Who owns the Hilton in your city or the Marriott where you just booked a stay? Chances are good it’s not Hilton Hotels or Marriott International, but a franchisee. They’ve purchased the right to use the franchise’s branding, and have agreed to conform to its brand standards.
The franchisee is itself a business entity. It may own a Hyatt in one town, a Holiday Inn somewhere else, and a Sheraton in a third city.
On a typical stay, it’s unlikely that you’d even know whether your hotel was a franchise or corporate owned unless you went out of your way to find out. (And if you’re doing that, you might want to reconsider how you spend your time and energy.)
So I was surprised when I checked into a Homewood Suites this week (yes, the very same one where my room had cleanliness issues). On first walking in, it seemed like every other hotel room you might find at a Homewood Suites anywhere in the country.
But then I found this note on my pillow:
Moody National Companies’ website hints at the company’s religious values: a reference to a book about Christian living, a video where the CEO talks about God, and even their logo:
Granted, I’m in Texas. Religion, guns, and delicious barbecue are all a big deal here. But I still have some issues with this.
First of all, a laminated note on my pillow grosses me out. Literally hundreds of people have probably touched it, and I doubt it’s been cleaned even once. So even if the note had just said “We wish you a pleasant stay,” I would prefer that it wasn’t there.
Second, as a non-religious person, I’m not really interested in being prayed for, and I wouldn’t expect it at a Hilton-branded property. If the guy who checked me in had said “We at Moody National Management pray that the Lord’s face shine upon you during your stay at the Homewood Suites by Hilton,” I would have been super creeped out.
That said, there has been a Bible in just about every domestic hotel room I’ve stayed in, thanks to the Gideons. And when I go to the Middle East, I think it’s cool to see the Qibla compass in my room pointing toward Mecca. I also love flying Etihad, which broadcasts a travel prayer at the start of each flight.
But this really got me thinking about how little we know about the companies that own the hotels we stay at. For people who like to support businesses that align with their values, it’s kind of hard to do so when it comes to hotels. Personally, my philosophy is that it’s impossible to ensure that my money winds up in the hands of only people I agree with politically and religiously, so I don’t usually go out of my way to avoid certain companies… but this prayer card caught me by surprise.
Has anyone else experienced major hotel brands where the franchisee also has its own “branding?”
Would knowing about the franchisees potentially influence your decision on where to stay?
Thank you, Andrew, for this thought provoking blog entry. You certainly brought out the loonies along with lots of good responses. I personally would have left that hotel and gone someplace else if I got that note on my pillow, but before leaving, I would have left some Planned Parenthood materials on the pillow.
It is absolutely appropriate to bless those you do business with. If you don't like it I guess you need to take your business elsewhere. You don't ever have to stay somewhere you are not comfortable. My question is, would you feel a lot more comfortable if a child was raped on that bed and child porn videos were taken of him/her for sale? Because you can be guaranteed 100% that that would not happen...
It is absolutely appropriate to bless those you do business with. If you don't like it I guess you need to take your business elsewhere. You don't ever have to stay somewhere you are not comfortable. My question is, would you feel a lot more comfortable if a child was raped on that bed and child porn videos were taken of him/her for sale? Because you can be guaranteed 100% that that would not happen in this hotel you have a strong complaint about. But usually people who make these kinds of complaints don't really care about children enough to be concerned, that is my experience with this kind of complaint. A complaint about someone wishing you well, in whichever form they are able to bless you best with. :)
I never get offended if someone wishes me well in a way that is special to them.
huh?
how is this prayer non-denominational?
the language is taken directly from the Bible... numbers 6:24-25.
even the sign-off ("all grace") is a specific biblical reference.
a "non-denominational" message would be something like...
"warmest wishes to all our guests! thank you for choosing to spend some time with us. we hope your stay is restful; please contact us if there is anything we can do to make your time with us more enjoyable. we...
huh?
how is this prayer non-denominational?
the language is taken directly from the Bible... numbers 6:24-25.
even the sign-off ("all grace") is a specific biblical reference.
a "non-denominational" message would be something like...
"warmest wishes to all our guests! thank you for choosing to spend some time with us. we hope your stay is restful; please contact us if there is anything we can do to make your time with us more enjoyable. we wish you health and happiness no matter where your travels may take you!"
Hi Andrew, Ben and all readers,
Upon reading the reviews, with so much mention of Christianity, Islam, Etc, I went back to read the prayer again. It is a non-denominational prayer.
"Our prayer is"...(our wish, a good thought for another person)
"May the Lord bless you"...(May God bless you)
"His face shine upon you"...(could be Prophet Moses, could be Jesus Christ, could be Prophet Mohammed, could be Buddha, etc...)
Please accept I am...
Hi Andrew, Ben and all readers,
Upon reading the reviews, with so much mention of Christianity, Islam, Etc, I went back to read the prayer again. It is a non-denominational prayer.
"Our prayer is"...(our wish, a good thought for another person)
"May the Lord bless you"...(May God bless you)
"His face shine upon you"...(could be Prophet Moses, could be Jesus Christ, could be Prophet Mohammed, could be Buddha, etc...)
Please accept I am not splitting hairs. We have met atheist, agnostics. They didn't mind good wishes, good words, they didn't want all the rhetoric, or preaching, which we don't do anyway.
Do we need to be religious to offer someone else some goodness, a wish, a prayer, a boastful statement to energise them. If it comes from a space of goodness within us, its to give to others. Atheists tell us we don't need to be.
Me, I'm going to actually reply to your last QUESTION.
It would influence my decision. But only after the things that matter first to me. Simple stuff like location, client reviews, price,amenities. Anything else is trivial.
feel free to toss the notecard in the trash as I have done to hundreds of gideons bibles and (Mariotts') book of mormon nonsense
@ Andrew. So you're more than ok with islamic prayers on a moslem owned airline; so I'm guessing your also ok with a flight crew's pre-departure non-denominational prayer on a US carrier?
Hey, do you like In-n-Out Burger? Warning for a hypocrite like yourself. Don't look on the bottom of your beverage cup or fries container. It may cause you emotional distress.
Suggested reading for you is Robert Hanson's, Steward Edward's and Imperator's...
@ Andrew. So you're more than ok with islamic prayers on a moslem owned airline; so I'm guessing your also ok with a flight crew's pre-departure non-denominational prayer on a US carrier?
Hey, do you like In-n-Out Burger? Warning for a hypocrite like yourself. Don't look on the bottom of your beverage cup or fries container. It may cause you emotional distress.
Suggested reading for you is Robert Hanson's, Steward Edward's and Imperator's comments.
Finally, never ever confuse knowledge with wisdom!
Geez, people are so quick to bash Andrew and his posts for ‘devaluing’ Lucky’s blog. If that were the case, I’m sure Lucky would do something about it, since he hasn’t, it’s not something the rest of us have to worry about? And another thing, this is a BLOG, not a magazine or newspaper that folks are paying to subscribe to. Therefore, it’s kinda hypocritical to EXPECT a certain quality of service/content or whatever. If...
Geez, people are so quick to bash Andrew and his posts for ‘devaluing’ Lucky’s blog. If that were the case, I’m sure Lucky would do something about it, since he hasn’t, it’s not something the rest of us have to worry about? And another thing, this is a BLOG, not a magazine or newspaper that folks are paying to subscribe to. Therefore, it’s kinda hypocritical to EXPECT a certain quality of service/content or whatever. If you don’t like it, stop reading the blog, simple!
And as for this particular post, my take is that Andrew’s primary concern is hygiene, which I totally understand. Put the card on the bed maybe, but not on the pillow! Is that too much to ask? I’m not Christian, but as a believer in God, I wouldn’t be offended by the contents of the card since I take it in the spirit of general goodwill to all. However, please don’t put it on the pillow! All the other comments ranting about how America is a Christian nation are just noise distracting everyone from the main issue at hand...
So....you don't like to be prayed for, but you've just put up a post as trivial as this on one of the most read travel blogs on the internet. Now there's thousands of people praying for you.
Blood splattered toilet : ok let's sleep.
Simple prayer with good wishes in the room : CORPORATE RELIGION.
Again just one of those things to increase page interactions?
Why don't you write an article about how offensive the Etihad or Emirates travel prayer is? I don't want Islam, a religion that throws gays off buildings, to be foisted on me. Do you?
Interesting. I wonder who owns this Hilton I am at in Glasgow right now. The amibent noise since yesterday is redolent of Lou Reed's "Metal Machine Music"; the sudden morning construction has nicely augmented the rush-hour traffic outside. No Bible in the room here but I did appreciate the Qibla sticker in the desk at the Marriott in Kazakhstan.
Seriously? People are offended by the author's article? How about hotels just not shoving their religious views down the throat of guests. Even if it is my religion I don't need that nonsense in my room. Let alone people who do not practice religion or are jewish, hindu, buddhist, muslim etc. Please don't talk about freedom of religion. The whole idea of that is that people can't be forced into a particular religion and can worship (or not worship) how they see fit.
