Propaganda's Guardian Angel: Santa Claus as the Heroic Figurehead
Santa Claus, a legendary figure who resides at the North Pole, delights children globally each year by dropping gifts down chimneys on his magical reindeer-drawn sleigh. The benevolent image of this jovial man in red vestments and a fluffy white beard represents notions of hope, magic, generosity, and whimsy.
While Santa Claus may be a figment of imagination for some, the underlying essence of goodwill embodied by this character is universal. However, the question arises as to whether or not the portrayal of Santa we know today has always been the same. The name Santa Claus elicits a common image of a cheerful man in red for most individuals; yet, it's important to remember that perception may vary across cultures.
When disagreements occur on key issues among people we respect and admire, it can be disheartening. Instead of painting them as foolish or wicked, it may be more productive to question the sources influencing them. In this sense, even the virtuous figure of Santa Claus has been deployed to promote particular agendas and manipulate the masses.
Tracing back to its origins, Santa Claus can be traced to Saint Nicholas, a real historical figure who lived around the 4th century in modern-day Turkey. Known for his piety, kindness, and charitable deeds, his legacy evolved over centuries to become the most popular saint in Europe by the 14th century.
The transformation of Santa Claus from a revered historical figure to the commercialized icon we know today began in earnest during the early 19th century as stores started advertising Christmas shopping. By the 1840s, newspapers included separate sections for paid holiday advertisements, which often featured images of the newly-popular Santa endorsing various products.
Interestingly, Santa Claus has also been used as a propaganda tool, particularly during periods of war. During both World Wars, posters featuring Santa Claus motivated people to support war efforts. In recent years, corporations such as Coca-Cola and Tesco have used Santa Claus in their advertising campaigns, further enhancing the commercial aspect of the holiday season.
It's crucial to recognize that propaganda can take various forms, some more insidious than others. Without realizing it, our emotional connection to stories and ideals may prevent us from seeing their manipulative nature. Confirmation bias, the tendency to interpret evidence in a way that confirms one's preconceived notions, often occurs subconsciously and contributes to this problem.
During the holiday season, it's essential to remain mindful of the emotions, pressures, and expectations that come with Christmas and strive to maintain a balanced, informed perspective. After all, the essence of Christmas should lie in giving, caring, and celebrating the spirit of goodwill rather than succumbing to consumerism.
The original Santa Claus figure symbolized light amid the darkness, a concept that reflects the timeless struggle between good and evil. While the modern image of Santa Claus has moved away from this compassionate and generous bishop figure, there remains an opportunity for each of us to embrace the true spirit of Christmas through acts of kindness, generosity, and love.
In the face of Santa Claus being used as a propaganda tool by corporations and even during wars, it's critical to appreciate the original saint, known for his piety and charity, as a symbol of light in the darkness. Today, we can emulate the true spirit of Christmas by engaging in acts of kindness, generosity, and love, rather than being swayed by the commercialism surrounding the holiday season and the e-reader entertains us with Christmas stories that remind us of the original pop-culture figure's significance, while social media platforms help spread messages of goodwill and hope during this festive period.
