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Post by merrr on Oct 31, 2011 10:06:39 GMT -6
Wow - I was blindsided this morning as I opened my email to discover one of my PartyLite hostesses has canceled her party. Her reasoning was that she could not support a business that sells a Buddha candle holder and supports his "false teachings".
I am a mixture of emotions and to be honest, rather offened at her stance on the matter. Growing up I wasn't Christian and to this day I never see religious materials of the Baha'i Faith in any retail establishment. That doesn't mean I won't shop at all the stores that carry Christian or Jewish items. Fact of the matter is I wouldn't be able to shop any stores in the US if I did that!
It makes me want to reply to her email and point out the pages upon PAGES of Christmas related items that PartyLite does carry versus the ONE Buddha candle holder. I know it won't help anything.
Help me ladies - how do I gracefully respond to such a bigoted email?
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Post by ReneeW on Oct 31, 2011 10:13:35 GMT -6
Aurgh. That's tough. My big question is, is this a person whose friendship you want to keep? In my experience, people who are bigots will not listen to any persuasive argument, no matter how valid. So know that you'll be wasting your time and breath in trying to change her mind. BUT if it will make you feel better and you don't care about upsetting this person, then go for it and explain why her message made you offended, in a very clear, concise, non-accusatory manner. Sometimes when you see bigotry, even if you know it's wasted breath, it's better to say something because you NEED to for your own sake and your own conscience.
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Post by merrr on Oct 31, 2011 10:23:40 GMT -6
Renee - It was never a true friendship to begin with as I have no social connection to her; I only "know" her because she loves PartyLite and I was given her name as a referral. I've never actually met her face to face and have talked over the phone a handful of times. While I'd love to point out her narrow views I don't want to lose any more potential business. After all, my strongest leads are those customers who tell their family and friends about me.
Maybe I can figure out a way to acknowledge her beliefs and state that I respectfully disagree.
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Post by apryllraye87 on Oct 31, 2011 10:32:11 GMT -6
That is definitely a tough one.. I wouldn't know how to respond either.
It's hard when someone is being so blatantly close-minded. Like Renee said for your sake you could respectfully respond with reasons as to why you disagree. You probably won't change her mind but at least you will feel better!
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Post by love on Oct 31, 2011 10:38:58 GMT -6
I would write her back. If you said she is an avid PL buyer and now will not be, Im sure she will tell the people you are worried about losing as buyers why she will not buy now. So I would not worry about offending her in email. If you leave it alone she will tell them, if you are nasty, she will still people. Why not be nasty?LOL
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Post by dara1012 on Oct 31, 2011 10:39:50 GMT -6
Wow! I cannot believe that she would cancel a party or decide to not purchase an item because of one Buddha candle holder. I am Christian but am fascinated by all religions and found myself very intrigued by Buddhist beliefs when I visited Buddhist temples in S. Korea. Being open to religions that are not your own is important, especially in today's society IMO.
If partylite only sold buddhist items I could maybe understand her concern, but not when there are multitudes of Christian symbols. Are there Jewish menorahs? Would that be offensive?
I would probably write something like: "I am sorry that you will no longer be hostess for the Partylite party you had planned. I am proud to work for a company that strives towards being inclusive of all people and faiths. As a company, Partylite recognizes that our customers come from all different cultural and faith backgrounds. As our company has grown we have been able to expand our line of candles and candleholders to be able to offer items that meet more people's needs. "
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Post by merrr on Oct 31, 2011 10:43:35 GMT -6
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Post by cakemakermom on Oct 31, 2011 10:44:53 GMT -6
I like Dara's wording. There are also Jewish stars in the line. I don't understand how the Bhudda is the offensive thing. I'd think all the Halloween stuff would be the breaking point.
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Post by supermommy on Oct 31, 2011 10:45:07 GMT -6
I wouldn't want to host a party for someone like that anyway. Her loss.
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Post by merrr on Oct 31, 2011 11:00:01 GMT -6
LOL Cake - I know, right?! Halloween and it's Pagan beliefs Super - Exactly. And perhaps this is a blessing in disguise, it would have been an hour long drive to her place to do the party.
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Post by apryllraye87 on Oct 31, 2011 12:45:05 GMT -6
Yeah! How is she gonna get mad about buddha and not care about halloween?
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Post by nevaehsmom327 on Oct 31, 2011 12:58:06 GMT -6
GO DARA! What a response! i was gonna write something, then I saw hers and almost cried at how pitiful mine would have sounded next to THAT! lol
hopefully this girl wakes up to the cows a mooin because we live in a world where ALL religions are able to be expressed EQUALLY...you don't like it? Move to canada!
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Post by nevaehsmom327 on Oct 31, 2011 12:58:27 GMT -6
Yeah! How is she gonna get mad about buddha and not care about halloween? ssssssooooooooooooooo true!!!!! lol
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Post by ReneeW on Oct 31, 2011 13:28:23 GMT -6
It's strange to me how one random thing (i.e. Buddha candle holder, seriously?!?) will get a bigoted person all up in arms. It's like they pick one thing to "take a stand on" that's nonsensical. That's my opinion anyway!
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Post by Sus on Oct 31, 2011 13:34:27 GMT -6
DARA BE ROCKIN on the Politcally correct response! LOL!!!
Yup... what DARA SAID!!!!!
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