Meta: Rudolph As Gay Symbol

[bradygirl_12]

Watching Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer is always fun. The message of accepting differences is a good one, too. As a five-year-old seeing it for the first time, it made a big impression on me, though admittedly, I wondered why a red nose, difference or not, was such a big deal.

Comments

[jeannev]

I can't even watch Rudolph anymore. For me, I just think Santa is such a dick, I can't stand it! He's a grumpy whiner who treats the people around him like peons, and allows bullying and prejudice. And really, he never noticed a whole Damned Island full of toys? Asshat!

And since I was madly in love with the Bumble as a child (and in fact, still am), I can't quite get over them removing his teeth, which would seriously impact his ability to fend for himself and eat. Its not like he was rampaging on Christmas town, he was minding his own damned business in the North Pole, and if a stupid reindeer wandered into his path, then I'm not really understanding why him eating it is some sort of criminal offense.

I can't watch the Grinch either.

Heat Miser and Snow Miser however? They Rock!!

[bradygirl_12]

LOL! Yep, Santa was cranky and grumpy and dissed the elves! ;)

To be honest, it always kind of bothered me that the Bumble's teeth were removed. *shudders*

I guess it was symbolic in a way: once you take the bite out of a person, they become docile!

I agree about the Misers. ;)

[saavikam77]

Holy cow, that makes sense! O_O This could SOOO be turned into an academic paper.

Such a shame that such an important lesson flies right over so many people's heads, too, between this and a lot of other 'kids programming'. *sigh* You'd think people would actually take the lessons they're given as kids and apply them. :/

But then, such is the human species.

[bradygirl_12]

It was a pretty rockin' message for 1964: different doesn't equal being bad! Considering that civil rights was on the front page, pretty bold message.

I remember being very impressed by that message as a little kid, like I was when I first saw Star Trek and all those different people worked and lived together in harmony. I thought it was the coolest thing! :)

[realpestilence]

Have you ever seen the (very) old cartoon movie called "The Point"? I can barely remember it now. But it's about these people who all have points on their heads, and a little boy who didn't have a point-so he had to wear a pointed cap, to fit in. I think he went on a journey to find out who he was, etc. Another instance of kids' programming that was pretty deep.

I like your meta on the Rudolph movie. Made me think. \0/

[bradygirl_12]

Have you ever seen the (very) old cartoon movie called "The Point"? I can barely remember it now. But it's about these people who all have points on their heads, and a little boy who didn't have a point-so he had to wear a pointed cap, to fit in. I think he went on a journey to find out who he was, etc. Another instance of kids' programming that was pretty deep.

I've never seen it, but it sounds fascinating!

I like your meta on the Rudolph movie. Made me think. \0/

Yay! :)

[northernwalker]

This is a really interesting perspective. Thanks for writing it.

[bradygirl_12]

This is a really interesting perspective. Thanks for writing it.

You're welcome, NW! What thoughts tumble in my brain while watching cartoons! ;)

[dinahqueen]

I have never thought of it that way, but granted, I don't think I've seen it in ages, and I'm not sure it ever really impacted me that way. Of course, I was -really- oblivious when I was a child, so I probably didn't really pick up the message.

That and I've always not been a fan of Christmas movies.

But I thought your take on this was rather interesting, and I guess if I do rewatch it (and I -hate- Christmas movies now so this is not likely) I'll have to look out for this.

On a side note, I absolutely adore your Icon.

[bradygirl_12]

But I thought your take on this was rather interesting, and I guess if I do rewatch it (and I -hate- Christmas movies now so this is not likely) I'll have to look out for this.

The things you think of while watching Christmas cartoons! ;)

On a side note, I absolutely adore your Icon.

Thank you! I knew I needed a Rudolph-oriented icon for this essay. :)

[dinahqueen]

Whoops! :) While your Rudolph one was neat, I was talking about your default icon with the ornaments. :D

[bradygirl_12]

LOL! Yeah, that one really makes me giggle every time I look at it! :)