The show is a fable to explain why segregation is bad. It looks gloomy and nasty to us because our world and cultural expectations of what is appropriate conduct HAVE altered so drastically since the 1960's.
The misfit toys and Rudolph are children with disabilities. Rudolph is sent home from Reindeer school after his disability is discovered. He cannot participate anymore even though he had the best take off.
When they are on the island of misfit toys, it is bleak--like an institution. King moonracer says he brings the toys to the island. He does not say how the toys get off once they are brought. The toys tone of voice in their song make it clear that they actually do not want to be there. They are unhappy and desperately want to leave.
They also have disabilities (elephant with spots, train with square wheels, water pistol shooting jelly, bird which cannot fly, dolly which is not happy).
It looks odd to us in an era when we have Special Education in the local neighborhood school, we are not taken away from our families just because we have disabilities, we can attend college....etc
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