Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Why I Dislike Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (the song)

  ...well besides the fact that it's Santa and I don't agree with Santa (or 'The Fat Old Christmas Grandpa' as a brother styled him at the age of five).  Now yes, it's a cute little song, and a lot of fun to sing not to mention highly contagious (i.e. very catchy).  I mean, the only reason I've been thinking over it was because it's been stuck in my head since our caroling neighbors sung it a few nights ago, but I have a bit of a problem with it.  Just look at these lyrics.



  "All of the other reindeer, used to laugh and call him names, and they never let poor Rudolph, join in any reindeer games.  (de da de da de da)  Santa came to say, 'Rudolph with your nose so bright, won't you guide my sleigh tonight.'  Then all the reindeer loved him, as they shouted out with glee, Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer you'll go down in history."

  If you ask me, those lyrics can foster in children the attitude of bullying those you are different, and only accepting the you think they have done something you earn your acceptance.  Now, I'm pretty sure the song is trying to say the opposite, that everyone, no matter how different has a role to play, but it still bothers me.  And some people are probably going to say "It's just a fun kids song, it's no big deal", but you never know what kids are going to pick up on.  Like seriously, kids are really smart!!  Sometimes, they are so smart it's almost scary.  Even Jesus said "Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings".  And I know that in the grand scheme of things, it's probably not very important, but I just wanted to share this.

6 comments:

  1. Hmmm, that's true. The other reindeer certainly don't come off looking too good in this song. "Now that you're famous we'll be nice to you!" So...does that mean fame is the answer to one's problems? As long as you do something worthy of being talked about in the history books, then you'll have friends. (False.)

    But yeah, I think what the song is trying to say is that no matter how different you are from the general crowd, there IS something special about you. Still, such a song may not be the most effective way to get that point across. I totally see where you're coming from.

    ReplyDelete
  2. They definitely phrased it wrong!! It is like saying that people will only like you if you are popular? Wrong, that's not how it works. Not my favorite Christmas song.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm glad others understand my thoughts. :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I always thought this song was meant to inspire small bullied children to press on because one day they would find their chance to prove people wrong--it inspired me when I was younger.

    But I can see what you mean also. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And I can see that too, but I don't think you should try to 'prove bullies wrong'. Just be you and to blazes with what bullies think. Yes, you should defend yourself, but I don't think you should try to prove them wrong.

      Delete
  5. Love the falling snow :)

    I think most kids will actually pick up a good lesson from the song, as kids don't really dissect the meaning as much.

    But I do agree with you that the song stinks ;p I mean, that's awful that they would finally like him/ not like him just because of how he looks, yet they never address the others being mean about that.

    Good thoughts :)

    ReplyDelete