A long-running cultural debate reignited this week after former MSNBC host Joy Reid shared a video on Instagram promoting the claim that the beloved Christmas classic “Jingle Bells” originates from 19th-century minstrel shows and racially charged performances.
The video — originally created by content creator Khalil Greene — alleges that composer James Lord Pierpont wrote the song in the 1850s for use in minstrel acts, and that certain lyrics may have been tied to period-specific comedic routines that caricatured Black Americans.
Reid’s repost instantly sparked widespread public discussion and criticism, both from those who argue that historical songs should be examined more closely and from others who say the theory relies on limited academic evidence and modern reinterpretations disconnected from verified historical context.
What the viral video claims
Greene’s video, filmed in front of a commemorative plaque in Medford, Massachusetts, asserts the following points:
– That Pierpont composed “The One Horse Open Sleigh” (the original title) in 1850 for minstrel performances
– That the song may have included allusions to racial caricatures popular at the time
– That the lyric “laughing all the way” might have been connected to a comedic routine known as the “Laughing Darkie”
– That Pierpont later joined the Confederate Army, writing songs to motivate Southern troops
These claims are drawn in part from a 2017 paper by a Boston University professor who argued that the earliest known performance of the song may have occurred in a minstrel setting. Even the paper itself acknowledged that the song’s historical origins are “murky,” with competing claims from both Massachusetts and Georgia regarding where it was written.
Historians note that documentation on the song’s true origin remains incomplete, and many details about its first performances are still debated.
What experts say about the theory
Academic and music historians have long noted that minstrel shows were a widespread entertainment form in the mid-1800s. However, they also point out:
– There is no definitive proof that the song was intentionally written for racist caricature
– Many 19th-century songs passed through minstrel circuits regardless of original intent
– Pierpont’s motivations remain poorly documented
– Competing cities still dispute the exact circumstances of the song’s composition
In other words, the theory is one possible interpretation, but far from an established historical consensus.
Why Joy Reid’s repost sparked controversy
Reid, who previously hosted “The ReidOut” on MSNBC before transitioning to a YouTube commentary format, has frequently engaged with cultural and racial topics. Her repost of the video brought the fringe theory into mainstream discussion due to her large online audience.
Critics argued that the claim stretches weak evidence into a sweeping cultural indictment of a widely beloved holiday song. Supporters countered that examining historical context — even for cherished cultural artifacts — is a legitimate academic exercise.
The dispute reflects a broader cultural conversation:
How much should modern society reinterpret, reevaluate, or deconstruct historical works through the lens of contemporary values and research?
Reid’s media trajectory adds another layer
After leaving MSNBC, Reid launched an independent media channel online. Some episodes draw significant viewership, particularly those featuring high-profile political guests. Others receive more modest engagement.
Her repost of the “Jingle Bells” theory highlights how social media continues to function as a space where former cable personalities can reintroduce themselves into national conversation, even after leaving major networks.
Cultural revisionism vs. historical documentation
Debates over the origins of traditional songs are not new. Many holiday songs, folk tunes, and cultural traditions have undergone historical reexamination as scholars uncover new information or reinterpret archival materials.
However, the claim that “Jingle Bells” is explicitly racist hinges on several uncertainties:
– Limited primary sources
– Conflicting origin stories
– Lack of direct author statements
– Broad assumptions about performance context
Even the academic paper cited acknowledges that much of the narrative remains speculative.
Why this resurfaced now
Holiday season controversies tend to spread quickly, especially when they involve well-known traditions. Claims that a cherished song has hidden historical meaning — accurate or not — are almost guaranteed to go viral.
Reid’s repost amplified that dynamic, bringing an academic footnote into a nationwide cultural conversation.
The broader media and political significance
This episode highlights:
– The increasingly polarized reactions to cultural reinterpretation
– The way social media accelerates niche theories to national prominence
– Ongoing friction between traditionalists and revisionists over American history
– The fragmented influence of former cable news hosts who now operate independently online
In a media environment driven by rapid reaction, even a speculative claim about a Christmas song can trigger large-scale debate.
Where the conversation goes from here
Expect continued discussion throughout the season as historians, commentators, and cultural analysts weigh in. It is likely that:
– Additional fact-checks will emerge
– Academics will revisit the 2017 research
– Musicians and cultural critics will debate the meaning and relevance of historical context
– Reid’s repost will remain part of a broader conversation about modern reinterpretations of 19th-century culture
For now, the origins of “Jingle Bells” remain historically contested and partially speculative — but the latest controversy shows how even a familiar holiday classic can become a flashpoint in America’s ongoing debates over history, culture, and identity.