Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer: The real story

During the holidays, stories that have been carried on for generations surface on TV and in the news, creating a sense of nostalgia and excitement. Often times, we overlook the underlying meaning of these popular stories; like how the story of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer is really a lesson in diversity and inclusion, highlighting discrimination, isolation and depression.

Minorities across all segments are expected to conform to society’s norms and if they don’t, they are ostracized. Santa isn’t innocent in all this–his ignorance allows for Rudolph to continue to be teased and harassed for a glowing red nose. Only when he realizes that he needs Rudolph to guide his sleigh does he embrace Rudolph’s differences, encouraging the other reindeers to follow suit. It is strikingly similar to the rise of black integration into professional sports teams and the allowance of blacks and whites to integrate in public spaces.

At Linkage, we are committed to helping organizations create workforces that represent global communities and ensure an environment where every individual is not only accepted due to compliance, but included and engaged for their own professional and personal development. Interested in learning more? Learn more about our Institute for Leading Division & Inclusion^™.