Can we go back to the blog post about taking #2 in the toilets mid-flight? This post is going nowhere......
If its a hygiene issue, then I hope your carry a black light with you everywhere you stay....If you don't like other peoples religious goodwill towards you, then pick another hotel.
Must have been a slow "news" day.
What are your thoughts on Saudia's pre-flight prayer?
https://onemileatatime.com/saudia-first-class-777-review/
On a side note. I was in TX over Easter weekend a few years ago, and I remember being totally shocked when a worker at a store wished me a happy Easter. This would never happen in secular CA.
Honestly, I don't see much of a difference between when this hotel doing, and what the author this blog is doing. Both are virtue signaling, just very...
What are your thoughts on Saudia's pre-flight prayer?
https://onemileatatime.com/saudia-first-class-777-review/
On a side note. I was in TX over Easter weekend a few years ago, and I remember being totally shocked when a worker at a store wished me a happy Easter. This would never happen in secular CA.
Honestly, I don't see much of a difference between when this hotel doing, and what the author this blog is doing. Both are virtue signaling, just very different virtues.
As an agnostic, I think religion (as well as politics) should play no role in your visit to a hotel - or any type of business for that matter. But on the other hand: why the hell would I care about that little card? I just put it to the side and ignore it. Why would that be an issue? Or even worthy of a post? Live an let live.
I also have to...
As an agnostic, I think religion (as well as politics) should play no role in your visit to a hotel - or any type of business for that matter. But on the other hand: why the hell would I care about that little card? I just put it to the side and ignore it. Why would that be an issue? Or even worthy of a post? Live an let live.
I also have to wonder about your hygiene standards, given that you're disgusted by a laminated card on your bed, but don't feel like a blood spattered toilet needs to be cleaned asap.
DECLARATION: I'm a card carrying RC.
That said I thought it cute that back in 2000 Alaska Airlines used to insert prayer cards in your lunch box. Like I'm with God - but I don't really ever hope I need to call on God in flight if you know what I mean! That said I am sure it's better than a call button if the s**t hits the fan.
These guys meant well -...
DECLARATION: I'm a card carrying RC.
That said I thought it cute that back in 2000 Alaska Airlines used to insert prayer cards in your lunch box. Like I'm with God - but I don't really ever hope I need to call on God in flight if you know what I mean! That said I am sure it's better than a call button if the s**t hits the fan.
These guys meant well - but it should have been a nice letter rather than a laminated reusable thing. If they were at your door singing hymns as lullabies then I would agree with you.
We should all just get on the phone and call reception and tell them if we don't like something. Usually, if I have a problem with the room or clothes iron or some issue around poor house keeping or cleanliness I get a great response.
I spend 150+ nights a year in hotels. I have routines set at many of the hotels I stay at and they are all Hilton. They do an awesome job.
But if you have an issue RING RECEPTION.
@Brian - why are you such a douche?
As a gay man who travels with my partner, I would certainly read explicitly Christian prayer as telling us we're not welcome in that hotel. I'm not saying all Christians are homophobes, but I am saying that the ones who believe a Christian prayer would be welcomed by all guests are certainly more likely to be.
It doesn't simply mean "well wishes." In America, it just doesn't. At the very least, it's exclusionary: It's saying...
As a gay man who travels with my partner, I would certainly read explicitly Christian prayer as telling us we're not welcome in that hotel. I'm not saying all Christians are homophobes, but I am saying that the ones who believe a Christian prayer would be welcomed by all guests are certainly more likely to be.
It doesn't simply mean "well wishes." In America, it just doesn't. At the very least, it's exclusionary: It's saying that Christian guests are more welcome than other guests.
And if I were Hilton Worldwide, I would be very unhappy about what that says about my brand.
What's funny is this site censors what is and is not published at their whim to influence their personal agenda. Bravo guys. Let in just enough resistance to make it look good but keep way more of your supporters to feed your ego.
Andrew, I feel sorry for you. I hope you one day will appreciate it when people wish you a pleasant stay. God bless you!
I agree with the card on the pillow being a bit gross, and I'm nowhere near being a germophobe.
However, having lived in the south for a number of years, I'm used to seeing overt Christian messaging in advertising. It used to shock me coming from the very secular northeast.
I think several have already said the equivalent of "tempest in a teapot", so I'll leave it there!
Great blog post on what's becoming an increasingly annoying issue in hotel rooms!
The Chase Suites Hotel group has a brochure in every room for a charity they support, as well as a newsletter and a donation envelope. Similar literature is available in the club house in which breakfast and the manager’s reception is held. This is completely inappropriate. Not to mention downright weird. I don't care how worthy the charity is... a hotel that...
Great blog post on what's becoming an increasingly annoying issue in hotel rooms!
The Chase Suites Hotel group has a brochure in every room for a charity they support, as well as a newsletter and a donation envelope. Similar literature is available in the club house in which breakfast and the manager’s reception is held. This is completely inappropriate. Not to mention downright weird. I don't care how worthy the charity is... a hotel that I'm paying for is not the place to preach your particular brand of charity.
I don't like ads for the NFL as door hangers in my Courtyard by Marriott hotels (the assumption being that I'm a big football fan, when I'm not). And while I always tip housekeeping, I really don't like the envelopes in Marriott hotels reminding me to tip because they include a plug for "A Women's Nation" or whatever that nonprofit group is called. Gimme an envelope? Yes. Proselytize? Yeah, not so much.
Think about it... if i go to a time share presentation, I expect to be pitched product. When I pay for a hotel room, I do not. Now if you gave me a $100 discount every night in exchange for bombarding me with advertisements and religious messages, we might have a deal. But there is an expectation that a hotel room is, you'll pardon the expression, a sanctuary... management shouldn't be promoting any agenda, regardless of the nature.
They want to sell ads in their directory to local businesses, that's OK; I don't have to look at them. But an ad on my pillow promoting your particular brand of wellness or happiness or prayer? Makes no sense, except to the person or entity that placed it there... and forgive me this observation, but the hotel's focus is supposed to be on the guest. Inclusive properties understand that not everybody smokes, not everybody wants a fragrance sprayed in their room, not everybody dates somebody of the opposite sex and not everybody prays to the same God, if they pray at all.
This hotel did not leave a generic prayer and a generic expression of well wishes... if it did, we likely would not be having this discussion. This passage is a paraphrase taken from the bible. It's bad business to think that your particular bible is the only word of God and applies to all your guests.
For those of you hurling snowflake references and getting hung up on what you perceive to be a threat against freedom of religion, just take the religion out of it. What if there were a laminated card on the pillow in every room extolling the virtues of dental health, reminding people to brush for two minutes before bedtime. Would you feel the same way?
It's a nice thought, but rather unnecessary and borderline offensive for those who practice good dental hygiene.
Andrew,
I couldn't agree with you more about the message on the message card. I think it is entirely inappropriate and out-of-place in that business situation.
What concerns me about these religious cards and printed messages is that they suggest the political bent of the supplier. I know, I know, no guarantee one way or the other, but a LOT of anecdotal evidence.
I was repulsed when Target gave seven million dollars...
Andrew,
I couldn't agree with you more about the message on the message card. I think it is entirely inappropriate and out-of-place in that business situation.
What concerns me about these religious cards and printed messages is that they suggest the political bent of the supplier. I know, I know, no guarantee one way or the other, but a LOT of anecdotal evidence.
I was repulsed when Target gave seven million dollars to a campaign in Minnesota to prevent same-sex marriage. I have not darkened their door since then. No, I definitely do not want my money to head that way.
So, if I were to find a card in my room urging me to vote Republican or take up cigarettes or to spare Moody/Hilton/ whoever the expense of providing employee healthcare, I would be disgusted. It really is none of "their" business to proselytize for anything in a room I have paid for.
OK, urge me to use the towel several days running, but, please, keep your religious intrusions away from me.
I believe strongly in the separation of church and state. I do not like sneaky little incursions on that separation.
PS Just for you, Andrew. I think you mixed together two different concerns with the germ/religion issue. I basically grit my teeth (or brush them) on the cleanliness issue since I find airplanes major offenders. But, the religion creeping onto my pillow -- here it comes -- is 'spiritually' disturbing in a way I find hard to overlook.
Second, when I fly a national airline from a Moslem country or visit one, I know I am in for a different set of rules. And so be it.
But, in the US, the separation of church and state is the national law.
As an atheist I neither need or want anyone's missive on my behalf to some sky daddy who will make it all better. I have no problem with those who need or want that sort of thing. As far as not staying in certain hotels because of who owns them, I can thinking only one brand right now that I would have a problem with.
