I have become known for my penchant for tearing down some of our society's treasured sacred cows--- and there may be some who are saying "enough already." With that being said, I know the holiday season is less than three months away, but for me, it has always been a time of reflection. The elusiveness of peace on Earth and goodwill to man somehow becomes either magnified or diminished around that time of the year. My musings led me to think about some of the time-honored Christmas songs that we sing. One, in particular, grabbed my attention: "Rudolph, The Red-nosed Reindeer."
Of particular interest to me are the verses "all of the other reindeers used to laugh and call him names; they wouldn't let poor Rudolph play any reindeer games." After guiding Santa's sleigh through a foggy Christmas Eve's night " then all the reindeers loved him." Is this the story of the underdog overcoming to save the day or of the intolerance of a community whose approval can only be won by some exceptional and extraordinary feat? Contemplating those stanzas caused me to think of all the "Rudolphs" in our present day society. Those who are looked upon as deformed, the disenfranchised and the different. The hoops they are asked to jump through just to gain what appears to be acceptance or approval. I think of the young boys and girls who go to school hoping and praying that they won't be made fun of that day. I think of a society and a culture that has made young women so body-conscious that it has effectively contributed to the problems of anorexia, bulimia and the self-mutilation of scores of young women. I contemplate the young men who fear that their sensitive natures will be viewed as less than manly. I think of a community of Black women, damaged by a legacy of straightening combs, perms and blonde wigs; all in an attempt to meet the beauty standards of the privileged. I think of the physically and mentally challenged who have been deemed inferior and defective by our society throughout its history. I think of generations of poor and disenfranchised folk who have lived and died never learning to love themselves; living in a society that never loved them.
Rudolph had to do something magnanimous and spectacular merely to be looked upon as acceptable or "normal" (whatever normal means). Too many times it is upon the oppressed to prove their worth, and not upon the oppressor to prove the worth or validity of their oppression. The privileged and prevailing culture defines what is normal, noble, beautiful or acceptable --- as well as the penalty for not measuring up to those definitions. Let us consider this: where would Rudolph be without the "benefit" of bad weather? How would the story have gone then? It appears that the respect and dignity transmitted to the marginalized and ostracized is as random and capricious as the rolling fog in this Christmas tale.
Most of our "Rudolphs" are (and were) ordinary individuals. Their accomplishments and deeds, by and large, will never be recorded in a newspaper, history book, or television newscast. So the opportunity for a Rudolphian moment of achievement is virtually nil. However, when all is said and done... why should they need one?
Even though we're just entering the fall season, I issue a Christmas-challenge to all believers of justice, love, mercy and truth to let your light shine through the fog of prejudice, bigotry and bias; don't allow the Rudolphs in your world to be left out --- unknown and unloved. Don't wait until December, seek them out now and fulfill what I believe is the true reason for the Christmas season; the law of Christ: loving your neighbor as yourself. And in so doing, I believe God will bless us, everyone.
Has over 19 years experience working in the field of
anti-racism, equity and inclusion training
Holds Masters in theology & sociology; a PhD in sociology with an emphasis in Critical Race Theory
Is an internationally-recognized authority in the field
of critical race theory and Black Studies
Author of :When Racism Is Law &
Prejudice Is Policy: Discriminatory and Prejudicial Laws, Decisions and
Policies in U.S. History
Has worked with organizations such as Youth For Christ,
Campus Crusade, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Fellowship of Christian
Athletes, Athletes in Action
Has served as a pastor, chaplain and counselor (including
serving as a visiting- chaplain for the NFL)
Proud Husband of Lisa Marie and father of Serena, Clifford, Michael & Ezekiel
Edward, another thought provoking and insightful article. If you were my next door neighbor we would neveer get any writing completed. I would want to listen to you for hours. Thanks for the article, JP
Thanks Marijo. I can't help it.. I just have to give my voice to the least of these among us. I am compelled by His love to do no less. Thanks again Marijo!
Thanks Ken. Yeah, since they don't get that bad weather moment, it's up to us to make sure they don't need one. Your words Ken, as always, are GREATLY appreciated.
Those Rudolphs Ken should not wait for the bad whether to come to them… sometimes it pays to go in the bad whether and shine your red nose so bright that the laughing deers can’t see where they’re coming from or going to… a Wall Mart moment…hehe :-)
I think this is a very good article, Edward, a good analogy right down to the 'bad can work to the good' weather reference. I never looked at that song that way before and was reminded of all those Christmas specials that bring out similar circumstances. And look at all those scientists, etc, who were never given their due because they were not accepted. OK, I'll stop now - I'm going down rabbit trails now.
Dang, I do miss August and the long hot summer nights it didn’t bring, but hoping for a long Indian summer throughout September and October and why not ask for November and a little bit of December? It never hurts to ask.
Your article helped to bring me past the missing of what was and what could have been if Mother Nature had been more generous and gives enthusiasm to what the change of season might bring besides frigid temperatures. I believe many of us have been challenged more than ever in recent months and find it hard to say “what‘s a little rain” and simply accept it.
I accept the challenge of letting my light shine and, as a matter of fact, that was a part of my New Year Resolution ~ so hard to believe that we are about to enter the Season of Love. This was a great analogy of the light that can shine within us, just as our little Rudolph has managed to demonstrate for many decades. Why he’s become quite the legend.
A nice article, Edward, and thank you for joining my fan club. I don’t write much unless the spirit moves me. Although I can get a tad controversial, it is painful so I try to leave that up to the brave ones.
Thanks Suzy. I've read your articles... please don't abdicate that wonderful work to anyone, because I appreciate what you do. God bless you and thanks for commenting.
I couldn’t agree more…. Oh well! I can… True! True! True!
You made your point well, Edward. I think that too often either we’re so engrossed in our own lives to even notice the Rudolphs of these world or we play it too safe (pack mentality) because we don’t want the Rudolphs' “misfortunes” to rub on us. I’ve had to “prove myself” all my life. The people who did a Santa Claus on me I’ll never forget and will forever be grateful to them. But most of the time, I do what my mother told me to do… I take a deep breath, hold my head up high and walk right into the bad weather. They may never accept me, but I make them see me... :-)! That’s what I teach young people living on the fringes of society. Don’t wait for them to accept you (most will never, others don't care or play too safe). Go in the bad weather and make them see just how red your nose can shine brighter and powerfully!!!!
Thanks for the powerful comment Yangki and I understand the concept. The presence of resilience is potent indeed. I have to square my shoulders and hold my head high. I was taught: "child of the projects; heart and spirit of a prince." If we make it a point --- especially those of us who claim to seek after justice, mercy love, and truth --- make sure that the Rudolphs of our society and community don't have to walk through fog of our prejudices, I believe we can at least make a crack in the wall of injustice. Thanks again for commenting.
"child of the projects; heart and spirit of a prince." Love it!
The challenge/effort has to be both ways, I think. Making sure that the Rudolphs of our society and community don't have to walk through the fog of our prejudices and also helping Rudolphs realize that a red nose is not death-row or that the project/hut is not a palace. We can get rid of the fog of prejudice (Yes! We Can) but we can't make Rudolph walk on the fog-free path. Rudolph has to want to walk.
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