What Can Rudolph  the Red-Nosed Reindeer Teach Us About Diversity and Inclusion

I recently watched the 1964 Christmas animated special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in audio description. I have enjoyed this holiday classic since I was a kid and never get tired of watching it year after year. For those who are unfamiliar with this story, Rudolph is one of Santa’s many reindeers who is shunned and driven away because of his bright red nose.  However, it is because of this very difference he saves Christmas  in the end.

On the surface it’s one of those holiday stories that is cute and heartwarming. Yet has deeper meaning and value. In the last few years I have started to view it through different eyes. I am an older adult now and also visually disabled. I acknowledge the importance  and value of diversity and  inclusion now more than ever. So, I am  sharing my take aways from this nearly 60 year old Christmas tale.

Focus on Rudolph Only

AS a  side note, in the animated version there are minor characters  who compliment and strengthen the diversity and  inclusion theme. But  for this post I  will focus on Rudolph only. I am sure once you read this  the other lessons in the story will be even more evident.

Rudolph Born with  Differences

Rudolph was born with a difference and his parents noticed it immediately. They were deeply concerned  because they wanted him to be accepted. His father  came up with a plan to cover his red nose in mud.

Society is full of prejudices, misunderstandings  and stereotypes  that don’t allow people who are different to bring their whole self into the room. There have been times in my life where I left parts of me outside or covered them up for the sake of wanting to be included. I was not always  sure  I was in a save space to expose  all of  myself.

Case in point my blindness. I remember  wanting to resume my journalism career after I went blind. Since I was not sure editors would accept me I went the freelance route and never revealed  my disability. I pitched stories, conducted interviews  and wrote and submitted the final piece all from home. I created a website showcasing my work but my picture was never there nor did I ever discuss my disability. Today, that is all different. My website is totally about my disability with plenty of images of me! HaHa!

Rudolph Bullied  and Excluded  From Reindeer Games

After his father covered his nose in mud, Rudolph  joined the other young reindeer. Things were going well  and he excelled  in flying and playing reindeer games. But when the mud came off his nose and everyone  saw his difference he was shunned. Once  his bright shiny snout was revealed  the warmth and friendship he  gained was quickly loss. Although,  he  excelled in flying He god teased, bullied  and pushed out. This just goes to show  that having remarkable  skills doesn’t mean you will be included. Rudolph’s bad treatment caused him to leave the reindeer community. He teamed up with some others who were more accepting.

I can definitely relate to this one. There have been many times in my life where people didn’t initially know I was disabled. This is because I didn’t look  or act like the stereotypical  blind person, not because I was ashamed or embarrassed. But once they found out I was blind  things changed. Sometimes it was like night and day. I was confused and even angry because I couldn’t understand what the problem was. It was almost like I tricked  or misled them.

Miseducation  Can Exclude

As I  learned about self-advocacy  and how to speak up for myself, I stopped internalizing their issues-because that is exactly what it was-their problem not mine. I also took more time to educate people on blindness  as I do on this website. I am still the same person  just with a disability. Too many times we miss opportunities  to connect with great people solely because  of their differences.

Differences Benefit Everyone

It wasn’t until an outside force came that others appreciated Rudolph’s abilities. As the story goes, “then one foggy Christmas Eve, Santa came to say, Rudolph with your nose so bright won’t  you guide my sleigh tonight.” If Christmas Eve was not  cloudy would we know about Rudolph in the first place? After all it was his bright shiny nose that  made him literally stand out and save the day. If he had a regular nose like the other reindeer how would the story  end?

I remember  working in a building where the fire alarm went off. My co-workers and I headed for the stairs to evacuate the building. The stairwell lights were not on. Of course, I had no idea and just  went down the stairs   with my white cane. However, my sighted co-workers  stopped  and were unsure how to proceed. When I realized this I went back up and helped them down  with verbal instructions. Then I held the exit door open so light could come into the last leg of the stairs. They were then able to see and we all got out of the building safely. My co-workers thanked me for the help and also realized being blind does have some advantages.

Can’t Have Diversity without Inclusion

One of my favorite quotes  is from Verna Myers, a Diversity and Inclusion Consultant. She says, “Diversity is being asked to the party, while Inclusion is being asked to dance.”

It is clear Rudolph’s difference ultimately creates a new and valuable role within the  community. This benefits everyone. But it is not until Santa and the community  apologizes and recognize  his gifts and talents. Meaning that you can have a diverse  environment  but until you are inclusive  it won’t work.

These two go hand and hand. Your job, school, church or social club  can be diverse but that doesn’t automatically mean it is inclusive. A Harvard Business Review article strongly states this critical point. “Part of the problem is that diversity and inclusion are so often lumped together that they’re assumed to be the same thing. But that’s just not the case. In the context of the workplace, diversity equals representation. Without inclusion, however, the crucial connections that attract diverse talent, encourage their participation, foster innovation, and lead to business growth won’t happen.”

During this holiday season we  usually learn valuable lessons of giving. Of being kind  and compassionate  to one another. Of being grateful for life, family and friends. But there is one more we can add to the list.  One that Rudolph  teaches very well. How to be more diverse and  inclusive. I wish you  a happy , diverse and inclusive holiday!