that easy to find jobs in some areas. It is however easy to say that people should just find other jobs.

I personally feel empathy for everyone that has to work on holidays. It's not only the holiday for me but I celebrate any time people get an extra day off. If that is bad somehow so be it.

I think this is part of what I'm feeling - I like it that people are off and with their families.

 

[tvguy]

Okay, let's turn this around, did anyone here get Easter off as a paid holiday?

I think that is the key issue. A day off is nice, but for many, if it means no pay, it's a problem.

 

[scrapquitler]

I think this is part of what I'm feeling - I like it that people are off and with their families.

Not everyone wants to necessarily be with their families. And not everyone would get paid time off, so why should those people lose a days pay for no real reason? And why should people who are traveling be inconvenienced by everything being closed?

 

[joviroxx]

Unfortunately, its not always that easy, and it gets more difficult as more stores elect to be open on Thanksgiving.

But no one said everything is life is supposed to be easy. Life is hard sometimes. We have to make sacrifices, there are tough decisions to be made. But living in this country was never supposed to mean that you would get what you want, how you want it , when you want it. We struggle, we fail and sometimes we succeed. Retail doesn't have to be an end all be all job.

It's not that easy to find jobs in some areas. It is however easy to say that people should just find other jobs.

I personally feel empathy for everyone that has to work on holidays. It's not only the holiday for me but I celebrate any time people get an extra day off. If that is bad somehow so be it.

It never is easy. Look, last year my sister in law had to work. We moved Easter to Saturday. We went to Saturday vigil mass and had our family thing Saturday night. Sometimes we have to adjust. I really think we sweat the small stuff sometimes.

I think this is part of what I'm feeling - I like it that people are off and with their families.

Hey, Im one where our family spends sooo much time together people laugh. Im always being asked, "what nephew/nieces birthday celebration is THIS week?". Its a wonderful thing, but then again, we don't wait for just holidays to do this. So if someone is missing, it's ok. We'll see them soon and save them some cake! And while I realize not everyone has the ability to do this, you can always find one day, might not be the "right" day , to all get together.

I find it hard to believe that getting rid of the puritanical Blue Laws is what will destroy family time. If that's true, THAT is sad to me.

 

[skater]

Okay, let's turn this around, did anyone here get Easter off as a paid holiday?

I think that is the key issue. A day off is nice, but for many, if it means no pay, it's a problem.

Could definitely be an issue for some.

 

[skater]

Not everyone wants to necessarily be with their families. And not everyone would get paid time off, so why should those people lose a days pay for no real reason? And why should people who are traveling be inconvenienced by everything being closed?

Don't get me confused with someone that's saying everything should be closed.

But I will say that while it may be "no real reason" to you, it is a real reason for some. And I'm talking about workers who want off, not people who might be "mad" that they're open.

 

[skater]

But no one said everything is life is supposed to be easy. Life is hard sometimes. We have to make sacrifices, there are tough decisions to be made. But living in this country was never supposed to mean that you would get what you want, how you want it , when you want it. We struggle, we fail and sometimes we succeed. Retail doesn't have to be an end all be all job.

You're preaching to the choir on this one . But I still maintain (and again, its just my opinion) that it would feel silly for my child to miss Easter for work in a pet store (as an example). Of course, she doesn't have to work there, but we all know that its not always that simple. When I was young and working more crap jobs (though I've still been known to take one occasionally ), I had a lot more choices and was able to easily choose businesses that were closed on holidays - working for minimum wage was just not worth "missing" an important holiday. Things have changed, and its harder today to find those businesses. I think its sad - that's all. I'm not boycotting anybody, and I know very well about sacrifice and struggle.

 

[sam_gordon]

You're preaching to the choir on this one . But I still maintain (and again, its just my opinion) that it would feel silly for my child to miss Easter for work in a pet store (as an example). Of course, she doesn't have to work there, but we all know that its not always that simple. When I was young and working more crap jobs (though I've still been known to take one occasionally ), I had a lot more choices and was able to easily choose businesses that were closed on holidays - working for minimum wage was just not worth "missing" an important holiday. Things have changed, and its harder today to find those businesses. I think its sad - that's all. I'm not boycotting anybody, and I know very well about sacrifice and struggle.

