this post was submitted on 26 Dec 2023
406 points (100.0% liked)

196

16234 readers
1708 users here now

Be sure to follow the rule before you head out.

Rule: You must post before you leave.

^other^ ^rules^

founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS
 

Might be a repost, half my memes are from here 🤷‍♂️

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] [email protected] 8 points 8 months ago

Scrooge and The Grinch are redemption arcs, where they start anti-Christmas but get it by the end of their arc, and it's less really about Christmas (which is more, a brand) and about kindness, compassion and generosity.

Curiously, Dickens cure for corporate greed was spiritual awakening, but it's something we do not see IRL. Every billionaire is ruthless, putting more into marketing their charitable works than the charity, themselves. Even Andrew Carnagie and Bill Gates and Warren Buffet believe their own hype, that rich people are smarter and better able to manage their benefit to society than the community.

It's noted on You're Wrong About (though I don't remember the specific podcast) that in the rise of the transnational white power movement and Christian nationalism in the US (and realizing that fighting with our racist uncle on Christmas doesn't move the needle much) that high-speed redemption really is magical (id est not really possible). Scrooge can't have his soul scoured in a night, but it might get him into an AA meeting or other twelve-step on the first Wednesday in January. He might go ahead and give to the charity guys a nominal starter sum before setting up a donation schedule. When it comes to our collective uncle, he's got to come to terms with how his beliefs serve him and what fears they appear to protect him from. Once that happens, it's easier to Take off the uniform and leave the show.