First, this goes back way beyond Christianity. It is basically the Priestly Blessing in the Bible, sacred to most practicing Jews as well as most practicing Christians:
May the LORD bless you and guard you –
May the LORD make His face shed light upon you and be gracious unto you –
May the LORD lift up His face unto you and give you peace.
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Priestly_Blessing
Second, I used to live in...
First, this goes back way beyond Christianity. It is basically the Priestly Blessing in the Bible, sacred to most practicing Jews as well as most practicing Christians:
May the LORD bless you and guard you –
May the LORD make His face shed light upon you and be gracious unto you –
May the LORD lift up His face unto you and give you peace.
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Priestly_Blessing
Second, I used to live in Texas. Many people are very religious there. The card is not intended to be mean spirited or malicious. Religious or not, you deal with this. At worst, you ignore it. Life it too short to take offence to it. Seriously.
@Jack: "Meanwhile, Moody should be praying for itself and getting its own house in order. They paid nearly $1 billion to the Justice Department earlier this year to settle mortgage rating fraud claims. So much for righteousness."
Moody National Management is not the same company as Moody's Corporation (the subject of the lawsuit to which you refer).
America is a fundamentalist christian nation. You cannot be elected president unless you publicly grovel in front of a 2000 year symbol of torture and pretend to observe some silly christian dogma and rituals. Corporate america drip feeds you selective christian pap in order to attract the rubes, maximize profit, or to reduce worker /benefits as we have seen in refusal to pay for birth control in drug plans, equal rights and pay for women...
America is a fundamentalist christian nation. You cannot be elected president unless you publicly grovel in front of a 2000 year symbol of torture and pretend to observe some silly christian dogma and rituals. Corporate america drip feeds you selective christian pap in order to attract the rubes, maximize profit, or to reduce worker /benefits as we have seen in refusal to pay for birth control in drug plans, equal rights and pay for women and workplace discrimination toward the gay , lesbian and trans communities all under the guise of religious freedoms. I am offended as you are ,with these self righteous hypocrites leaving plasticized biblical messages, call to prayer clocks, arrows pointing to mecca or bibles /koran littering my rented space. The most humorous example is the multi domination prayers on the safety brochures on some dodgy Indonesian airlines. Heavy on prayers, sketchy on safety. Solution: Complain in writing to management, publish in your blog of your experience and never do business with them again.
Alaska Air once handed out these prayers. We'd throw them on the floor .Since I no longer live there I'm not sure if they still do it. Tacky.
Early rule of thumb with Hilton properties is that they don't own any hotels. They sold ALL of them and no longer own any real estate.
I also don't frequent places that purposely give me their personal views on religion and politics outside of where those things belong. I don't make an announcement about it if others are going, I simply decline with a no thanks. I choose to not provide these people with my business. Will it hurt their bottom line. Nope. And I'm not trying to hurt them but I'm also making sure I"m not the one helping them...
I also don't frequent places that purposely give me their personal views on religion and politics outside of where those things belong. I don't make an announcement about it if others are going, I simply decline with a no thanks. I choose to not provide these people with my business. Will it hurt their bottom line. Nope. And I'm not trying to hurt them but I'm also making sure I"m not the one helping them with my purse or using their products. If I came across this would I contact the company? No. They didn't accidentally do this. I'd toss the card out, not use that pillow, and never go there again (and look up whatever hotels they own to avoid them too). That's my choice. When I'm at a store and am wished a happy because it's assumed I'm a christian I just smile. I don't say thank you, I don't say you too (since I have no idea if the clerk HAS to say it and I have no idea if they are a christian nor do I care if they are), but I also don't go off on them. If I wanted religion I'd go to a synagogue or mosque or church or wherever is the designated place to provide that. Just as I'd not expect a church to be a hotel or a restaurant or or or. This item doesn't belong here and by doing so however they opened up the conversation. If they didn't want to talk about it then they shouldn't have started the conversation. Atheists do not typical go around leaving "I'm good without God and I hope you are too" cards. But if they did they'd need to be a part of the conversation they started.
Michael, yes, that's right. There wouldn't have been any white people or slaves in America if it wasn't for the Europeans invading America and killing the natives.
@n, don't forget slavery. Those nice historic buildings in DC and Philly did not build themselves. #Merica
I don't like any company, in any country, deciding to pitch religion at me when I have paid them. I have no problem with your religious beliefs(as long as you are not hurting anyone) but I don't want to hear about them when I have paid you for a service and that includes a card on my hotel bed.
@vinod, no it wasn't. America was founded on illegal immigration and genocide. Learn your history.
Reading this I just want to say oh my GOD! Oops, I am rubbing religion in your face, Andrew, sorry lol.
Seriously though, you know you are in a place of high exclusive privilege if this is all in life you have to complain about.
Vinod, your punctuation is truly atrocious.
Maybe spend less time on the "god" stuff and more time on grammar practice?
We won't rest until our commenters murder each other, and that in itself will generate page views.
Great path you're on.
What a pussy
Andrew, this is a CHRISTIAN country founded on Christian principles. Obama tried to take that away and marginalize Christians, but Praise God for President Trumps' signing of the Religious Liberty Executive order.
I will always support businesses that have Christians foundations and principles, and will go out of my way to do so.
You should not be upset with Moody properties for expressing their Christians views, which are guaranteed by this great nations amendment rights.
...Andrew, this is a CHRISTIAN country founded on Christian principles. Obama tried to take that away and marginalize Christians, but Praise God for President Trumps' signing of the Religious Liberty Executive order.
I will always support businesses that have Christians foundations and principles, and will go out of my way to do so.
You should not be upset with Moody properties for expressing their Christians views, which are guaranteed by this great nations amendment rights.
#Merica
#snowflake
The toilet seat should be laminated :)
Your really offended by someone wishing you well?? You realize that this makes you sound like every negative millennial sterotype out there right?
But there is a bigger problem. Your credibility goes to zero a.) because you said you love flying Ethiad and referenced the prayer they broadcast before every flight, b.) you like the compass pointing towards Mecca, and c.) your unhappy about a laminated card touching your pillow (gasp!!!) that may or not...
Your really offended by someone wishing you well?? You realize that this makes you sound like every negative millennial sterotype out there right?
But there is a bigger problem. Your credibility goes to zero a.) because you said you love flying Ethiad and referenced the prayer they broadcast before every flight, b.) you like the compass pointing towards Mecca, and c.) your unhappy about a laminated card touching your pillow (gasp!!!) that may or not be cleaned when the room gets turned over and yet when you found blood and feces on your toilet seat you didn't feel that was worth mentioning to the hotel.
Honestly how do you expect your readers to take this seriously?? Can you imagine if the front desk staff had said "God Bless and safe travels" or something similar when you checked out???!!!! Thank God you were spared that horror.
Public expressions of religion aren't usually about faith, good wishes, etc; it's about power. The hotel card is an expression of management's belief in the primacy of their own religion and their right to inflict it upon others; and that is why it is legitimately offensive.
In the US, Christianity is the religion that dominates and constantly tries to assert its power (at least in the red states). It's like racism; both blacks and whites...
Public expressions of religion aren't usually about faith, good wishes, etc; it's about power. The hotel card is an expression of management's belief in the primacy of their own religion and their right to inflict it upon others; and that is why it is legitimately offensive.
In the US, Christianity is the religion that dominates and constantly tries to assert its power (at least in the red states). It's like racism; both blacks and whites can be prejudiced, but white prejudice is more harmful because whites have the power.
I agree that prayers on Etihad are nothing to celebrate. For a passenger, there's a frisson due to exposure to something exotic, but living in a Muslim country is no picnic if you don't believe in it. The EY prayer is also about power.
Andrew
True story.
I am spiritual but not that religious, though I respect all religions.
Once I had a small cut in my ear which got infected and resulted in me nearly dying in hospital. As I felt my body close down on me one night, the sole thing of concern to me was "had I done enough?" (Strange when you realise I have wife and kids).
I went through an ancient Egyptian judgement...
Andrew
True story.
I am spiritual but not that religious, though I respect all religions.
Once I had a small cut in my ear which got infected and resulted in me nearly dying in hospital. As I felt my body close down on me one night, the sole thing of concern to me was "had I done enough?" (Strange when you realise I have wife and kids).
I went through an ancient Egyptian judgement ceremony and much to my surprise I passed judgement. I questioned the Gods asking them "are you sure?" And they laughed at me before sending me through a second time, this one more Christian white tunnel etc. When I finally got to the end of the journey at the old gates and final step I was told that I was free to cross over but God would like me to consider returning. Possibly the single most difficult decision of my life as by that stage I was desperate to cross over and "return home". But I put my trust in a God and chose to return.
That very moment I awoke with a nurse staring a light in my eye and I was feeling fresh as a daisy. I recovered quickly even avoiding scheduled surgery.
Now was that a hallucination in a fever spike on a cocktail of hospital antibiotics? Possibly. Or was it what we all go through when time calls us?
