In what can only be described as a Christmas miracle, Donald Trump and Elon Musk have teamed up to steer us towards a future as bright as Rudolph's nose. With Trump's unyielding charisma and Musk's visionary innovations, this unlikely pair is not just leading the way through political and technological fog but also infusing our daily lives with a festive joy that rivals Santa's haul.
Together, they're proving that whether you're navigating the complexities of global politics or the vastness of space, a little bit of boldness, a splash of humour, and a lot of light can guide us all to a truly joyous life.
Which brings me to old mate Rudolph.The red-nosed reindeer. And are we not in for a journey this Christmas?
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer's journey from obscurity to becoming a Christmas icon is a fascinating tale of literature and marketing. Given that we here in Australia will likely never see a reindeer It is not surprising that I had to do some research...
Rudolph was created in 1939 by Robert L. May, an advertising copywriter for the Montgomery Ward department store in Chicago. The character was conceived as part of a promotional campaign to boost holiday sales. May was inspired by his own childhood, where he felt different due to his small stature, and by the tale of "Ugly Duckling."
The story tells of Rudolph, a young reindeer born with an unusually bright, red nose, which makes him an outcast among his peers. However, on a foggy Christmas Eve, Santa Claus notices Rudolph's glowing nose and asks him to lead his sleigh, turning Rudolph's perceived flaw into his greatest asset.
I almost wonder if our dear mate President elect Trump could be our modern day Rudolph - except there was a mix up at the paint shop. Orange is the new red?
Over 2.4 million copies of Robert May's booklet were handed out during the 1939 Christmas season, making it an instant hit. However, World War II interrupted further distribution until after the war.
The story's popularity led to its adaptation into various forms. In 1949, Robert L. May's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, composed the song "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." This song, sung by Gene Autry, became a massive hit, selling over 2 million copies within its first year and cementing Rudolph's place in Christmas lore.
Rudolph's story has gone beyond its commercial origins. The narrative teaches that what makes someone different can be their greatest strength, a message that resonates deeply during the holiday season.
Think about that for a moment... what makes us unique and different?
We are different. We don't march to the drum of woke. We lead by being different. Today, being gay or transgender is almost ho hum. We are the Rudolphs of the world: we are different because we do not have pink hair, have nipple piercings or have a certificate telling us we are multi jabbed. Maybe a rednose but hell, hmm...
The character of Rudolph and his story have been subject to various copyright issues over the years.
I wonder: how many of us feel that way today? Our copyright is being stolen .....
In the grand tapestry of holiday lore, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has unexpectedly become the patron saint of two of the most enigmatic figures of our time: Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Obviously I am being a little bit dramatic here but what the hell? I am an Aussie so suck it up.
Donald Trump, the man who could sell snow to Santa, has always been about standing out, much like our beloved Rudolph. When everyone was laughing at Rudolph's glowing nose, Trump would've been right there, saying, "You know what? That nose is MAGA - Make All Glowing Awesome."
Imagine, if you will, a Trump Tower adorned with a colossal, red-nosed reindeer, with Trump himself declaring, "Rudolph, you're hired to lead my parade. With a nose like that, you're not just different; you're better than the rest !"Here, Rudolph's story becomes a Trumpian parable: when the fog of political correctness and conformity sets in, only the bright, the bold, and the unapologetically unique can lead the way. Just like Trump, Rudolph turned his most criticised feature into his greatest asset, proving that in politics, as in Christmas, it's not about fitting in; it's about standing out. Orange became his headline. Not bad.
Now, let's steer over to Elon Musk, the modern-day Santa of innovation, who's always on the lookout for the next big thing. In Rudolph, Musk would see not just a glowing nose but a beacon of untapped potential. "Imagine if we could harness that glow," Musk might muse, envisioning Rudolph's nose as the world's first organic LED. "We could light up the night sky, guide our Teslas through the darkest winters, or even power our homes with Reindeer Energy."
Musk would probably be pitching a "Rudolph 2.0" by now, where Rudolph's nose isn't just for Christmas; it's the key to sustainable, renewable light for all seasons. "Why settle for coal when you can have a nose that glows?" he'd say, turning the North Pole into a hub for renewable energy research, with Rudolph as the unwitting mascot for Musk's green revolution.
The Moral of the Story
So, what does Rudolph teach our dynamic duo of Trump and Musk? It's simple:
Be Unapologetically Unique: Like Trump, don’t shy away from what makes you stand out. Your 'shiny nose' could be what leads you to greatness or, at least, to the front of the line at the next Christmas parade.
Innovate Your Differences: Musk would celebrate Rudolph not for his conformity but for his potential to innovate. Your unique qualities can revolutionise the world if you're bold enough to harness them.
Lead with Light: Both Trump and Musk, in their own ways, lead with a vision that many find blinding or enlightening. Rudolph, with his luminous nose, shows that even in the darkest, foggiest times, leadership shines through.
This Christmas, as we watch Rudolph guide Santa's sleigh, let’s remember that in the world of Trump and Musk, being different isn't just okay; it's the way to light up the world.
Here's to Rudolph, the original outsider, showing us that whether you're running for office, launching rockets, or just trying to find your place in the herd, your 'shiny nose' might just be the beacon the world needs.
You can read the article about the story here.
