Prejudice in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

When thinking about Christmas movies, what comes to mind for many is animated television specials from the famed Rankin/Bass production company. They’re responsible for many beloved classics like Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, and The Little Drummer Boy. However, Rudolph is the one most ubiquitous in Christmas culture. The special is based on the popular 1949 song based on a 1939 short story. While this stop-motion musical is made for children, it harbors mature themes of prejudice, marginalization, bullying, identity, and vocation. It’s a flexible parable that many ideological positions can claim as their own, making Rudolph a bit of a Rorschach Test. Because of this, my reading of it may reveal more about my presuppositions than anything else, which is all part of the fun of writing about these cultural artifacts. 

The three key characters the audience identifies with all struggle with a desire or appearance driving them into isolation. For Rudolph, it’s his unique shining red nose; for Hermie, it’s his unhappiness with work as an elf and passion for dentistry; and for Yukon Cornelius (aside from having one of the best names in television history), it’s an endless and futile search for silver and gold. They land on the Island of Misfit Toys and feel as if they have finally found a place of belonging with others who don’t belong. They feel the shame of being rejected and unwanted by their communities, particularly Rudolph and Hermie. When they reveal their personal uniqueness to others, they are met with ridicule and prejudice. Conforming to the norm and expectations is the only action that will do in the North Pole for an elf and a reindeer. 

In A Christmas Story, Scrooge is prejudiced against the poor and has a predilection against those around him. The lens through which he sees others is pessimistic and uncharitable. Anyone different from him is viewed with suspicion. The reindeer and elves (and Santa!) are suspicious of non-conformers and differences. And they’re all the worse off for it as it’s Rudolph who saves Christmas and those Scrooge is prejudiced against that help lead him to the way of positive change.