My point, just because you don't believe in God does not mean the literally billions of followers throughout human history are wrong. You may be right, but equally you may just have not noticed yet. Our fast paced life makes that all to easy.
Take a moment to see the beauty of life, the planet, Andrew, and yes that includes the germs on that laminate, and the essential germs in your own gut and mouth etc.
Just ban them all equally, then no one's going to complain.
Andrew are you really that super sensitive? I bet you got on the airplane and sat in a seat that was not disinfected and probably read the inflight magazine that someone prior to you had in their hands. Also I bet you pushed a button or two on the remote in your hotel room that several people prior to you had as well.
It had come down to that you had nothing really to...
Andrew are you really that super sensitive? I bet you got on the airplane and sat in a seat that was not disinfected and probably read the inflight magazine that someone prior to you had in their hands. Also I bet you pushed a button or two on the remote in your hotel room that several people prior to you had as well.
It had come down to that you had nothing really to say about your stay so you go out of your way to actively seek things that you can "report". Stuff that for 99.9% of the general population we could give 2 shits about. But no you have to make it a big issue. How about this. Instead of flying in a dirty plane drive in your dirty ass car everywhere you go. Stay in a KOA campground only with a tent that you will carry in your car.
At no time did you make a statement that was even remotely rational. We are all no dumber for having read this post. I award you no points, and may "GOD" have mercy on your soul.
How you allowed this to be posted, Lucky, is beyond me. There are so many insults in here one doesn't know where to start. As a Texan, the state reference here was not funny, but stupid. And the contradictory nature of Andrew's bizarre religious reactions is inconsistent and confusing. But that fact that a note card was more troublesome than a poop and blood covered toilet to me makes it seem like this article was...
How you allowed this to be posted, Lucky, is beyond me. There are so many insults in here one doesn't know where to start. As a Texan, the state reference here was not funny, but stupid. And the contradictory nature of Andrew's bizarre religious reactions is inconsistent and confusing. But that fact that a note card was more troublesome than a poop and blood covered toilet to me makes it seem like this article was published as click-bait and for attention, not for any journalistic or content driven purpose. You should retract it and ask Andrew to write about stuff that matters, not about stuff that just infuriates multiple classes of readers.
I'm an athiest and slightly intolerant of religions but i'm also practical and not a snowflake. If the service and location were great, room spotless and the price reasonable i wouldnt care one bit. If all of the above were mediocre I'd probably move on to a different mediocre hotel next time I'm in the area. Life is way too short (and not eternal afterwards) to get too worked about such things.
Bad post. Delete. no one cares
@SFCav:
That was my take on it, too. Another commenter pointed out that countries where religion is ingrained as part of the government and part of the national identity - as in the ME where EY plays a prayer prior to takeoff - they feel that's somehow more "okay" because that's part of that society and expected, independent of feelings toward Islam/religion. And I agree. In the US, though, where there's the freedom of/from religion...
@SFCav:
That was my take on it, too. Another commenter pointed out that countries where religion is ingrained as part of the government and part of the national identity - as in the ME where EY plays a prayer prior to takeoff - they feel that's somehow more "okay" because that's part of that society and expected, independent of feelings toward Islam/religion. And I agree. In the US, though, where there's the freedom of/from religion debate, the over religiosity can be viewed as unwelcome.
Further, as a recovering Catholic who is gay, I tend to see this sort of proselytizing Christianity as done by the type of Christians who follow the teaching of Christ insomuch as it applies to straight, white people who are also Christian. Especially in less welcoming states, like Texas. I, too, would not feel welcomed in this hotel if I saw that note as the vast majority of American "Christians" I've encountered are some of the least Christ-like people I've met.
@Andrew, I'm trying to understand the purpose of this post. The message doesn't seem to translate that well. I'm confused why you don't like to be prayed upon but it's perfectly fine to listen to a Muslim travel prayer.
Of people want to pray for us, in any language or religion, let them do it. As long as it doesn't affect the service i'm fine with it.
I'm with Lucky. It's just bad business to cater to such a limited portion of the population. If I were the owner, I would be concerned that a percentage of folks would be turned off by this. In a business that relies heavily on repeat customers, that could potentially be a huge income stream they're losing out on.
On a personal note, as a member of the LGBT community if I were staying at...
I'm with Lucky. It's just bad business to cater to such a limited portion of the population. If I were the owner, I would be concerned that a percentage of folks would be turned off by this. In a business that relies heavily on repeat customers, that could potentially be a huge income stream they're losing out on.
On a personal note, as a member of the LGBT community if I were staying at a hotel with my husband and I saw a note like this I would be more than uncomfortable. Based on my interactions with people who are comfortable with this "in your face" style of religion, I wouldn't feel free to hold his hand when we walk through the lobby, talk to the other guests at breakfast, or feel welcomed in general. It's one of the reasons we research countries before we visit them - to make sure we'll be safe traveling together as a couple.
Companies and their owners are, of course, free to hold any beliefs they choose. That doesn't mean that they don't hold and publicize those beliefs at their own risk.
I was once in marketing for a very large fast food chain. We had a franchisee that was playing a Christian music station in his restaurants in, curiously enough, Texas. His take was that it was his restaurant and his customers, according to him, liked...
Companies and their owners are, of course, free to hold any beliefs they choose. That doesn't mean that they don't hold and publicize those beliefs at their own risk.
I was once in marketing for a very large fast food chain. We had a franchisee that was playing a Christian music station in his restaurants in, curiously enough, Texas. His take was that it was his restaurant and his customers, according to him, liked it. We told him to cut it out or we'd find him in violation of his franchise agreement.
Truth is, the nuance of who owns a franchised location is lost on most people, to whom the brand is the brand is the brand. When one operator behaves in a way that risks alienating some of the population, that position needs to be reviewed to see if it's within the best interests of the larger organization. Similarly, when one chooses a brand to become a franchisee, that operator needs to make sure that company's positions are in keeping with their own. If they're not, don't enter into the franchise agreement.
Were I Hilton, I'd shut this down in a New York minute.
Another whining post about nothing.
If their free to leave me a religious card I guess I'm equally free and able to make a note that says "god and all his apostles can suck my dick" lol. Troll me with religion, I'm glad to troll back :p
Atheist anti-gun Texan here and I would not want this kind of stuff in my hotel room either. And please, no Bibles. I throw away every one I find because it's litter in the hotel room.
Lot of great constitutional lawyers here. Except this was a hotel, not the government.
I find more qualms with Andrew's loss of credibility by disavowing one religion because he's non-religious and then immediately asserts he is okay with other messaging, displays and pronouncements from certain religions. The statement about what is important to Texas seems to confirm that this isn't a "non-religious person" issue so much as it is a "non-Christian" thing. In fact,...
Lot of great constitutional lawyers here. Except this was a hotel, not the government.
I find more qualms with Andrew's loss of credibility by disavowing one religion because he's non-religious and then immediately asserts he is okay with other messaging, displays and pronouncements from certain religions. The statement about what is important to Texas seems to confirm that this isn't a "non-religious person" issue so much as it is a "non-Christian" thing. In fact, it also re-establishes the schism of identity politics as to who lives in Texas and what Andrew must believe.
This article lacks the cohesive and more cogent thoughts of Ben and Tiffany. But hey, page views and what not...
I am an atheist but I consider myself religion tolerant as long as you don't throw it on my face. I never flied Etihad but it sounds to me their public prayer is on the edge of being "on my face". I also feel annoyed when I attend a Rodeo event in Cody, Wyoming where the host just kept talking about politics and religion, it was too much for an event meant for entertainment.
...I am an atheist but I consider myself religion tolerant as long as you don't throw it on my face. I never flied Etihad but it sounds to me their public prayer is on the edge of being "on my face". I also feel annoyed when I attend a Rodeo event in Cody, Wyoming where the host just kept talking about politics and religion, it was too much for an event meant for entertainment.
I have 2 cases to share here all related to this topic:
1) I once stayed in a cabin style hotel outside of Moab , UT. There was a poster in my room explaining why they only wash sheets every 3 days. You know this has been pretty much the standard everywhere. But the interesting thing was the statement quoted global warming as a reason. Even more interesting is this part was covered up although I still can read it out through the thick ink on top of it.
I am not surprised someone in Utah also believe in global warming, but I was surprised they dare to write it down and put it up in the first place. Who covered it? A previous guest or the management just got too many complaints so they have to retract it? In either way, it just showed that some people are not so tolerant as what they might preach to others.
2) there is a hotel chain called APA in Japan. Instead of bible, they actually put a book written by its owner basically denying all war crimes Japanese army committed in world war II . This hotel was rightfully boycotted by China and Korea athletes during Asian Winter Games. They also put a book with anti-Semitic articles in a Vancouver hotel they own, that they later retracted. But they never retract the stupid book from their Japanese hotels.
