This show, loved by millions, and seen every year since it originally aired in 1965, would never be produced today in our politically correct world. It’s just too controversial.
This show has it all: small children berating each other every few minutes; greed; self-centeredness; exclusionary behavior; insensitivity…
None of these things are really the problem that would prevent this show from being created today.
The problem is a couple of minutes from the end of the show. The single act, so expected in its time, and yet in the eyes of many so bold and offensive today, is the reading of Luke 2:9-14. Six verses in the Bible, covering the birth of Jesus, delivered with all seriousness as “what Christmas is all about.”
Not a single other Christmas special I can think of airing today even mentions Jesus. It’s always all about peace, love, and togetherness; sharing, kindness, and forgiveness. All of those things are great and important, but what Christmas is really all about is exactly what Linus said: thanking God for the gift of his son to us. Everything else is gravy.
I can’t even conceive of a show that espouses that same message getting produced today for a major network. In fact, when I think about it, I’m even surprised they still air this one.
Though, seriously, you can’t beat the Vince Guaraldi soundtrack…
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That is a lovely scene.
Our local shopping centre has always had a big nativity scene out at Christmas time. It used to be put in the middle of centre stage. Then one year it got moved to the side so a new massive Christmas tree could go on centre stage. Then a few years later Santa expanded to take over both sides of centre stage and the nativity went between the escalators, still a highly visible spot. Finally this year it has been pushed into a dark corner at the far side of the food court. I expect in a couple of years time they wont bring it out at all.
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Jeff says:
December 18th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
That’s a shame, and I think you’re probably right. It’s funny how the theme of that Charlie Brown Christmas – overemphasis on commercialism – is even more relevant today than it was then. At least back then a nativity scene wasn’t something to be hidden.
I predict it’s going to get to the point where people will be complaining about neighbors having a nativity scene on their own property – if that hasn’t happened already.
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