The Modern Day Myth of Santa Claus

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses one of the greatest myths of Christian America - the myth of Old Saint Nick or Santa Claus. It describes the history and spirit of the myth and discusses why it has been so popular throughout time. The paper then looks at how today, the myth of Santa Claus has simply become a way for parents to control the behavior of their children.

From the Paper:

"According to the ideas of Jose Ortega y Gasset, both minorities and the masses feel empowered through the myth of Santa Claus. Old Saint Nick has no prejudices, and the myth can apply to everyone who shares that religion. Now; all parents can feel empowered each year through the control they exhibit over their children's behavior each year around Christmas. Alfred E. Taylor believes that each person also has a chance to gain control through using the myth. One's own children will not disregard one's power based on minority or majority status. There is not prejudice towards one's parents, even if one's parents are considered a minority or lower class. This then gives control to all people, no matter what class or race."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Plato. Symposium. MIT.edu Classics. (2000). http://classics.mit.edu/Plato/symposium.html
• McCormick, Mark. (2006). "Immanuel Kant--Metaphysics." Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. California State University Sacramento. http://www.iep.utm.edu/k/kantmeta.htm
• Kellner, Douglas. (2007). "The Frankfurt School." UCLA Graduate School of Education. http://www.gseis.ucla.edu/faculty/kellner/papers/fs.htm

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