While driving through Wasilla (couldn’t see Russia from there), I noticed a sign for an automobile repair place that had a Jesus fish symbol, apparently as part of the logo. This isn’t the first time I’ve seen the Jesus fish on something other than a car. Back in West Lafayette a roofing company has it on all of their signs. In Seward I noticed it on a boat that was giving tours.
I’m not sure if this is a common thing that I just don’t notice so much because I’m not usually looking for it, but it strikes me as kind of strange. What’s their goal in putting a Christian symbol on their business that has nothing to do with Christianity? Is this a way of scaring off non-Christians, or trying to show that they’re a “good” or “honest” business because of their religion? I don’t really see another reason why you would put that symbol on your business unless you’re trying to attract or repel certain groups of people.
And how does that actually affect their business? I know I’d be a bit hesitant to use their services since it seems like I’m not wanted. I’m sure in places like Wasilla and West Lafayette it doesn’t really matter if you scare away the few non-Christians in order to secure the Christian business. But I really don’t know. Would you still get your car repaired at a place with a Jesus fish on its signs? I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t appreciate my Darwin fish bumper sticker.
The most ironic part to me is that religious symbols used to be forced onto businesses as a form of punishment…the star of David in Nazi Germany. Kind of odd now that people are willingly labeling themselves, granted that they’re the majority. I don’t think minority religions will be following suit any time soon.
It happens a lot out in small towns in Texas. Not so much in big cities, but yeah. It happens. I guess it's because they make a bunch of folks think that it's where God would want them to shop.
I wish I was kidding with the last part.
It happens a lot out in small towns in Texas. Not so much in big cities, but yeah. It happens. I guess it’s because they make a bunch of folks think that it’s where God would want them to shop.I wish I was kidding with the last part.
I try to patronize places with such fish, which I interpret as implying
"I'm not a very critical thinker, so feel free to bargain accordingly."
You wouldn't believe some of the deals I've gotten!
I try to patronize places with such fish, which I interpret as implying”I’m not a very critical thinker, so feel free to bargain accordingly.”You wouldn’t believe some of the deals I’ve gotten!
My parents and I went to a Mexican restaurant, and they had this incospicuous little Jesus fish on the menu cover. I told my dad what it was, but he didn't believe me until they told us they didn't serve alcohol *shockhorror*.
My parents and I went to a Mexican restaurant, and they had this incospicuous little Jesus fish on the menu cover. I told my dad what it was, but he didn’t believe me until they told us they didn’t serve alcohol *shockhorror*.
I personally wouldn't really care one way or another about the Jesus fish, although it really depends on how prominent it is.
I personally wouldn’t really care one way or another about the Jesus fish, although it really depends on how prominent it is.
This strikes me as similar to how politicians always have an american flag in the background.
This strikes me as similar to how politicians always have an american flag in the background.
Seems fairly obvious to me. How do you maintain a community? You patronize the people in your community with your business. People in a largely Christian majority nation explicitly want to draw from like minds. Why do we have "Made in the USA" stickers on things? People who believe they will keep the USA strong by buying American will use the symbol to guide them.
A major evangelical mega-church near me puts out its own Christian Yellow Pages. The goal is self preservation… keeping money "in the family" so to speak. Money coming in from outsiders, great. It is implicit that you should NOT spend your money with the outsiders, however. That only strengthens them.
So what of those Nazi imposed Stars of David? What better way to identify a minority you want to marginalize and bankrupt. Again, it's the majority taking advantage of the symbol, attempting to stop the flow of money to the "them" and keeping it with the "us."
A flavor or subset of tribalism, as is all religious observation.
Seems fairly obvious to me. How do you maintain a community? You patronize the people in your community with your business. People in a largely Christian majority nation explicitly want to draw from like minds. Why do we have “Made in the USA” stickers on things? People who believe they will keep the USA strong by buying American will use the symbol to guide them.A major evangelical mega-church near me puts out its own Christian Yellow Pages. The goal is self preservation… keeping money “in the family” so to speak. Money coming in from outsiders, great. It is implicit that you should NOT spend your money with the outsiders, however. That only strengthens them.So what of those Nazi imposed Stars of David? What better way to identify a minority you want to marginalize and bankrupt. Again, it’s the majority taking advantage of the symbol, attempting to stop the flow of money to the “them” and keeping it with the “us.”A flavor or subset of tribalism, as is all religious observation.
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