Post by Mr.Christmas on Oct 16, 2004 11:32:14 GMT -5
Q: But that's the very question, Santa. If the world knows your real identity then there wouldn't be any question or doubt.
A: Oh, I think it is just the opposite. If you were to look at my driver's license, the world would do all manner of unspeakable things to me. They'd run my credit report, look at my charge cards, see my driving record, how I did in school, perhaps peek on where and how I voted and they would be a terrible disruption to my family life. Is it so important that they know who I am so that they can do that? Or is it better for them to hang their stockings in hope that someone so anonymous can drop in late on Christmas Eve and bring a little Christmas cheer? Who I am is not important. What I am, what I represent, the message I bring - those are all things that matter. I think that if there were more anonymous giving in this world it would be a better place. The name of Santa Claus is known for giving without requirement, for giving anonymously, for simply spreading goodwill for the sake of goodwill alone. Santa doesn't do these things to get recognition or praise. The world doesn't need another monument nor does it need another hero to worship. The season is bigger than me. The world just needs good service, a quality example of giving and a cheerful advocate of a season of joy. Santa has always been all that. I intend to keep it that way.
Q: So, Santa Claus is not your real name?
A: No, Santa Claus is a title.
Q: What is your real name?
A: Kris Kringle.
Q: No, really. What is it?
A: That is my real name.
Q: I could look it up.
A: Go ahead. You won't find anything. I was born to be nobody.
Q: But you're everything to some. For one great night of the year, you are the man!
A: Oh no I'm not. I am just one of the many elements of a season of joy and thanksgiving. The family together is more important than me. The babe in a manger is far more important than me. The expression of peace on earth and goodwill towards men is much more important than me.
Q: Santa, this conversation isn't going very well. I don't think people will run this interview in their newspapers or on their radio or television shows.
A: Why do you feel that way?
Q: Because you're not telling me about the real Santa Claus. I don't know any more about you than when we began. In fact, even less. You are such a mystery.
A: How can you say that, Molly? Did you enjoy your Christmas when you were six years old?
Q: Yes.
A: Do you remember what I brought you?
Q: No. But I remember what a great Christmas it was.
A: Good. So what does it matter then about me?
Q: Because you are the source of great controversy in the world. Many profess belief in you while others say you are actually bad for kids. My job is to explain the gulf between those two.
A: Is that really your job, Molly?
Q: What do you mean?
A: Well, I'm no journalism professional but it seems to me that your job is to just get the facts and then let the world decide for themselves.
Q: And that's what I am saying, Santa. You're not telling me anything.
A: On the contrary, I've told you more than I have told anyone else, ever. I told you that I am real. I told you that I am not the St. Nicholas of old. I told you that I am not a religious figure. And I told you that in the grand scheme of things I am merely an element of something much greater. I even told you my real name. And I only did that because you were being a real reporter. What else would you like to know?
Q: I'd like to know how to get Santa more respect in the world.
A: You and me both, kid.
Q: Do you get discouraged? There is hardly peace and goodwill on this earth, Santa. Is your message getting through?
A: It would be easy to say it is not, especially if you watch the news or read the papers. But all is not as it seems in the media. I get hope from those who do believe. I avoid discouragement by taking notice of the good things that happen outside the eye of the media - the things that never get reported. Things of good report rarely get press, Molly. Let that be my lesson to you today on journalism. I do only one interview a year because, sadly, the media only wants to talk to me once a year. I'd talk to them everyday if there was something good in it. But they are not looking for good. They are looking for the sensational and the outlandish. In some cases, if they can't find outlandish they make it up.
Q: Are you saying the media is dishonest?
A: Sure, some times they are. Not always. Sometimes there is bad news and when there is, they usually get it right. But if there is good news to report, it mostly gets downplayed. You know it. I know it. Why not say it?
Q: I know a great many professionals who would disagree with that assessment. Mr. Rather and Mr. Cronkite are not going to like this interview at all.
A: That's because I have not really said anything provocative. To many, news is only news when it is dramatic, when it evokes extreme emotion. That is what sells newspapers and gets people to tune in. Follow the money, Molly, and usually you find out why things work they way they do.
Q: Isn't there anything the world can learn new about you that they don't already know?
A: Well, let's see.... I know -- this is huge...
Q: Really? What?
A: I have a secret addiction.
Q: Santa! You do?
A: Yes, it is time to finally discuss it. I want to get it out.