That is a hotel I feel I have to boycott.
If you're in California, don't eat at In n Out because they have bible verses on the bottom of their cups!
@gobluetwo
Apparently Andrew viewed that a card specifically laminated is unhygyenic (it may be used and re-used even after thrown at garbage bin or toilet).
He consider putting such thing on his pillow invades his privacy / rights to a hygene in a hotel room he ordered.
Sorry if I wasn't really clear on that.
When someone says they are praying for me I tell them I guess that means I'll have to think for you. I really hope these same people are okay when their ambulance takes them to a church instead of a hospital. Or that their doctors form a prayer circle instead of actually doing something. you want to pray for me? that's the equivalent of doing nothing and getting to feel oh so good about yourself....
When someone says they are praying for me I tell them I guess that means I'll have to think for you. I really hope these same people are okay when their ambulance takes them to a church instead of a hospital. Or that their doctors form a prayer circle instead of actually doing something. you want to pray for me? that's the equivalent of doing nothing and getting to feel oh so good about yourself. Go donate blood. Help the elderly. Adopt an animal. Make me a sandwich. But muttering to your invisible friend on my behalf doesn't impress.
Andrew raises a really interesting issue. How do we, as frequent travelers, know where our money is going when we patronize a particular hotel? And do we really care? After all, some of the world's most illustrious hotels are now owned by the venomously homophobic Sultan of Brunei. Would I boycott my beloved Hotel Bel Air because of its ownership? Nope. Yet, I cringed when I read about this Moody Management company. My initial reaction:...
Andrew raises a really interesting issue. How do we, as frequent travelers, know where our money is going when we patronize a particular hotel? And do we really care? After all, some of the world's most illustrious hotels are now owned by the venomously homophobic Sultan of Brunei. Would I boycott my beloved Hotel Bel Air because of its ownership? Nope. Yet, I cringed when I read about this Moody Management company. My initial reaction: "I don't want my money to go to some company that engages in Christian proselytizing!!" Then I thought about it and quickly realized that it would, indeed, be hypocritical of me to condemn a Moody property while ignoring the Bel Air's ownership. In the end, all that matters is whether we as guests are treated with respect and dignity regardless of our religion, sexuality or race.
I would have simply accepted that little card on the pillow with the spirit of good will in which it was given.
The problem with this post is not that the author doesn't resonate with Christian blessings. It's that he doesn't like Christians wishing him well, but thinks it's cool to have Islamic prayers broadcast on a plane that he can't easily ignore.
99% of Christians worldwide wish everyone well. As the sentiment on this card expressed for everyone, regardless of their religious beliefs.
But @25% of Moslems worldwide want to kill every non-Moslem, 70%...
The problem with this post is not that the author doesn't resonate with Christian blessings. It's that he doesn't like Christians wishing him well, but thinks it's cool to have Islamic prayers broadcast on a plane that he can't easily ignore.
99% of Christians worldwide wish everyone well. As the sentiment on this card expressed for everyone, regardless of their religious beliefs.
But @25% of Moslems worldwide want to kill every non-Moslem, 70% want to force everyone to convert to their particular brand of Islam under pain of death, and nearly all of them consider non-Moslems to be sub human. Yet Andrew thinks the latter are cool, but Christians wishing him well are evil. What a weirdly distorted point of view. I know that this sort of left-wing 'virtue signaling' is very trendy right now. But I still find preferring people who want to kill or forcibly convert you to be cool, and people who just want to pray for your welfare to be evil, just utterly weird.
I'm fine with Bibles in the bed side drawer, which are not only easy to ignore, but since I rarely open that drawer, I tend to forget they are even there. I'm also fine with an arrow on the desk pointing to Mecca, especially so in a officially Islamic country, so that a devote Moslem knows which direction to pray, while everyone else can just ignore it.
I'm not fine with Islamic prayers broadcast on a plane where a significant number of passengers are not Moslems and have paid anywhere from multiple hundreds to multiple thousands of dollars simply to purchase transportation.
Since as others have pointed out Andrew isn't bothered by dozens of other hygiene problems in his room, but only the card with a prayer on it, I suspect that the question of germs on the pillow is just an excuse to do a post expressing his anti-Christian bigotry. And no, I'm not a Christian, I'm one of those who check to box for "spiritual but not religious".
I think the difference between the Etihad prayers, etc and the religion card in a hotel in the US is that it's an entirely different culture. The Gulf countries have no societal expectation of freedom of religion or freedom FROM religion. They are not societies based on liberalism (in the general sense, not the specific context of the US political system). Ours is. Being respectful of other cultures means not being bothered by the prayers,...
I think the difference between the Etihad prayers, etc and the religion card in a hotel in the US is that it's an entirely different culture. The Gulf countries have no societal expectation of freedom of religion or freedom FROM religion. They are not societies based on liberalism (in the general sense, not the specific context of the US political system). Ours is. Being respectful of other cultures means not being bothered by the prayers, etc in other countries that have a different system.
In the US, religion is a private thing and has no official status. The management company risks offending more than just non-religious people with its prominent display of their beliefs. Jews, Hindus, Muslims, etc might all be put off by the card. I'm also a non-religious person and I certainly would be. We value diversity and freedom of belief in this country and that means it's respectful to avoid rubbing one's own religion in the face of your customers.
So you "think it’s cool to see the Qibla compass in my room pointing toward Mecca" and "also love flying Etihad, which broadcasts a travel prayer at the start of each flight", but you have "some issues with this". I had to read these lines a couple of times to make sure I had processed them correctly. This is inconsistent and hypocritical at the very least. If you are not anti-muslim prayer than why are you anti-christian prayer?
I'll pray for you.
Nice blog post to get comments on for sure.
I have issues with placing this on the pillow. I really hate hotels put anything on pillows like ones that pimp global warming theory. Like throwing towels on the floor is going to kill polar bears because it takes water to wash them and water as you know disappears forever once used.
As far as being offended that someone prays for you. Why would...
Nice blog post to get comments on for sure.
I have issues with placing this on the pillow. I really hate hotels put anything on pillows like ones that pimp global warming theory. Like throwing towels on the floor is going to kill polar bears because it takes water to wash them and water as you know disappears forever once used.
As far as being offended that someone prays for you. Why would you care? If you don't believe in prayer from the religion involved then it shouldn't matter a bit to you. It would be like if the card said "we wish nice things about you and wish you success". Would you be offended that they "wish" things for you? I would hope not. This blessing is from the book of Numbers from the Christian Old Testament or the 4th book of the Jewish Torah btw. It is a part of a traditional blessing. Some Jews and a few Christians use it to bless their children at the start of Sabbat.
I wouldn't be too torn up about this issue. For example I disagree with people who abort babies and I try not to support companies that do this but it is nearly impossible. If you want to attempt to avoid giving your money to religious based companies you'll want to avoid Jet Blue, Alaska Airlines, Marriott, Drury Inn, and a bunch of others. http://www.deseretnews.com/top/1700/6/Marriot-Hotel-20-companies-with-religious-roots.html
OMG this is dumbest post ever. Just move the card so you can't see it
You are in the Bible belt, so this might be expected, Get a grip.
I think you touch on a number of issues wrapped up in this that may be confusing the point you were trying to make -- which I believe is that we never think much about the actual companies owning franchised business, but maybe we should (?).
Unfortunately, you mix this up with some other odd issues. Considering how often the average person touches their face (after touching other things), it's rather curious that you are...
I think you touch on a number of issues wrapped up in this that may be confusing the point you were trying to make -- which I believe is that we never think much about the actual companies owning franchised business, but maybe we should (?).
Unfortunately, you mix this up with some other odd issues. Considering how often the average person touches their face (after touching other things), it's rather curious that you are concerned about the germs a laminated card may be contributing to a hotel pillowcase. Also, I think you need to consider the prayer card like the Etihad prayer -- a gesture by well-meaning people wishing you a safe stay or journey. As you pointed out, both Texas and the Middle East have cultures where religion is a very public thing. When a business is publicly religious or political it can certainly be awkward to those who don't share those beliefs, but this particular prayer card seems rather innocuous to me.
It was simply a gesture of good will. Overreaction.
@Brendan Joseph - it was not written by Ben.
If you are non-Christian, then words like this have no meaning for you. So then why get upset about them? Why not take them as well-wishes, even if it is a bit clueless.
In our diverse culture its not practical to insulate yourself from every thought and expression does't fit perfectly with your preferences.
Me thinks you have a touch of bigotry you need to work on.
Please contact the FFRF (Freedom from Religion Foundation) as they will have a huge interest in this nonsense. They clearly mean a christian god and no other. That is wrong. I tend to throw out the buybull in my room or put a warning sticker on it (it has skull/crossbones stating that literal belief in this book will endanger your health and life).
I should only hear about people's beliefs in a place of...
