I just got done watching a pretty warped video on YouTube that merges “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer” with “Full Metal Jacket.” It got me thinking about what that kid’s Christmas special says about society.
I always get a kick out of how Santa is portrayed in this one. He’s the typical asshole authority figure, shaming someone because they’re different. He’s cranky. He’s feeling the pressure. I’ve always related to this guy.
Then there’s the lead elf, really busting down Herbie because he doesn’t like to make toys. Whenever someone gives my son crap for liking the color pink, I think of Herbie the elf. The head elf actually reminds me of a guy I used to work with in my newspapering days.
I relate to the misfit toys as well. They’re sitting on that cold wasteland of an island, dejected and alone. I’ve felt dejected and alone in my day, but I never had a cool Hoth-like island to hide on.
Then there’s the snow monster. Everyone hates him, but he’s the most misunderstood guy in the room.
The cool thing about this Christmas special is that all the assholes learn their lesson and the misunderstood become understood.
It’s another reminder that there’s hope for all of us.
Hi Bill. I’m a former ET-er too (circa 2002-2005) and I was referred to your page by another former ET-er. I just wanted to tell you that your blog is immensely helpful. I’m in a Masters of Mental Health Counseling and have struggled with depression, anxiety and addictive behaviors for my entire life pretty much. I’m an advocate of de-stigmatization, and I want to become a member of NAMI and some other stuff that’s just in the gestational period right now. Thanks for your contribution. Also, my husband Gregg has an almost eerie attachment to Rudolph because he relates so deeply to being a misfit. We watched it with our kids last week and he was so rapt, it was like he was watching it for the first time.
Hi, Rachel. I was there from 1999 to 2004, so we must have crossed paths at some point. What’s your last name?