…I would be in bed right now. That’s the truth. But I haven’t mastered that technique just yet, so here I sit in front of this screen, waiting for some “magic” to pour forth from me.
It’s a fool’s game in many ways. Logic says that if I had something “pressing” that I wanted to express, I wouldn’t have to sit here wondering what to write about. But writing is a funny thing for me. If I waited until I was totally inspired to type some words, I would likely never produce a page of anything, let alone something interesting. No, when one is a writer, one writes; that’s the nature of it.
In my experience, though, there is something mystical about writing. Most of the time I find that if I just dive in, my “muse” will meet me in the middle somewhere, and give me something “significant” to expound upon. And, I think it just happened, (after around 160 words or so of babbling).
Tonight, I watched Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer.
I watch it every year, gleefully and without apology [If I ever become too "grown up" to enjoy it, then go ahead and stamp my passport for my Spirit's next destination - I'm done here]. That aside, I was struck tonight with just how much the “message” of the program has apparently been lost to so many.
Rudolph’s father was embarrassed and ashamed of his son’s nose. Santa was adamant that his nose would have to be like everyone else’s if he ever wanted to be a part of his team. His coach told all of the other reindeer to NOT allow him to participate – because he was different. These were his teachers, his “role models,” the ADULTS, mind you.
And then there was Hermie, who didn’t want to make toys, but wanted to be a dentist. For that - for having a contrary, “non-conformist” dream for his life – he was ridiculed and ostracized.
Then there were the toys, on the “Island of Misfit Toys.” Unwanted, because they did not meet some ideal of “perfection.”
Well, all of you have likely seen the story. In the end, it turned out that the “misfits,” the “outcasts,” were essential to spreading the love of Christmas. It is a beautiful story that teaches the power of acceptance, and the beauty of diversity. But somehow, in the 45+ years since it was first aired, its powerful message has been hijacked.
Today, it’s mostly seen as the story of how Rudolph’s shiny nose saved Christmas. Whew! We’re still going to get our presents! Oh, and it is also prime-time ad space to sell toys. What happened to the message? Why didn’t I see a commercial about embracing diversity?
I know the message is missing, because even though I don’t watch the news, I’ve still heard the reports. Bullying of people who “aren’t like everyone else.” Violence against gays and trans-gender people, along with rampant racism [and not just black vs. white - we've "grown" to hate all sorts of skin colors and beliefs], and all the misery that this sort of ignorant and intolerant behavior can lead to – like suicides. Lots of them.
For all of our collective talk about embracing the differences of others, there still seems to be a disturbing number of people foaming at the mouth and dragging their knuckles when they walk.
I don’t know who said it first, (and it’s been a part of many jokes and skits), but, seriously, “Can’t we all just get along?”
Many Blessings To All…
