SANTA SHOULD LOOK LIKE ME

The image of Santa Claus has been a white man for decades. As our world becomes more diverse, why hasn’t the image of Santa changed to reflect that diversity? For Black people, this lack of representation is especially felt during the holiday season. Black children, see Santa, the gift giver, as a white man which can reinforce the idea that certain roles of importance, authority, and good deeds are reserved for white people. Representation matters, not just in media or politics, but in the very traditions that are celebrated by Black families worldwide. Yes, Black children today will remember that the first Black woman ran for the presidency. This historic event even influenced them. Still, they won’t remember having a picture with a Black Santa or Christmas decorations with a Black Santa on them. Both are equally important. Representation in all forms sends an important message about what is possible for anyone. When Black children see figures like a Black Santa, it helps them realize they can also have the values that these figures represent. For exam- ple, values such as kindness, generosity, and joy. In the same way, seeing Black people in leadership roles, such as heroes in books...