It’s that time of year again — the Christmas ads are coming.
One particular advert that is getting Twitter all riled up is the offering from Tesco, which features a cross-section of British families getting ready for the big day.
Among those families is a Muslim family and, honestly, it’s thrown the internet into turmoil.
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After the advert screened for the first time last week, an avalanche of threats to boycott the store for “erasing” Christmas began to emerge.
I am boycotting your store for the simple fact of your disrespectful ads against the Christian faith.
— 21st Century Boy. (@krokarr) November 12, 2017
CHRISTmas is celebrated by all Christians - not Muslims or any other religion, as they aren’t Christians. Your marketing BS is a disgrace
— Andrew Bruce (@muppetdavo) November 13, 2017
One Twitter user launched a poll and, after more than 1,300 votes, 50% of respondents said they would be boycotting the store.
You will be boycotting Tesco because of the Christmas advert?vote and retweet for a big sample
— Bruno Amaral (@BrunoAm05317727) November 11, 2017
In defence of its advert, Tesco responded by saying that “everyone is welcome at Tesco this Christmas and we’re proud to celebrate the many ways our customers come together over the festive season.”
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And the supermarket isn’t alone in this one.
Some users pointed out the illogical arguments of some of the “haters.”
It honestly baffles me that it's 2017 and idiots are planning to boycott Tesco because they showed a Muslim family on their Christmas advert 😶 90% of those will be the same ones who shout their mouths of about "if they're in our country, they live by our rules" #cantwin#tesco
— Chloe☀ (@chloegibson96) November 13, 2017
Others spoke up in support of the advert, which they say shows an “accurate representation” of the British population.
The @Tesco Christmas advert is such an accurate representation of British family life and Christmas conversations - even down to the detail of phrasing and sentence structure. I love it! ❤️🎄☃️🎅🏼🤶🏼💚
— Reece (@ReeceMaycock_) November 11, 2017
I think it's a great advert @Tesco
— Mick Amos (@MickAmos9) November 12, 2017
Christmas is the season for love & understanding. Much prefer all faiths to enjoy this time & be happy than have bitterness & hate!
Whoever you are, enjoy & be happy
🎅🏻🌲🎁🍺🍗🍰 #Christmas
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And others — in a classic British response — saw the funny side.
MASSIVE Thanks to @Tesco for clearing their stores of racists just in time for Christmas!
— The Alpine Tea Room (@AlpineTeaRoom) November 14, 2017
😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀
Researching an article, I ended up on the Tesco website. Its entire carousel is all about Christmas. Bizarre how many goons are saying they’re planning a boycott for reasons. pic.twitter.com/3gOqh0hf0T
— Craig Grannell (@CraigGrannell) November 14, 2017
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