Does Santa Claus Need a Rapid Weight Loss Plan?

Acting U.S. Surgeon General Rear Adm. Steven K. Galson recently told the Boston Herald that Santa Claus is too fat to be a good role model for children. According to Galson, "It is really important that the people who kids look up to as role models are in good shape, eating well and getting exercise." Apparently, Santa Claus doesn't meet the Surgeon General's idea of a healthy body shape.

While I can't argue the point that pleasingly plump isn't the healthiest lifestyle in the world, his attack on Santa Claus as a role model is what leaves me bewildered. Galson laters goes on to proclaim that NFL players are good role models for kids because they help promote healthy life styles and says, "Santa is no different."

Well, let's look at a few recent NFL highlights:

• July - Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick indicted in dog fighting case
• September - Patriot Rodney Harrison suspended for four games for violating NFL's drugs policy
• September - New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick was fined $500,000 and the Patriots were fined $250,000 for spying on an opponent's defensive signals.

There are dozens (possibly hundreds) of websites on the Internet devoted to various NFL scandals. I'm not knocking the NFL here, but I'm pointing out that a sound body isn't very good without a sound mind guiding it. Some NFL players are great role models; some should be banned from the sport for life.

It's just not logical to compare NFL players to Santa Claus. Santa Claus is an iconic jolly old fat man who works all year long to spread joy and good will (and yes, presents) on Christmas Eve. Despite his bulging belly, Santa Claus teaches lessons that are positive influences for children. Santa Claus teaches kindness, generosity, and the warmth of sharing. So what if he eats one too many cookies? Does that make him a bad person?

If anything, Galson's criticism of Santa's obesity leads me to feel like Galson would like to see all overweight role models taken away from children. That would be fine if every child in the world was taught to eat properly and exercise regularly, but unfortunately that's an idealized view of the world that's never going to happen. By sheer genetics alone, it's impossible for there not to be overweight children out there. So, if we take away all the fat role models, who are these kids supposed to look up to? Santa Claus doesn't inspire children to be fat, but I do believe that his jolly demeanor helps reassure overweight kids that they can still be a good person even if they're not body beautiful. Good physical health is important, but isn't it more important to be a good-hearted, likeable, and self-confident person?

Sources:
http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/general/view.bg?articleid=1047979