Great article! Just one thing - I am not sure the tacit assertion that we grow out of the lies and develop a more woke and cynical view of our cultural lore is true. There is a lot of evidence that adults cling to many lies we were taught as children.
The legacy of our parents' (and teachers') lies is what keeps the rigged economic system functioning for the few. Fuzzy notions of patriotism still justify teens enlisting in the military or joining racist militias. The SCOTUS decision on Citizens United did not unmask the fraud that American citizens choose their leaders much less that America is still a democracy. Public schools do not mention oligarchy unless it is in reference to Russia or some other foreign nation of which teens have no clue. Most recently, GOP leaders are amplifying the lie that systemic racism does not exist in the USA, and that it is unpatriotic to assert otherwise.
As for Santa, he would not exist had Coca Cola not invented him to make a buck. He also provides parents with welcome disciplinary leverage when kids are still unskilled at self-discipline switch to tantrum mode. Even for adults, Santa is an annual reminder to update our wardrobes and provides an excuse for irrational self-indulgences such as bass boats, more jewelry, and new golf clubs.
Great article! Just one thing - I am not sure the tacit assertion that we grow out of the lies and develop a more woke and cynical view of our cultural lore is true. There is a lot of evidence that adults cling to many lies we were taught as children.
The legacy of our parents' (and teachers') lies is what keeps the rigged economic system functioning for the few. Fuzzy notions of patriotism still justify teens enlisting in the military or joining racist militias. The SCOTUS decision on Citizens United did not unmask the fraud that American citizens choose their leaders much less that America is still a democracy. Public schools do not mention oligarchy unless it is in reference to Russia or some other foreign nation of which teens have no clue. Most recently, GOP leaders are amplifying the lie that systemic racism does not exist in the USA, and that it is unpatriotic to assert otherwise.
As for Santa, he would not exist had Coca Cola not invented him to make a buck. He also provides parents with welcome disciplinary leverage when kids are still unskilled at self-discipline switch to tantrum mode. Even for adults, Santa is an annual reminder to update our wardrobes and provides an excuse for irrational self-indulgences such as bass boats, more jewelry, and new golf clubs.