The character of Santa Claus, as we know it today, has been shaped significantly by Hollywood and Coca-Cola, creating a widely recognized image that is now synonymous with Christmas and still evolving. This image has been used to epitomize mass consumerism, with Santa becoming an avatar for connecting with consumers through myth and storytelling. The origins of Santa Claus, however, trace back to Saint Nicholas from present-day Turkey, who was not white and was known for giving children candies. Over time, the representation of Santa Claus has evolved, reflecting changes in popular culture and the demands of the market, with Santa turning to new tactics. As the United States becomes more racially diverse, the portrayal of Santa has also expanded to include non-white figures, appearing in various forms of media, shopping malls, and on holiday products.
In an increasingly racially diverse country, the idea of what Santa Claus can look like has expanded. Non-white Santas appear in popular culture, at the center of malls throughout the Christmas season and on holiday season products everywhere. https://t.co/kFmj5LXHYU
Opinion by Edith Pritchett: To meet the demands of an ever-growing market, Santa Claus has turned to new tactics. https://t.co/jkgmEbs2P2
Sorry world, Saint Nicholas aka Sinterklaas aka Santa was from present-day Turkey aka not white. He was known to give kids little candies. The images associated with Santa Claus in popular culture have evolved ever since cocacola wanted your money
Coke turned Santa Claus into an avatar of mass consumerism, thus establishing the idea that myth and storytelling is the best way to connect with consumers. Fantastic tweet (below) illustrating how Coca-Cola codified the mythology of Santa Claus into popular culture. https://t.co/1Oe6wmgE1v
Hollywood and Coca-Cola might have created a single image of Santa Claus, but his character is still evolving to reflect the state of the world. https://t.co/SH2QvsmzKk