Please contact the FFRF (Freedom from Religion Foundation) as they will have a huge interest in this nonsense. They clearly mean a christian god and no other. That is wrong. I tend to throw out the buybull in my room or put a warning sticker on it (it has skull/crossbones stating that literal belief in this book will endanger your health and life).
I should only hear about people's beliefs in a place of worship. If they introduce their belief system then I WILL introduce mine.
@KeepingItReal
A couple of notes. First, define your concept of Freedom FROM religion. Do you think that means expressions of one's religious beliefs should be verboten in certain settings, rather than one forcing another to adhere to their beliefs? (Hint - FFR is the latter, not the former).
Second, how is this proselytizing? M-W defines it as "inducing someone to convert to one's faith" or "recruiting someone to join one's party, institution, or cause."...
@KeepingItReal
A couple of notes. First, define your concept of Freedom FROM religion. Do you think that means expressions of one's religious beliefs should be verboten in certain settings, rather than one forcing another to adhere to their beliefs? (Hint - FFR is the latter, not the former).
Second, how is this proselytizing? M-W defines it as "inducing someone to convert to one's faith" or "recruiting someone to join one's party, institution, or cause." Oxford calls it "Convert or attempt to convert (someone) from one religion, belief, or opinion to another." Cambridge says "to try to persuade someone to change his or her religious beliefs, political party, etc., to your own." I don't see proselytizing, I see expression or proclamation of one's beliefs. I can see why you used that term, though, as many misunderstand it to mean merely proclaiming one's beliefs without the intent of conversion. It is a fallacy that one should stop speaking their beliefs once they've left the confines of their place of worship.
This is bizarrely inconsistent and hypocritical Ben. You travel regularly on airlines where the religious belief of the operator or ticketing carrier impact you significantly and in those cases you find it "interesting". When you go to explore Bhutan, again, you find it interesting. That's great. Stay interested in how other people do things, but with all the negative things people of all religions do and say, I fail to find anything offensive in the...
This is bizarrely inconsistent and hypocritical Ben. You travel regularly on airlines where the religious belief of the operator or ticketing carrier impact you significantly and in those cases you find it "interesting". When you go to explore Bhutan, again, you find it interesting. That's great. Stay interested in how other people do things, but with all the negative things people of all religions do and say, I fail to find anything offensive in the wording of that note and your reaction is a mixture of the overfamiliar and the under-familiar all at once.
Valid points: Laminated card on pillow makes you worry about hygiene, and while it's possible it's been cleaned, at the same time it should be placed on the nightstand or elsewhere.
With regard to brand standards, a personal touch can make a difference to people without necessarily deviating. Brand standards is not about making hotels be robotic and boring, but consistent and excellent. Hotels that focus on brand standards at the expense of their own personality are often atrocious.
I stayed in a luxury resort last week where there were symbols of a religion other than my own and yes, I certainly noticed them and was surprised by their prominence, but I was also aware that people in the world hold views different than mine and I choose not to vet this before travel. With
@keepingitreal
What? Freedom From Religion is not an American value? Freedom of religion encompasses that you can believe in whatever you want, including nothing...
Freedom From Religion is a group that wants to outlaw religion everywhere, they are not a "value"
The rest of your post equally does not make sense. "Everyone accepts their views. They shouldn't be sharing their views to begin with on a hotel pillow." Well, that's not acceptance....
@keepingitreal
What? Freedom From Religion is not an American value? Freedom of religion encompasses that you can believe in whatever you want, including nothing...
Freedom From Religion is a group that wants to outlaw religion everywhere, they are not a "value"
The rest of your post equally does not make sense. "Everyone accepts their views. They shouldn't be sharing their views to begin with on a hotel pillow." Well, that's not acceptance. That's you trying to say your tolerant of something and then being intolerant of it...
You have a very narrow-minded view on things ...
@Mike - "Freedom from religion" is not about being free of people making religious statements to you, as the hotel franchisee has chosen to do. Rather, it means that one cannot be forced to adhere to another's religious rites, rituals, beliefs. If they had asked YOU to pray for the hotel employees, or to bow your head if others near you are praying, or to attend a morning prayer meeting, then that would be inappropriate....
@Mike - "Freedom from religion" is not about being free of people making religious statements to you, as the hotel franchisee has chosen to do. Rather, it means that one cannot be forced to adhere to another's religious rites, rituals, beliefs. If they had asked YOU to pray for the hotel employees, or to bow your head if others near you are praying, or to attend a morning prayer meeting, then that would be inappropriate. Stating their religious beliefs and telling you they are praying for you is merely an expression of one's religion. No rights are being infringed upon just because you find this expression of religion so offensive. Ironic that so many preach tolerance, but only if it fits with their own perspectives and worldviews.
@James - I really have no idea what you mean when you suggest that your privacy has been invaded. Just how, exactly, has your privacy been invaded?
As to the germaphobic comments, this is really no different from the breakfast cards you often find on the pillow/bed. You can always ditch that one pillow and request a new one, or a new pillow case, or just use one less pillow. There are simple things you can do without getting grossed out.
OH NO, Someone wished you a good day! Fire up the blog boys time to be faux offended.
Really this is more about being anti-religion than anti-germ even though you try to laminate over. I don't feel offended when I visit countries who play the islamic prayer. Nice dig against Texas and gun owners as well. Especially considering Texas is barely in the top 20 of gun ownership rates. http://www.businessinsider.com/gun-ownership-by-state-2015-7 and https://www.theatlas.com/charts/NJt0vesF
A laminated card?...
OH NO, Someone wished you a good day! Fire up the blog boys time to be faux offended.
Really this is more about being anti-religion than anti-germ even though you try to laminate over. I don't feel offended when I visit countries who play the islamic prayer. Nice dig against Texas and gun owners as well. Especially considering Texas is barely in the top 20 of gun ownership rates. http://www.businessinsider.com/gun-ownership-by-state-2015-7 and https://www.theatlas.com/charts/NJt0vesF
A laminated card? If you think that is germ laden you should think about the other things in the room such as door handles, tv remotes, phones, iron, the light switches, etc. How often do those get cleaned?
Dumb article.
"Freedom of religion is an American value whether it super creeps you out or not."
Freedom FROM religion is also an American value.
"Which Christian values does the author disagree with?
* Helping the poor and less fortunate
* Forgiveness
* Approaching the world with love and an open heart"
Many atheists embrace these values. So do many other religions. Christianity does not have a lock on them.
"But you can’t be...
"Freedom of religion is an American value whether it super creeps you out or not."
Freedom FROM religion is also an American value.
"Which Christian values does the author disagree with?
* Helping the poor and less fortunate
* Forgiveness
* Approaching the world with love and an open heart"
Many atheists embrace these values. So do many other religions. Christianity does not have a lock on them.
"But you can’t be fine with the Etihad prayer and not this."
Wrong. Etihad is based in a country where Islam is their national religion, and as the national/flag carrier they celebrate this. The USA is not a Christian, or Jewish, or Shinto, or any other religious nation. Leave religion out of hotel rooms, please, and yes, that includes the Gideon bibles.
"You’re offended by a gesture intended only to be simple and kind not because it’s wrong, but because you don’t agree with it. That’s the real definition of intolerance in our society."
Wrong. Intolerance is proselytizing to those who haven't requested it. Tolerating the beliefs or non-beliefs of others is real tolerance, not leaving prayer cards on their pillows.
"If I have a problem hearing a prayer in Arabic at the beginning of my flight on Etihad, I’m a racist or Islamaphobe."
No, you're just someone who doesn't understand the UAE and other Muslim nations.
"Just because your views don’t align doesn’t mean it should make you uncomfortable. Because that shows intolerance on your part for not be accepting of their views."
Everyone accepts their views. They shouldn't be sharing their views to begin with on a hotel pillow. This is a hotel, not a church.
"No harm was intended by the note..."
The road to hell/good intentions, etc. Intention is irrelevant. He paid for a hotel room, not a sermon.
"All of your articles come across as whinny and really destroy the reputation of this blog."
Actually, the above comment is whinny [sic] and destroys the reputation of this blog. There are other blogs. Go to them, and comment.
To correct someone earlier, there is no "freedom of religion" or "freedom from religion" in the United States. Rather, the Constitution only prohibits Congress--and, by extension, the 50 states--from establishing one particular faith, denomination, or sect as the national church. The same with the First Amendment. Free speech means Congress and the states can't restrict your speech in the public realm. That doesn't mean a business can't propagate a faith or restrict your speech.
...To correct someone earlier, there is no "freedom of religion" or "freedom from religion" in the United States. Rather, the Constitution only prohibits Congress--and, by extension, the 50 states--from establishing one particular faith, denomination, or sect as the national church. The same with the First Amendment. Free speech means Congress and the states can't restrict your speech in the public realm. That doesn't mean a business can't propagate a faith or restrict your speech.
Regardless.