You find it sad, but I find it encouraging business owners are willing to serve people of all beliefs and needs. Now, granted, part of it is (and should be) a business decision. Does a company make enough money to offset expenses by being open? The other factor is whether a company closes for "morale" (for lack of a better word). It didn't bother me that Target was closed. It wouldn't bother me if it was open.

I just find it strange all the people come out of the word work "concerned" about employees having the day off. I'm guessing, with rare exception, most workers HAVE days off. They're not working 7 days a week, are they? Now, do they have the same days off as their family? Maybe, maybe not. It's the nature of the business.

 

[kwelch10377]

Okay, let's turn this around, did anyone here get Easter off as a paid holiday?

I think that is the key issue. A day off is nice, but for many, if it means no pay, it's a problem.

I work for the corporate offices for a retailer that was closed on Easter. We have people that work M-F and then people who work in the stores and their hours are any time during the week. We did not get paid for Easter. A lot of people already have the Sun off and then people who work in the stores and would normally work Sun just won't get those hours on Sun and typically their hours are made up during the course of the other 6 days of the pay week. We do also have some people who are unable to make up those hours use some of their floating holiday hours to get paid.

 

[skater]

You find it sad, but I find it encouraging business owners are willing to serve people of all beliefs and needs. Now, granted, part of it is (and should be) a business decision. Does a company make enough money to offset expenses by being open? The other factor is whether a company closes for "morale" (for lack of a better word). It didn't bother me that Target was closed. It wouldn't bother me if it was open.

I just find it strange all the people come out of the word work "concerned" about employees having the day off. I'm guessing, with rare exception, most workers HAVE days off. They're not working 7 days a week, are they? Now, do they have the same days off as their family? Maybe, maybe not. It's the nature of the business.

We obviously come at this from two totally different world views - and that's okay by me .

As far as being concerned that people have the day off - its not just a day off with their family, its the day. From my world view, its one particularly important day off with their family. Its extremely important for my family to be together on Easter Sunday. Thankfully, we were able to obtain that goal. For us, a few bucks earned at a Target job is not worth the sacrifice of losing that important day. Again, its how I feel - you have different beliefs and I would never try to force you to agree with me (not that I think I could ).

 

[KristaTX]

Don't get me confused with someone that's saying everything should be closed.

But I will say that while it may be "no real reason" to you, it is a real reason for some. And I'm talking about workers who want off, not people who might be "mad" that they're open.

That's how I feel. I don't want to be lumped into some generalized category of Christians who want all the stores closed on Christian holidays, but who are against it on anyone else's days that they would like to be a holiday. In fact, in looking back over this thread, I can't even figure out where that idea is even coming from within the confines of this thread alone. I don't see anyone saying that. Liking something is not the same as demanding it. Some people are happy a store or restaurant is closed, and some are sad that the place they want to go is closed. Some would like more stores to be closed, and some would like more stores to be open. So what? Most people are neutral about it, including many of us on the thread. How many of you just on your own behalf (and not for the workers unless you are one) really care that Target was closed? It didn't affect me, and I go to Target a LOT.

I haven't seen anyone here take a legalistic perspective. Now if someone were taking the perspective of "All businesses should be closed because it is a Holy Day , gosh darnit!", or "All businesses should be open because not everyone celebrates Easter , dag nabbit!", or "I want to shop and therefore all stores should be open for me to shop in, dang it !", then I could see why this discussion has even happened. But there's no actual argument here that I can see amongst us.

There are so many variables, factors, wishes, wants, and needs because we are humans, there are a lot of us, and none of us are the same or in the same situation. 100% of the people won't be 100% satisfied no matter what the situation. Some businesses are open, and some are closed. How they make that decision is up to them. Sounds like we all agree that it is ultimately up to whoever is in charge of the store and not us anyway, and that we don't want anyone telling us how it HAS to be.

It is an interesting discussion. I think that's why it's continued for as long as it has. The funny thing is how small an issue is in the grand scheme of things.

I hope the poor innocent guy Bob NC mentioned who stumbles across this thread while looking up Disney stuff can get a kick out of it and not think we are all this silly all the time .

 

[skater]

You're right Krista. Its an interesting discussion, but I don't think anybody came out strongly supporting a black and white approach.