1. The Grinch: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Who: The Grinch who lives North of Whoville.
Why: Why is The Grinch the biggest Jerk of all above all the rest of the people on the list? Simplicity. The Grinch is just that, a Grinch. There is no rivalry that spurns on his hate of Christmas, no superiority complex or financial gain. He just has a simple unadulterated loathing for all things festive and bright. He could be described as one of those people Alfred talked about. The kind who just want to see the world burn. Of course the Grinch isn't a sociopath starring in a misconceived poorly executed sequel. He is however the purest and most potent incarnation of a true cynic. The dangerous kind of cynic who doesn't just sit around and complain but takes action to support his stance. His target. The gentle furry people of Whoville. The native people of Whoville celebrate Christmas with such a joyous fervor as to make the Santa feel inadequate. They must be punished for their annoying yuletide spirit. What better way, the Grinch think, to rob people of their Christmas spirit than to actually rob them. Christmas is just a big commercial racket anyway right. Once you take away all the bells and whistles from the Who's then their Christmas spirit will fade to black taking their noxious singing along as well. It's was the perfect plan. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--aSgNEbmnI
Redemption?: Well it would have been if the Who's valued Christmas only for its commercial aspects. Its true they did enjoy their new toys and presents in addition to their lavish decorations and big tree. But this was all considered worthless compared to the more intangible aspects of the Christmas holiday like love, peace, joy and forgiveness. This was the focus of the Who's holiday celebrations and was their reason to keep on singing even when they woke on Christmas morning to find their stuff stolen by the Grinch. It was that very singing in the midst of loss is that triggered the change in the Grinch. As he held the Who's gifts and wares hostage on a mountain with intent to drop them off, he waited to hear sighs of despair but instead heard joyous singing ringing fourth. Whats so powerful about what happens to the Grinch is that it wasn't a miraculous happenstance that trigger his change (angels, ghosts, ect). The Grinch simply had a change of heart (or heart size) and was mature enough to admit he was wrong about everything: "Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store, Maybe Christmas perhaps, means a little bit more." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqOOUJFv1n0 He brought all their stuff back but most importantly he brought himself back as well. Back from loneliness and bitterness, and into a new life of love, and
friendship. With a brand new wonderful outlook on life the Grinch became both a friend not only to the Who's but Christmas as well. There is so much joy and Christmas spirit in the Grinch's story of redemption that at the end I couldn't help but quote (along with Mr. Karloff) the immortal closing lines of the story. I'm sure remember them as well, so let's say them together: "Welcome, Christmas, bring your cheer. Cheer to all Whos far and near. Christmas Day is in our grasp, so long as we have hands to clasp. Christmas Day will always be just as long as we have we. Welcome Christmas while we stand, heart to heart, and hand in hand." Well that's the list, and I hope you checked it twice. If there was an addition you think I missed or an entry you wish to discuss please do so in the comment section below.