This is the stupidest post, ever. Many of us, both of faith and no faith, are offended--deeply offended--at the pornography that many national hotel brands openly provide to guests and the children of guests. Sure, you can block it but it's there. Some hotels, branded and not branded, even provide in-room condoms. That's offensive to many.
I'm sure many are also offended by some of the advertising in the in-room magazines.
I could go on and on.
The germ argument holds no water unless you want to argue against decorative pillows that are prevalent in high-end hotels. They are on top of your pillows and clean sheets every night and how many times are those touched and thrown on the ground, every night? It's not uncommon to see prayer cards in hotels, I've seen them before in branded hotels, including the Marriott in Rochester, MN which is in a liberal city and...
The germ argument holds no water unless you want to argue against decorative pillows that are prevalent in high-end hotels. They are on top of your pillows and clean sheets every night and how many times are those touched and thrown on the ground, every night? It's not uncommon to see prayer cards in hotels, I've seen them before in branded hotels, including the Marriott in Rochester, MN which is in a liberal city and a liberal state (there goes your not-so-subtle dig at guns).
I'm with the other posters here, you can't condemn this and then say how you're not bothered by an Islamic prayer broadcast over your plane's PA system. This makes the writer look like a closed-minded, intolerant bigot. Lucky, you should be ashamed to allow posts like this on the site. Signed, an agnostic.
Geez, people are so quick to bash Andrew and his posts for 'devaluing' Lucky's blog. If that were the case, I'm sure Lucky would do something about it, since he hasn't, it's not something the rest of us have to worry about? And another thing, this is a BLOG, not a magazine or newspaper that folks are paying to subscribe to. Therefore, it's kinda hypocritical to EXPECT a certain quality of service/content or whatever. If...
Geez, people are so quick to bash Andrew and his posts for 'devaluing' Lucky's blog. If that were the case, I'm sure Lucky would do something about it, since he hasn't, it's not something the rest of us have to worry about? And another thing, this is a BLOG, not a magazine or newspaper that folks are paying to subscribe to. Therefore, it's kinda hypocritical to EXPECT a certain quality of service/content or whatever. If you don't like it, stop reading the blog, simple!
And as for this particular post, my take is that Andrew's primary concern is hygiene, which I totally understand. Put the card on the bed maybe, but not on the pillow! Is that too much to ask? I'm not Christian, but as a believer in God, I wouldn't be offended by the contents of the card since I take it in the spirit of general goodwill to all. However, please don't put it on the pillow!
Kick Andrew off the blog. Another wholly useless post.
You know, you don't have to share others beliefs in order to be tolerant of them.
As for your germophobia ... please. Do you handle in room toiletries? Does your body come in contact with hotel pillowcases, sheets, and blankets? They're not sterile. Nor is the in room remote control for the tv.
As for the dreaded card left on the bed about choices of pillows or the need to conserve resources and re-using sheets...
You know, you don't have to share others beliefs in order to be tolerant of them.
As for your germophobia ... please. Do you handle in room toiletries? Does your body come in contact with hotel pillowcases, sheets, and blankets? They're not sterile. Nor is the in room remote control for the tv.
As for the dreaded card left on the bed about choices of pillows or the need to conserve resources and re-using sheets and towels.. Better not eat that mint or chocolate left on your bed during turn down service, as you don't know what might be on the wrapper.
I'm still having a hard time how this person is not bothered by the prayer on Etihad flights, but seems outraged over a benign message left on their pillow by management. The real outrage is the state of the toilet which you didn't feel the need to immediately report to management.
Andrew, get a grip. OK with any religion, as long as it's not Christianity. OK! Makes sense. People wishing you well is a good thing, not bad. I don't care if someone who is Christian, Muslim, Jewish, etc., blesses me and wishes me well, that's a good thing by any standard.
All the awful things happening in this world with genocide, slavery, kids going hungry every night and you're upset by someone wishing you the best and a safe journey. Insane...
You are being super picky with view you dont agree with but super lenient with everything else.
Lucky has a great blog because he shares interesting perspectives and opens all of us to new and different experiences.
Andrew, please think about the subject matter before you write your next post. Not one really cares about your toilet cleanliness or the prayer card. If you want to share a review of the hotel, fine. But don't just write a whole article on something so trivial.
All of your articles come across...
Lucky has a great blog because he shares interesting perspectives and opens all of us to new and different experiences.
Andrew, please think about the subject matter before you write your next post. Not one really cares about your toilet cleanliness or the prayer card. If you want to share a review of the hotel, fine. But don't just write a whole article on something so trivial.
All of your articles come across as whinny and really destroy the reputation of this blog.
If you could see me, you'd see my eye roll. Set the note aside and move on geez.
Ben, this is the kind of post that in my opinion devalues your blog.
So a few Christian words on a laminated page (which can be discarded at will) is offensive in Texas, but an Islamic prayer broadcast on a airplane headed for Abu Dhabi (which is difficult to ignore) is OK?
Bill Maher put it best: we are seeing here the soft bigotry of low expectations.
I wouldn't be offended, but I will avoid businesses that openly promote their religious beliefs no mater what the religion is.
@Gary
You wrote a very interesting point. "Move the note, throw it away."
So... there's a big chance the said note ever ended in trash bin along with other trash. Housekeeping pick it up, put it back.
Wow!!!
Guys, the issue here is hygene, not freedom of religious or american value. Can we stay on track?
Gotta agree with Dave and Gary. No harm was intended by the note and to write a whole column about how it bothers you is ridiculous. With all the rudeness and rip-offs encountered while traveling you're focused on THIS? I have a tip for you. Not everyone thinks the way you do. That's what diversity is. Embrace it because that's what life is all about. Not to go through life lockstepped with just the way you believe.
I'm with you on the gross portion of the note. I don't even like having the room service breakfast order form on the pillow as I know dozens of people will have touched it and moved it. Staying in hotels 100+ nights a year means suspending some disbelief or else we'd all go crazy.
On the religious side I'd prefer it all be voluntary. Don't leave it on my pillow, I want a church...
I'm with you on the gross portion of the note. I don't even like having the room service breakfast order form on the pillow as I know dozens of people will have touched it and moved it. Staying in hotels 100+ nights a year means suspending some disbelief or else we'd all go crazy.
On the religious side I'd prefer it all be voluntary. Don't leave it on my pillow, I want a church or a prayer I can ask for it.
Put it in the inflight magazine, leave it in the desk drawer. Keep it out of my face.
I'm an atheist, but I couldn't care less how other people think. I certainly don't get offended when someone says "I'm praying for you". I think it's useless and I don't believe talking to an invisible old man in the sky actually works, but I get it from their point of view and take it as a complement or well wishes. I wasn't clear if you were actually offended by it. I wouldn't be.
@Gary
Agreed. I think the thing you aren't understanding though is that intolerance means something different to some folks. Intolerance is only used as a way to describe someone else's views. It is far too inconvenient for some folks to live up to the standards they set for others.
Jimminy Christmas. Good wishes are usually conveyed according to the value system of the conveyer. It takes a heel to be offended when a religious person wishes them well. I could imagine being annoyed by overt proselytizing, but clutching your pearls over this is pretty petty.
First - the thought of the note on the pillow is gross. I don't think many disagree with that. I would also have absolutely gotten a new room after the toilet incident.
In terms of the actual thought behind the note. WHO CARES. When did everyone in America get so damn sensitive. Move the note, throw it away. Do whatever but just get over it and move it. No need to whine about it....
First - the thought of the note on the pillow is gross. I don't think many disagree with that. I would also have absolutely gotten a new room after the toilet incident.
In terms of the actual thought behind the note. WHO CARES. When did everyone in America get so damn sensitive. Move the note, throw it away. Do whatever but just get over it and move it. No need to whine about it.
Just because your views don't align doesn't mean it should make you uncomfortable. Because that shows intolerance on your part for not be accepting of their views. It's not a one way road. You can't be mad at someone for their views even if they don't align with yours. Everyone is being sensitive no a days and it's terrible. Get over it and move on. America is about being acceptive of others views. That's the greatest thing about this country everyone can have their own views. I love that about this country. But you don't need to bash someone else's views and talk bad about them. If you don't align just move the card away throw it away who cares and move on. Don't go crying about it.
You're a part of the problem.
If I have a problem hearing a prayer in Arabic at the beginning of my flight on Etihad, I'm a racist or Islamaphobe.
But you raising a concern about an innocuous promise of prayer for a restful night, and that's just perfectly okay. Had to get in a dig about God and guns, too, huh?
The double standard and closed mindedness is gross.
It is criminal, I don't agree with any of the christian values as someone was being smart in other comments, in secular state you can drag them to court for this!!!!
When Alaska stopped handing out the prayer cards in 2012, it stated "We believe it's the right thing to do in order to respect the diverse religious beliefs and cultural attitudes of all our customers and employees.” Hilton needs to get its franchisees in line to do the same. If franchisees want do so religious branding, perhaps they can affiliate with Hobby Lobby to start a hotel chain.
