What Makes Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer Controversial?

There are few Christmas stories more beloved than Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. What was the reason for the controversy surrounding the special?

Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer

It is during the holiday season that people take heed of what is most meaningful to them and show appreciation for those things. Even when it seems most unexpected, we should care for one another, whether that is through gifts or through togetherness. As well as embracing the holiday spectacle with various movies and shows that have been released over the years, it is also a time when television and film shift gears to a wider range of content.

The constant flow of content has led to the release of dozens of classic Christmas songs across various mediums. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, a Christmas special, was also based on the song.

What is Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer's approach to bullying?

It is established in the song that Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was considered an outcast for his shining red nose. The special followed this story. However, the special took it one step further by allowing the young reindeer to learn that his differences actually made him unique. The fact that he does it shouldn't make him feel ashamed. It was on Christmas Eve when Santa needed a special nose to see through the fog, that he fully realized what this meant. While the song portrayed Rudolph as a victim of bullying, the special detailed his experiences.

Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer

Whether it was intentional or unintentional, bullying was a problem for Rudolph. The kids who made fun of him for being different are a great example of this type of behavior. At the same time, Donner, Rudolph's father, tried to cover Rudolph's nose, explaining that his self-respect was more important than his comfort. Rudolph's nose caused Santa to single him out, and Rudolph's teacher encouraged the students to treat him the same way. "All the other reindeer used to laugh and call him names," as stated in the song was taken much further in the special.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer's criticism is justified, or not?

There were numerous comments on the post related to the special's depiction of bullying, with many feeling that how it handled bullying wasn't inherently wrong. In spite of this, the other side quickly called for a specialist's ban because they did not like how its story was presented. The majority of viewers, however, felt that the film had not done anything wrong in the first place as time progressed. Ultimately, a matter of opinion is hard to judge, but both sides have evidence to support them.

Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer

According to the argument for banning the special, Rudolph's support system was anything but supportive. He seemed only to be interested in his abilities when they were perceived as beneficial. A special mention should be made of Santa, who singled out his nose both positively and negatively. However, both Rudolph's father and teacher came from an era when different meant trouble, so it may be argued that the bullying seemed harsh because children are mean.

This may be the reason for Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer's controversies, but the film makes an effort to address the issues that it created.