Religions and religious bodies seem to be becoming all prevalent and omnipresent once again. It is unbelievable that Best Buy should get flak for greeting US Muslims Happy Eid on 27th Nov and Gap should inform AFA (American Family Association) about its holiday campaign. Times are changing but this religious fervor will only take us back to medieval era. Best Buy though has stood by its decision which has of course pleased Muslim community.

AFA had called for a boycott of some brands which don’t focus on words ‘Christ’ and ‘Christmas’ in their holiday special campaigns. Apparently they are staying the ban because GAP has clarified matters with them. Last year they had boycotted GAP because it chose secular tagline which said, “Merry Gap-mas”. The AFA seems to have targetted ads even in the past – Sears and Target have faced similar boycott.

It is unfortunate that religious shadow is falling on retailers and their advertising campaign. Retailers are here for business and it is a wise move to be secular by greeting customers of all faiths or choosing not to be religion specific. Religious bodies should not expect advertisements to make propaganda of any religion.Their meddling does not come as a surprise though for they are the ones who turn even God into brand ambassadors.

Hope creative advertising souls and business houses will keep away religious-bias and do a great service to mankind by downplaying religion for we have seen enough wars triggered by them.