Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, the classic 1964 film, has been a staple in our household and previously
in my parent’s household since…well probably since 1964. I know I must have seen the film a minimum of
forty times, but for some reason, I never noticed how incredibly mean-spirited the characters are.
The painful dialogue begins with Rudolph’s own father. His mom is willing to overlook the situation, but not
Donner. Literally, as soon as the fawn is born, with his “affliction,” his father goes on the attack.
Mrs. Donner: We’ll simply have to overlook it.
Donner: How can you overlook that? His beak blinks like a blinking beacon!
What can be said but, appalling. Shortly thereafter, Santa arrives on the scene. And if I dare say so myself,
Santa’s performance definitely earns him a spot on the naughty list. The way he treats this poor, suffering animal makes me understand why Michael Vick turned out the way he did. Upon seeing the so called “blinking beacon,” the conversation goes something like this.
Santa: Great bouncing icebergs!
Donner: Now I’m sure it will stop as soon as he grows up, Santa.
Santa: Well let’s hope so if he wants to make the sleigh team someday.
There it is folks…discrimination. And who is in total agreement with Santa, Donner of course. And to
perpetuate the problem the abusive Donner decides to hide his son’s handicap.
Donner: Oh Santa’s right, he’ll never make the sleigh team. I’ve got it, we’ll hide Rudolph’s nose.
Rudolph pleads with his father not to hide his nose, but to no avail, Donner has his way.
Donner: Alright, son, try it on.
Rudolph: I don’t want to, Daddy. I don’t like it.
Donner: You’ll like it and wear it!
Rudolph: But Daddy, it’s not very comfortable!
Donner: There are more important things than comfort: self respect! Santa can’t object to you now.
With the makeshift nose cover in place, Rudolph meets with other young reindeer at flying lessons.
He meets a nice girl named Clarice. Upon learning that Clarice thinks him cute, Rudolph leaps for joy,
flying across the screen! The nose cover Donner made for him accidentally falls off and his glowing red
nose is exposed to everyone. The following comments were made by bystanders.
Clarice’s Father: No daughter of mine will be seen with a red nosed reindeer!
Coach Comet: From now on, gang, we won’t let Rudolph join in any reindeer games.
Disheartened and depressed, Rudolph runs away to find his place in the world. A travesty has occurred
in Christmas Town.
What about you? Do you have an affliction that is affecting your life? Is it physical, mental? Are you sin-sick?
The Bible says:
“I will be glad and rejoice in Your love, for You saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.
You have not given me into the hands of the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.”
Psalm 31: 7-8
Don’t run away from what ails you. Take your affliction to the Great Physician. He is happy to help heal
whatever is wrong with you.
And please don’t get me started on the harsh treatment of poor ol’ Herbie, the elf that dreams of one day
becoming a dentist. That’s a whole other story.
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