Jewdolph The Rednosed Reindeer
The blessings and curses of being different
When I was a kid, I thought that Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer would have been a much better story if he had stood up for himself instead of being so desperate to have Santa's and his parent's approval.
I identified more with being on the Island of Misfit Toys who stopped trying to conform long ago.
The normal characters seemed kind of boring. They definitely were bullies, especially Santa who was very judgemental and only wanted to use Rudolph when he absolutely had to interact with him in order to get get his help to save Christmas.
The story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the Island of Misfit Toys has become a classic holiday tale, remembered for its lessons on acceptance, resilience, and the power of being different. Yet beneath the glittering façade of a feel-good Christmas story lies a deeper narrative of alienation, self-discovery, and the struggle for validation in a judgmental society.
The Island of Misfit Toys: A Symbol of Alienation
The Island of Misfit Toys serves as a stark metaphor for societal rejection. Each toy, labeled “defective” or “undesirable,” is cast aside because they fail to meet the rigid expectations of a world that values conformity over uniqueness. The island itself symbolizes isolation—a place of exile for those who cannot conform to the societal mold.
This motif resonates with anyone who has felt like an outsider, whether due to appearance, neurodiversity, ethnicity, religion abilities, or how they generally measured up in a prejudicial society.
Like Rudolph, whose glowing red nose subjects him to ridicule, the toys are punished not for any wrongdoing but simply for existing as they are. Their plight forces us to confront an uncomfortable truth: society often marginalizes those who challenge its narrow definitions of normalcy.
Suffering, Self-Acceptance, and True Friendship
Rudolph’s journey, like that of the toys, is one of suffering and solitude. His time away from his community allows him to develop resilience and wisdom. On the island, Rudolph learns that there is solidarity in shared pain and that true friendship is built on acceptance, not judgment.
But the lesson here is bittersweet. Rudolph’s eventual triumph—saving Christmas—is not the result of the community’s genuine change of heart but of his unique ability being deemed useful. It raises the question: would the other reindeer have ever accepted him if not for his utility?
The Flawed Moral of the Story
The tale is often celebrated for its message of inclusion, yet a closer examination reveals a troubling subtext. The "normal" characters—Santa, the other reindeer, and even the elves—do not undergo meaningful growth. Their acceptance of Rudolph is conditional, rooted in his ability to serve their needs. The same society that shunned him now benefits from his difference, but they are never held accountable for their previous cruelty.
This lack of accountability undermines the story's moral. Rudolph, in his desperation to belong, forgives too easily. He expects nothing in return for his labor or for the emotional toll of being ostracized. The same is true for the misfit toys, who are granted homes at the end of the story without any acknowledgment of the harm done to them.
A Different Perspective: Holding Society Accountable
Imagine if Rudolph had demanded reparations or acknowledgment before agreeing to guide the sleigh. What if he had used his newfound leverage to advocate for the misfit toys and others like him? Such a narrative would teach a far more powerful lesson: that inclusion is not a favor but a moral imperative, and that those who perpetuate exclusion must confront their biases and make amends.
This shift would also highlight the importance of self-worth. Rudolph’s value does not come from his utility to others but from his intrinsic qualities—his courage, kindness, and individuality. By seeking approval from those who mistreated him, Rudolph perpetuates the idea that worth must be externally validated.
The Desire for Belonging: A Double-Edged Sword
The story reflects a universal truth: the longing to belong often stems from feeling like an outsider. For Rudolph, the desire for acceptance is palpable, yet it comes at the cost of his dignity. This mirrors real-world dynamics, where marginalized individuals are often expected to prove their worth to be included in spaces they should have access to by default.
The tragedy of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer lies not in his initial rejection but in the fact that his tormentors face no consequences. While Rudolph gains acceptance, the deeper question remains unanswered: what is the cost of belonging in a society that values conformity over compassion?
A New Ending: Empowerment Over Approval
Perhaps the story’s enduring appeal lies in its unresolved tension.
Was this story written to puss us off on purpose?
I also found the story of Cinderella upsetting. It was the first book I learned to read, by the way. I first learned to read by pretending that I could. Letters seemed like magic back then. This was before preschool.
Would it piss you off if I rewrote this story? What if Rudolph and the misfit toys reclaim their agency, demanding not just a seat at the table but an acknowledgment of the harm they endured. What if they created a new society based on money and told them that they had to pay for their unique specialties and services?
This reframing offers a powerful message for both children and adults: true belonging begins with self-acceptance, and real change requires accountability, but also to not allow others to get away with their reindeer games of social superiority.
Through this lens, Jewdolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer becomes more than a holiday fable—he becomes a troll like hero who calls all us misfits to action, urging us to embrace our differences and challenge the systems that marginalize those who dare to be unique.
I would write a part II called, Christmas’ Societal Collapse to address even further character development which would take place after the victims turn into bullies.
Hit the like button if you would be interested in reading the anti-woke version of Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer.