header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
March 29
1928 - Little dam victim, thought unidentified & buried in SCV, actually ID'd & buried in Chatsworth [story]
Newhall Cowboys


The Real Side | Commentary by Joe Messina
| Monday, Dec 16, 2013

joemessinamugThe left is outraged that Megyn Kelly, a right-wing conservative nutjob who works at Fox, shows her ignorance by claiming Santa Claus is white.

Sure, let’s skew history to make the “progressives” feel better. Unfortunately, you can’t change truth just because it makes you feel bad.

A young lady recently wrote a piece describing how Santa, being white, made her feel bad and alienated her from the other kids because she was black. Well, we can’t change the truth, and no matter what, we will never make everyone feel good.

There are many stories about the origin of “Saint Nick.” He might have been a Turkish, Greek or Nordic Bishop Nicholas, a Christian (a bunch of ACLU lawyers’ heads just exploded). Bishop Nicholas later became Saint Nicholas because of the many miracles attributed to him.

The bishop apparently paid the dowry of three young ladies from the same family to keep them from being sold into prostitution and slavery. He also saved three men from being put to death and was known for gift-giving in all forms. After he died on Dec. 6, sometime in the 300s A.D., a tradition of gift-giving started in celebration of his life.

Kids would put their cleaned-out shoes by their beds at night to see what Saint Nick had brought them that night.

Saint Nick and the gift-giving went through many gyrations over the years, but the transformation from Saint Nick to Santa Claus, his large size, red suit and red cheeks didn’t happen until he came to America. The legend we know today, and all that goes with it, has been piled on by retailers over the years.

The reality is that the man who was Santa was white. And if he was actually from Turkey, he might have had olive -colored skin.

A young child feels bad because she is black and Santa is white? Who taught her that white people can’t or don’t love blacks, Asians, brown skin or whatever term you want to use? What a great way to keep racism alive in America. To borrow a phrase from another well-known Joe, “What a bunch of malarkey.”

Yes, Virginia, Santa is most probably white. And guess what? He delivers presents to kids of all colors, sizes, shapes and languages, in all countries and of all faiths. Yes, believe it or not, Christians aren’t the only ones who celebrate Christmas. Yes, Virginia, he loves all kids and all peoples.

Progressives, get over yourselves and stop spreading division.

Now, as for Jesus Christ, that’s another issue. Jesus is neither black nor white. He probably had deep, olive-colored skin. Jesus was a Jew, and in His day the Jews in that area were not quite brown, not quite white. But, He was not black. And what does His skin color matter anyway?

When it comes to Christ, He came for all. Color doesn’t matter, size doesn’t matter, IQ doesn’t matter. He came to save all. He loves all. What have we done to our children when the thing that bothers them the most is the skin color of a “role model” or “famous” person?

What’s next? The Easter Bunny? The Great Pumpkin? Can we please lighten up and help our kids understand that not everything that’s uncomfortable is bad? Pull the good from the situation and enjoy it.

Guess what, Virginia? If you have to have a black-skinned role model, you have many to choose from. Ask your mommy and daddy to sit on the couch and show them to you. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Booker T. Washington and Colin Powell, to name a few.

Yes, Virginia, Santa is most likely white, and it’s OK because skin color is not what matters. The love, the sharing and the joy that this Christmas season brings is what matters. And that comes in all colors.

 

 

Joe Messina is host of The Real Side (TheRealSide.com), a nationally syndicated talk show that runs on AM-1220 KHTS radio and SCVTV [here]. He is also the current president of the Hart School Board. His commentary publishes Mondays.

 

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

5 Comments

  1. George says:

    Jesus was not white…how do I know? If people are racist today, they were even more racist 1,000 years ago…had Jesus been white, the Bible translators would have trumpeted it in the Bible we use today. Most likely, they removed any mention of his skin color even if it was in the original gospel because, they would never have been able to convert pagan Europe to Christianity if they went around saying that Jesus was not white.

  2. Marilyn Boron says:

    Color didn’t count much then, but Roman Power did
    to those they conquered. Ethiopians, who are dark
    skinned, were not looked down upon either, and one
    rode in a royal carriage while traveling in Israel. Every Season seems to have its discrimination subject; right now it is the words
    MERRY CHRISTMAS! Just whose idea is that?

  3. Henry says:

    Santa Claus has no country. He’s a fictional character and St. Nicholas was only one of the theoretical contributors of his personality. St Nicholas was not Santa as we know him today. So again, Megyn Kelly apologists, please stop trying to define with certitude what skin color a made up guy should be. It’s not that he isn’t white, because obviously he is. The point is that he “can be” black and any other color we want to envision him. He’s a concept. He’s an idea of goodness and generosity that should not be considered the exclusively the domain of “whiteness”.

  4. Henry says:

    BTW Joe,

    Why is it so important to you that neither Santa nor Jesus ever be considered black? Is it really about historical accuracy? You acknowledged rightly that their race really didn’t matter only after assuring yourself and everyone else that neither could be black. Santa is a fictional character so he can be portrayed any way anyone wants(see Battlestar Galactica: I thought Starbuck worked well as a woman). I agree that Jesus’ color is irrelevant. It would not change my beliefs if it were revealed that he was definitely white. I think that is the point of this discussion; would it effect the beliefs of some white people (FOX news watchers) if they found out that Jesus was definitively black?

  5. Dave says:

    I don’t think “the left” is outraged as much as they are just totally amused by Mygen Kelly’s ill advised commentary. Interesting that she’s now trying to make the claim that “Humor is a part of what we try to bring to this show, but sometimes that’s lost on the humorless,” Funny but I’ve always viewed what little I’ve seen on Fox News as humor. http://www.deadline.com/2013/12/fncs-megyn-kelly-to-return-to-show-address-santa-clausjesus-controversy-tonight-video/

Leave a Comment


Opinion Section Policy
All opinions and ideas are welcome. Factually inaccurate, libelous, defamatory, profane or hateful statements are not. Your words must be your own. All commentary is subject to editing for legibility. There is no length limit, but the shorter, the better the odds of people reading it. "Local" SCV-related topics are preferred. Send commentary to: LETTERS (at) SCVNEWS.COM. Author's full name, community name, phone number and e-mail address are required. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are not published except at author's request. Acknowledgment of submission does not guarantee publication.
Read More From...
RECENT COMMENTARY
Wednesday, Mar 27, 2024
Remo, Inc. is is the world's leading manufacturer and developer of synthetic drumheads and shells. They’ve been in business for 60 years
Tuesday, Mar 26, 2024
Springtime in Santa Clarita brings not only vibrant blooms and opportunities to embrace the outdoors with warmer weather, but also an array of free, family-friendly events and this Saturday is no exception.
Thursday, Mar 21, 2024
Did you know that each year, Main Street in Old Town Newhall undergoes countless makeovers for different events, such as Light Up Main Street and the Fourth of July Parade?
Thursday, Mar 21, 2024
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, whose Fifth District includes the Santa Clarita Valley, issued the following statement Thursday in response to an announcement by Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel of a proposal to change how calls to the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline are routed.
Monday, Mar 18, 2024
Unlike our children who enjoy a week-long spring break, we adults no longer have that luxury.
Friday, Mar 15, 2024

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
1928 - Little dam victim, thought unidentified & buried in SCV, actually ID'd & buried in Chatsworth [story]
Newhall Cowboys
Los Angeles County Public Works is updating the Los Angeles County Bicycle Master Plan.
April 16:  County Bicycle Master Plan Virtual Community Meeting
College of the Canyons mens golf got back on track during its return to conference play on Monday, carding a five-man score of 370 to top the eight-team field at Brookside Golf Course and maintain its unblemished conference mark.
Cougars Win Again, Keep Conference Streak
Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector, reminds property owners that the second installment of the 2023-24 Annual Secured Property Taxes becomes  delinquent if not received by 5 p.m. Pacific Time or United States Postal Service postmarked on or before Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
County Treasurer Reminds Property Owners of April 10 Due Date
Local nonprofit Fostering Youth Independence is seeking “Allies” to support Santa Clarita youth who are aging out of the L.A. County foster care system.
April 16: FYI Seeks Volunteers To Pair With Local Foster Youth
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health today unveiled the latest L.A. County Health Survey, which gathers vital data on health behaviors, conditions, neighborhood settings, and the needs of L.A .County residents, informing future public health policies and programs.
Public Health Unveils the 2023 L.A. County Health Survey Findings
Due to the projected rain forecast, Eggstravaganza will now be held indoors at the Canyon Country Community Center beginning promptly at 10 a.m. on March 30.
March 30: Eggstravaganza Now Being Held Indoors at Canyon Country Community Center
To support the mental health of California's young people, the California Department of Public Health awarded $25 million to 28 tribal and community-based organizations across the state.
California Announces $25 Million in Awards for Youth Mental Health
The College of the Canyons Athletic Department will host a dedication ceremony to unveil the Michele Jenkins Softball Team Room in honor of the longtime board member and ardent softball program supporter’s nearly 40 years of service to the district.
April 16: COC to Host Michele Jenkins Team Room Dedication Ceremony
PFLAG Santa Clarita has announced the establishment of the Peggy and Jeff Stabile PFLAG SCV Scholarship. The scholarship will provide financial assistance to LGBTQIA+ students pursuing higher education and committed to advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and promoting diversity and inclusion.
PFLAG SCV Announces Stabile PFLAG Scholarship
1934 - Bouquet Canyon Reservoir, replacement for ill-fated St. Francis Dam & reservoir, begins to fill with water [story]
Bouquet Reservoir
The California Department of Public Health launched the “Never a Bother” campaign, a youth suicide prevention public awareness and outreach campaign for youth, young adults, and their parents, caregivers, and allies.
California Launches New Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale invites the community to "Let the Sunshine In," a delightful evening of food, wine and song at the annual Cabaret & Cabernet fundraising benefit.
April 20: Santa Clarita Master Chorale’s Cabaret, Cabernet Fundraiser
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:
March 27 Ocean Water Warning
As an integral ingredient necessary to help the Santa Clarita Valley to flourish, feedback from the business community is the secret sauce for achieving great things.
SCVEDC Asks For the Business Community’s Opinion on Santa Clarita
Raise your heart rate while raising funds for the Santa Clarita Sister Cities Dollars-for-Desks campaign to provide school desks for students in Sariaya, Santa Clarita's Sister City in the Philippines.
April 13: Sister Cities Zumba-thon Fundraiser
Remo, Inc. is is the world's leading manufacturer and developer of synthetic drumheads and shells. They’ve been in business for 60 years
SCVEDC Company Spotlight: Drumming Up Big Business with Remo, Inc.
California State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) and Assemblyman James Ramos (D-Highland) have introduced AB 3074 the "School or athletic team names: California Racial Mascots Act."
Schiavo Introduces Bill to Prohibit ‘Derogatory’ School Mascot Names
Los Angeles County’s Justice, Care and Opportunities Department  in collaboration with Local Initiatives Support Corporation Los Angeles is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Pitch Competition for the cohorts of JCOD's Incubation Academy.
March 28: JCOD Incubation Academy Helps Grassroots Non-Profits For the Second Year
Children’s Bureau is seeking foster families and now offers two virtual ways for individuals and/or couples to learn how to help children in foster care while reunifying with birth families or how to provide legal permanency by adoption.
April 18: Children’s Bureau Hosts Virtual Orientation
The Sunburst track was constructed in 1887 by the Southern Pacific Railroad and was a part of the main line running between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Enjoy Spring With a Ride On The Sunburst Track
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond hosted a Personal Finance Summit today where he announced his support for Assembly Bill 2927 (McCarty), legislation that would require a personal finance education course for California high school graduation.
State Superintendent Announces Support for Personal Finance Graduation Requirement
1847 - Probable birth date of Pico Canyon oil driller Charles Alexander Mentry [story]
C.A. Mentry
SCVNews.com