Wednesday, May 6, 2009
"God Bless You"
Yesterday, while washing my dishes I had some dust go into my nose and I sneezed. A profound sneeze too. Accustomed to a response of a "Bless you" after sneezing, I stood there waiting for my roommate, who was studying in the kitchen table, to respectfully say "Bless You" but all I could hear was his fingers typing away as he concentrated on writing his paper that was probably due the next morning. I proceeded to say "THANK YOU" loudly in disbelief as he ignored my sneeze. He slightly turned his head towards me and gave me a look that made me question my expectations of a response to my sneeze and made me realize the foolishness behind this traditional response. I was still alive! The devil hadn't taken over my body nor had my heart stop beating! Why did I need some acknowledgment of my sneeze? I guess we all adapt to society's customs and traditions, something I'm compelled to say keeps us from moving forward from old understandings, points of view and old fashion traditions. By the way, I'm sorry but don't expect me to say "Bless You" next time you sneeze. I'm over that. I'm moving forward.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Saying "god bless you" isnt the reason our society is not moving forward, its a sign of respect and politeness. Our society will move forward once everyone starts respecting and acknowledging those around you. The next time you sneeze and I am around u, u might get a "bless you" from me or you might not.... However, one thing that i know that is certain is that the next time you hear someone say "bless you" when you sneeze, you will prolly appreciate the kindness that person has displayed with a few simple words.
ReplyDeletenext time you sneeze, i'm gonna say "Fuck you."
ReplyDeleteDear NaKo:
ReplyDeleteI stated saying "bless you" is an example of how people adapt to traditions, in this case a very old tradition that began as a religious understanding that your soul separates itself from your body and leaves your body vulnerable to the devil. Respect wasn't the original purpose. We've made it be a respectful notion only because of lack of knowledge. Question: should we say "bless you" out of respect when you cough? What's the difference?
Next time i cough, dont say "bless you." Just make sure im not choking on something! I wouldnt want to die at a young age!
ReplyDeleteThis is true. Many ppl don't say it at all. For instance at work, if anyone sneezes everyone ignores it, but if the boss sneezes everyone races to say "Bless You" ... I would always say it but there were a few times that I sneezed and it seemed like everyone was sleeping on their stations lol... so I was like, screw them.. they are scratched off of my "bless you" list .. lol
ReplyDeleteI stopped saying bless you when I met atheists and agnostics cus I didn't want it to seem like I was rubbing religious beliefs onto them ( I swear they make such a big deal about anything that sounds remotely religious)... So now I only say it to extremely religious people. It's like the whole significance behind the phrase is completely irrelevant now but it's just tradition like you said. Some people read way into it, and I guess since there really is no purpose for the phrase these days others just don't care.
ReplyDeletedon't scratch me off your bless you list yet
ReplyDelete