War on Christmas, Or Leftists?

Mary Anne Henderson, historian and high school teacher, explains how the “War On Christmas” incident with Starbucks was used to promote conservative ideals. Pairing with Brian Platt, aerospace machinist, they trace the roots of the movement in their piece “The War on Christmas, or How to Build Mass Support for Right-Wing Ideology”. They open with a brief summary of the incident, ensuring that the audience is aware of the topic in discussion. They then move into their thesis: that the war on Christmas is, in fact, a “gateway” into conservative politics attacking the left. In this, they bring to the reader’s attention the underlying phenomenon behind what seems a silly disagreement. The intended audience is concerned leftists, or other citizens, who are unaware of the implications behind the seemingly harmless feud.

The pair effectively outlines the origins of this dispute, citing Henry Ford’s article “The International Jew: The World’s Foremost Problem” in which the first reference to a “war on Christmas” was made. They call his rants “crude antisemitism” that promoted “racist conspiracy theories”. These were only held at bay by strong Left radical parties, and therefore the war on Christmas theory could not gain headway. In detailing the history of the movement, the authors enhance their credibility and prove their complete knowledge on the subject. This, in turn, makes the reader more responsive to the upcoming arguments.

They continue citing facts from history to elaborate on how Conservative agenda could be promoted through accusations made towards the Left under the cover of “protecting Christmas”. They explain how the Cold War years saw this occur, and how subsequently the Church advanced its goals. Conspiracy theories continued to pop up, with little to no validation backing them. Through their deliberate tracing of the past, Henderson and Platt effectively explain that the war on Christmas is far from “holiday nonsense”, but is instead part of a deeper, “racist”, and “pro-capitalist” ideology. This movement is “doled out” in “churches” and “Fox News” in which racist promotions can be made under the guise of defending Christmas.

          They close with a powerful metaphor, comparing capitalist ideology to leprosy and the war on Christmas to the “numbness in your fingers”, reminding you that your body is rotting. Through this, they enhance the picture of the dangers behind extreme Right-Wing policies and argue for a strong Left to combat them. Henderson and Platt bring much deeper meaning to a seemingly harmless Starbucks scandal.