They are simply so many elves that they all have incredibly specialized jobs. That's an interesting point. And I know that what I consider important is not necessarily what other people and cultures consider important. But I mean. 1200 years. For cocoa? That's all she has to show for it?
This is only because we see hardly any female elves in the movie I'd have to disagree. I think we see only maybe slightly more male elves. The speaking parts are skewed toward male elves, though, it's true.
there was once a greater deal of choice in the matter that was gradually phased out (for fear of lawsuits? hence the fine print) I think lawsuits are too recent a threat to be an issue here.
there is a greater deal of selection on the part of the Spirit of Christmas than is let on I think this is likely. As you say, his actions were not logical, so he may already have been befuddled by the magic of the elves or the Spirit of Christmas. In which case, he had even less choice than was previously apparent.
He puts on the suit, and in so doing, put on the role of Santa. It's clear that he didn't realize the implications of his actions, so he is obviously being coerced when he makes an agreement without knowing that he's making an agreement. It's a trap.
However, no free choice can be involved in the matter if Eden/the North Pole are to remain preserved. Exactly. But who decides that there is no choice? The elves are also governed by this lack of choice. They do nothing but devote themselves to Christmas - they *can* do nothing else, or the whole system breaks down. Did they choose this as their calling (devoted priests to the Spirit or devoted to the ideals of functioning elf society), or is there an authority that compels them to give up their lives to this cause? Is that authority an elf government, an elf leader? Is it the Spirit Itself?
Fearing what would happen should the system break down, fearing the rejection of society and living pointless lives, they use their magic to ensure that the current Santa obeys...Santa may not even be necessary at all, except as a figurehead to give the elves meaning in their lives. This is very possible. I agree that it's either the magic of the elves or the mysterious Spirit of Christmas that is controlling everything behind the scenes. It's unclear which. So to answer your question, I can't prove which one is responsible. It's open to debate.
The only thing about the elf theory that gives me pause is: If the elves use their magic to create Santa, why even bother with a human at all? Why not transform one of their own into a "jolly old elf" and avoid the unpredictable behavior of a human jeopardizing their whole operation? Does elf magic not work on other elves? Is there some kind of law that necessitates them using a human? If so, why, and made by whom?
You know Mom was just talking about watching the sequel, and now I am seriously considering it to see if it sheds any light on these points.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
(no subject)
Date: 2005-12-26 08:58 am (UTC)That's an interesting point. And I know that what I consider important is not necessarily what other people and cultures consider important. But I mean. 1200 years. For cocoa? That's all she has to show for it?
This is only because we see hardly any female elves in the movie
I'd have to disagree. I think we see only maybe slightly more male elves. The speaking parts are skewed toward male elves, though, it's true.
there was once a greater deal of choice in the matter that was gradually phased out (for fear of lawsuits? hence the fine print)
I think lawsuits are too recent a threat to be an issue here.
there is a greater deal of selection on the part of the Spirit of Christmas than is let on
I think this is likely. As you say, his actions were not logical, so he may already have been befuddled by the magic of the elves or the Spirit of Christmas. In which case, he had even less choice than was previously apparent.
He puts on the suit, and in so doing, put on the role of Santa.
It's clear that he didn't realize the implications of his actions, so he is obviously being coerced when he makes an agreement without knowing that he's making an agreement. It's a trap.
However, no free choice can be involved in the matter if Eden/the North Pole are to remain preserved.
Exactly. But who decides that there is no choice? The elves are also governed by this lack of choice. They do nothing but devote themselves to Christmas - they *can* do nothing else, or the whole system breaks down. Did they choose this as their calling (devoted priests to the Spirit or devoted to the ideals of functioning elf society), or is there an authority that compels them to give up their lives to this cause? Is that authority an elf government, an elf leader? Is it the Spirit Itself?
Fearing what would happen should the system break down, fearing the rejection of society and living pointless lives, they use their magic to ensure that the current Santa obeys...Santa may not even be necessary at all, except as a figurehead to give the elves meaning in their lives.
This is very possible. I agree that it's either the magic of the elves or the mysterious Spirit of Christmas that is controlling everything behind the scenes. It's unclear which. So to answer your question, I can't prove which one is responsible. It's open to debate.
The only thing about the elf theory that gives me pause is: If the elves use their magic to create Santa, why even bother with a human at all? Why not transform one of their own into a "jolly old elf" and avoid the unpredictable behavior of a human jeopardizing their whole operation? Does elf magic not work on other elves? Is there some kind of law that necessitates them using a human? If so, why, and made by whom?
You know Mom was just talking about watching the sequel, and now I am seriously considering it to see if it sheds any light on these points.
Ah, media studies. IT'S A SICKNESS.