Q: By all means. What is it?
A: I like to...I mean I...
--Continued in Part IV--
A: Oh, I think it is just the opposite. If you were to look at my driver's license, the world would do all manner of unspeakable things to me. They'd run my credit report, look at my charge cards, see my driving record, how I did in school, perhaps peek on where and how I voted and they would be a terrible disruption to my family life. Is it so important that they know who I am so that they can do that? Or is it better for them to hang their stockings in hope that someone so anonymous can drop in late on Christmas Eve and bring a little Christmas cheer? Who I am is not important. What I am, what I represent, the message I bring - those are all things that matter. I think that if there were more anonymous giving in this world it would be a better place. The name of Santa Claus is known for giving without requirement, for giving anonymously, for simply spreading goodwill for the sake of goodwill alone. Santa doesn't do these things to get recognition or praise. The world doesn't need another monument nor does it need another hero to worship. The season is bigger than me. The world just needs good service, a quality example of giving and a cheerful advocate of a season of joy. Santa has always been all that. I intend to keep it that way.
Q: So, Santa Claus is not your real name?
A: No, Santa Claus is a title.
Q: What is your real name?
A: Kris Kringle.
Q: No, really. What is it?
A: That is my real name.
Q: I could look it up.
A: Go ahead. You won't find anything. I was born to be nobody.
Q: But you're everything to some. For one great night of the year, you are the man!
A: Oh no I'm not. I am just one of the many elements of a season of joy and thanksgiving. The family together is more important than me. The babe in a manger is far more important than me. The expression of peace on earth and goodwill towards men is much more important than me.
Q: Santa, this conversation isn't going very well. I don't think people will run this interview in their newspapers or on their radio or television shows.
A: Why do you feel that way?
Q: Because you're not telling me about the real Santa Claus. I don't know any more about you than when we began. In fact, even less. You are such a mystery.
A: How can you say that, Molly? Did you enjoy your Christmas when you were six years old?
Q: Yes.
A: Do you remember what I brought you?
Q: No. But I remember what a great Christmas it was.
A: Good. So what does it matter then about me?
Q: Because you are the source of great controversy in the world. Many profess belief in you while others say you are actually bad for kids. My job is to explain the gulf between those two.
A: Is that really your job, Molly?
Q: What do you mean?
A: Well, I'm no journalism professional but it seems to me that your job is to just get the facts and then let the world decide for themselves.
Q: And that's what I am saying, Santa. You're not telling me anything.
A: On the contrary, I've told you more than I have told anyone else, ever. I told you that I am real. I told you that I am not the St. Nicholas of old. I told you that I am not a religious figure. And I told you that in the grand scheme of things I am merely an element of something much greater. I even told you my real name. And I only did that because you were being a real reporter. What else would you like to know?
Q: I'd like to know how to get Santa more respect in the world.
A: You and me both, kid.
Q: Do you get discouraged? There is hardly peace and goodwill on this earth, Santa. Is your message getting through?
A: It would be easy to say it is not, especially if you watch the news or read the papers. But all is not as it seems in the media. I get hope from those who do believe. I avoid discouragement by taking notice of the good things that happen outside the eye of the media - the things that never get reported. Things of good report rarely get press, Molly. Let that be my lesson to you today on journalism. I do only one interview a year because, sadly, the media only wants to talk to me once a year. I'd talk to them everyday if there was something good in it. But they are not looking for good. They are looking for the sensational and the outlandish. In some cases, if they can't find outlandish they make it up.
Q: Are you saying the media is dishonest?
A: Sure, some times they are. Not always. Sometimes there is bad news and when there is, they usually get it right. But if there is good news to report, it mostly gets downplayed. You know it. I know it. Why not say it?
Q: I know a great many professionals who would disagree with that assessment. Mr. Rather and Mr. Cronkite are not going to like this interview at all.
A: That's because I have not really said anything provocative. To many, news is only news when it is dramatic, when it evokes extreme emotion. That is what sells newspapers and gets people to tune in. Follow the money, Molly, and usually you find out why things work they way they do.
Q: Isn't there anything the world can learn new about you that they don't already know?
A: Well, let's see.... I know -- this is huge...
Q: Really? What?
A: I have a secret addiction.
Q: Santa! You do?
A: Yes, it is time to finally discuss it. I want to get it out.
Q: By all means. What is it?
A: I like to...I mean I...
--Continued in Part IV--