Meanwhile, Moody should be praying for...
When Alaska stopped handing out the prayer cards in 2012, it stated "We believe it's the right thing to do in order to respect the diverse religious beliefs and cultural attitudes of all our customers and employees.” Hilton needs to get its franchisees in line to do the same. If franchisees want do so religious branding, perhaps they can affiliate with Hobby Lobby to start a hotel chain.
Meanwhile, Moody should be praying for itself and getting its own house in order. They paid nearly $1 billion to the Justice Department earlier this year to settle mortgage rating fraud claims. So much for righteousness.
Wow. Did this note threaten you or cause you any harm?
C'mon bruh. You're doing too much.
@alohadavekennedy, freedom of religion, unless it's any religion other than "christianity". America was founded on illegal immigration and genocide, not religion.
Let me get this straight, a laminated prayer card left on your pillow, likely left on top of the bed spread covering your pillow, gives you offense? This after you had probably already touched other public hotel surfaces on the way to your room .... doors, buttons, handrails, pens, countertops, etc.
I'm thinking your problem has to do more with Christianity evidenced through the prayer card than desiring to have hotel life being totally...
Let me get this straight, a laminated prayer card left on your pillow, likely left on top of the bed spread covering your pillow, gives you offense? This after you had probably already touched other public hotel surfaces on the way to your room .... doors, buttons, handrails, pens, countertops, etc.
I'm thinking your problem has to do more with Christianity evidenced through the prayer card than desiring to have hotel life being totally secular. Enjoying Islamic religious influences in Middle Eastern enterprises and repulsed by Christian ones in others is simply your prejudice showing.
So you are grossed out by the note. Let me ask you, did you use the tv remote, bathroom door handle, light switches, walk bare foot on the carpet? Andrew if you did any of these things then then you should be in convolutions.
I'm on the road 3 nights a week, I do wipe down most of those things with a Clorox wipe when I first enter a room. I also check for...
So you are grossed out by the note. Let me ask you, did you use the tv remote, bathroom door handle, light switches, walk bare foot on the carpet? Andrew if you did any of these things then then you should be in convolutions.
I'm on the road 3 nights a week, I do wipe down most of those things with a Clorox wipe when I first enter a room. I also check for bedbugs before I do anything. If I had seen this I would have just asked for a new room.
Lucky please don't let posts like this make your site. I quit reading Gary's blog altogether because over the last few years it has just deteriorated in to click bait, TSA bad, airlines bad, everything bad bad, I Gary lord of point know everything. Don't let this happen to your site.
Moody must own a lot, because I had the exact same card on my bed at the Residence Inn in Grapevine, TX back in March. Not necessarily grossed out by the card, but I just feel "religion" and "politics" are something that you should not be promoting with your business. But then, if they had a "we love all our diverse customers" with a gay pride flag, I'd probably be ok with that... so I'm a hypocrite, and I must somehow figure out how to go on.
Yuck
They should spend more time focusing on running their business well (i.e. cleaning toilets) and leave their religion to themselves. As Maggie Smith may or may have not said "My dear, religion is like a penis. It's a perfectly fine thing for one to have and take pride in, but when one takes it out and waves it in my face we have a problem".
Christianity is evil bad and opressive. islam is peaceful and good. we need more korans in hotel to convirt more of you kafirs
You're offended by a gesture intended only to be simple and kind not because it's wrong, but because you don't agree with it. That's the real definition of intolerance in our society.
I'm curious what Hilton Corporate would say. Hilton Worldwide have team of brand compliance managers that inspect both franchisees as well as Hilton managed hotels to ensure that they are following the relatively stringent requirements for each brand. Locations which fail face consequences, which range from a warning to take corrective action to deflagging the property in the case of more serious and/or repeated violations. I doubt this particular one would be accepted by head...
I'm curious what Hilton Corporate would say. Hilton Worldwide have team of brand compliance managers that inspect both franchisees as well as Hilton managed hotels to ensure that they are following the relatively stringent requirements for each brand. Locations which fail face consequences, which range from a warning to take corrective action to deflagging the property in the case of more serious and/or repeated violations. I doubt this particular one would be accepted by head office.
Prayers onboard Etihad is fine but not the ones in the room on American soil? Way too liberal.
@Andrew --- you have just been added to my prayer list and I will make sure to pray for you everyday. :D
Completely ridiculous that you are upset about this at all.
Andrew, dont 'bless' me when I sneeze.
Intruding religion into business matters is rude rude rude but you'll never convince the overzealous so-called Christians that that is true.
..... Jesus let people come to him.
Why no mention of the Book of Mormon in every Marriott Hotel?
Andrew,
I totally agree with you as to the oddness of this situation. I just wanted to clarify something you wrote: Moody is the management company/operator of the hotel, but not the owner. Typically three parties are involved in a franchised hotel - the brand (in this case Hilton/Homewood Suites), the management company/operator (in this case Moody), and the owner (whoever owns the land and the building). The owner typically builds/provides the physical hotel, in...
Andrew,
I totally agree with you as to the oddness of this situation. I just wanted to clarify something you wrote: Moody is the management company/operator of the hotel, but not the owner. Typically three parties are involved in a franchised hotel - the brand (in this case Hilton/Homewood Suites), the management company/operator (in this case Moody), and the owner (whoever owns the land and the building). The owner typically builds/provides the physical hotel, in consultation with the brand. Once the hotel is ready to be opened, the management company steps in and starts running the hotel in accordance with both the policies of their own company and the policies of the brand.
@Ryan, lol. Agree.
Lol! Some of you really can't think straight here. Its not about Islam is ok and Christian isn't. Its simply about spreading a religion without invading others privacy and hygene.
Bible by Gideon, an arrow pointing Mecca, and Etihad prayers pre-take off do not invade anyone privacy or hygene. Whereas the said card is.
However, after seeing the card and the toilet, Andrew still sleep there. I might also questioned his hygene preference as well....
I actively avoid any business that overtly promotes any religion. Any spiritual enlightenment I may need will be sought on my own terms. Freedom of religion is also freedom from religion.
Respectfully, I feel you are totally over reacting to the situation. Wishes of kindness from an inn keeper, when usually all they are concerned with is the bottom line is refreshing and while I might agree with you on the placement of the message, I would have appreciated it.
In this harried world where the majority of us struggle to keep our heads above water and put food on the table, the musings of an self entitled mileage runner disgust me.
You weren't bothered by the shit on the toilet, but worry about germs on a laminated card? wtf is wrong with you?
Someone saying they'll pray for you does no harm to you, no more than someone wishing you to "have a good day". Get over yourself.
Freedom of religion is an American value whether it super creeps you out or not.
"Freedom of religion is an American value whether it super creeps you out or not."
Freedom of religion also includes freedom _from_ religion.
I have been praying all my life to get super rich...no dice yet! Got a few more years till I'm gone...
I agree with Peter B. Unless someone is forcing you to participate in their belief system, go about your day without worrying about a prayer card on your pillow.
This is an awfully narrow-minded and prejudiced view.
Which Christian values does the author disagree with?
* Helping the poor and less fortunate
* Forgiveness
* Approaching the world with love and an open heart
All three?
I don't like some of these christian values: http://www.usbible.com/law/bible_bigotry.htm
Totally concur. I would have been inclined to contact the franchisor. Reminds me of the first time I flew on Alaska Airlines and saw the prayer card on the meal tray. Totally inappropriate.
A tempest in a teapot...
Far as the laminated card on the bed goes, that gross, put that on the table or something, not where my naked body is gonna go. But you can't be fine with the Etihad prayer and not this. Just accept that it's their way of wishing you a pleasant stay and a safe journey. Don't care what/who you worship, if you come to me in a positive manner, I'll always accept your prayer/blessing/offering.
The STEP Project is relevant here.
"[…] Complications of surgery occurred in 52 percent of those who received prayer (Group 1), 51 percent of those who did not receive it (Group 2), and 59 percent of patients who knew they would receive prayers (Group 3). […]"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Studies_on_intercessory_prayer#The_STEP_project
Usually there's a some sort of certificate on the wall at reception where it says who runs and operated the hotel. At least at lower end properties like HIX where check in area is quite compact and you can glance from one end to the other.
Also, government stamps on the elevator point towards the owner.
I am with you on this one. Let the management keep their personal religious believes, well "personal". And how about paying more attention to toilet cleaning
Wow, you are a tough customer...offended by the potential germs from a note card touching your pillow and being told you are being prayed for? Sheesh.
So Islam is fine, what with its execution of LGBTQ+ people and stoning of women, but god forbid you get a prayer in America. Does it hurt? Being this self-loathing?
Amen Andrew!
You need a few prayers to improve your writing skills perhaps.