Do we need a Black Santa?
November 21, 2007One of the radio stations here is airing an ad for a "Black Santa" at one of the "Black" malls. Is there really a need for a Black Santa? I can understand Black parents wanting their kids to see people who look like them…BUT St. Nicholas originated in Greece and the name Santa Claus originated with the Dutch (original name was SinterKlauus or somesuch). Do the holidays really need to be "ethnicized" (is that a word)? Must we have holiday icons of every ethnicity? How come no one’s pushing for Black leprechauns and Black cupids?
Do we NEED a black Santa maybe, maybe not. My son is an adult now, but we lived near one of the “black” malls in Atlanta when he was little. Yes, I liked the idea my son seeing a positive image in his own race. Besides why import a white man to the “black” mall to play Santa.
The United States is unique from many countries, because we do have a variety of ethnicities. But changing St. Nicholas to fit the community, is not just a black thing. But every country outside of the U.S. has their own version of Santa. In Australia his sleigh is pulled by kangaroos; and in South Africa Christmas is in the summer time, so they have very different celebrations.
So yes, let the “Black Santa” represent at the “Black Mall” for the “Black Children.”
Comment by Remnants — November 22, 2007 @ 3:18 pm