The Little Drummer Boy is a cherished Christmas special that captured hearts when it debuted in 1968 as Carol of the Drum. Its simple story of the Nativity and a humble boy with a drum charmed audiences for decades, yet despite its popularity, it faced controversy that eventually led to it being pulled from television.
Created by the iconic Rankin/Bass studio, the special featured a mix of characters from various backgrounds during the time of Christ’s birth, including Jews, Arabs, and people of different races. While most characters followed the studio’s signature animation style, some portrayals—particularly of Arab characters—sparked serious concerns.
The main antagonist, Ben Haramad, and his sidekick were drawn with exaggerated features such as curved noses, thick mustaches, and luxurious robes. These characters were also depicted as greedy, sneaky, and lacking intelligence, reinforcing offensive stereotypes.
By the 1990s, growing awareness and criticism about racial representation led to a public outcry. Viewers argued that the Arab characters were unfairly shown as materialistic and morally dubious, which prompted many broadcasters to reconsider airing the special. As a result, some TV channels quietly removed The Little Drummer Boy from their holiday lineups to avoid further controversy.
Today, the special remains a nostalgic piece of animation history, but its complicated legacy serves as a reminder of how cultural sensitivity has evolved in media over the years.
