So, this article is making the rounds, but rather than wholeheartedly agree, I have to share a couple critiques: While the central idea of the article is valid to a point, the authors apparent lack of perspective on American politics & culture makes it hard for me to take him very seriously. First off: he clearly is unaware of the abuse heaped upon the man who immediately preceded Obama in office. That man held the exact same office, and was subject to very similar treatment. I think one can argue that respect for the office has been in decline, but much more gradually and over a much longer period than the author acknowledges. Below, I will argue that not all of this development is problematic. Second, Im fairly certain that what the author labels satanic clown was merely the image tying Obama to the latest incarnation of the Joker from Batman. A biting criticism, to be sure; but not the least bit satanic. Once again, perhaps it represents a decline in deference to the president, but not a sharp one that began in 2008. The HItler stache was attached to Bush long before Obama was given the Joker treatment. Finally, I would argue that the founding American principle that all are created equal means that there are limits to the level of deference we, as a culture, will confer upon another American in any office or position of authority. The underlying tone of the article gave me the impression that the author expected us to treat the presidency as close to the level of limited monarchy; and I would argue that such an idea is quite un-American (especially in historical perspective.) Whether the author acknowledges it or not, Obama is one of us and for the most part is no further above criticism for his statements & choices than you or I. So, yeah; society is not as polite as it once was, but dont try to tell me it all started in 2008 and revolved around this one man.
Posted on: Sat, 08 Nov 2014 17:39:30 +0000
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