Reflections on Leadership: Is Your Politician A Celebrity?
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| Also listed in: Sustainable Politics Stapleton |
Recently, I attended a community forum where one elected community leader referred to the other elected officials in the room as "celebrities." Frankly, our public officials and we ourselves should be cautioned against using such reckless labels.
The whole concept of "celebrity" is antithetical to the principles of democratic leadership and an informed electorate. "Celebrities" are aloof, wish to be shielded from their public and live larger than life, often at the public's expense. Some "celebrities," a la Paris Hilton, don't even have to do anything - they are simply famous for being a "celebrity." Fans, on the other hand, thirst for tabloid-style news and revel in the most minute of details about the personal affairs of the celeb de jour. Labeling our politicians as "celebrities" reduces democracy to People Magazine headlines, requires important policy ideas to be expressed in sound bites, and deters any candidate who might face making Mr. Blackwell's worst dressed list. We need - nay, deserve - more substance and less fluff from our representatives.
Perhaps worst of all, this attitude of political leader as "celebrity" distances our elected officials from us. Sadly, at this same community meeting, I witnessed our community leaders talking primarily among themselves. They sat together at the same table and didn't bother to individually talk with any of the community. They practice politics as a "members only" club unless and until they are in the midst of a campaign. What a missed opportunity to connect in a meaningful way to the people they work for. Perhaps their "celebrity" has gone to their heads.
I for one prefer "public servant" as the proper label for our politicians. Our community, country and world don't need any more "celebrities."
The whole concept of "celebrity" is antithetical to the principles of democratic leadership and an informed electorate. "Celebrities" are aloof, wish to be shielded from their public and live larger than life, often at the public's expense. Some "celebrities," a la Paris Hilton, don't even have to do anything - they are simply famous for being a "celebrity." Fans, on the other hand, thirst for tabloid-style news and revel in the most minute of details about the personal affairs of the celeb de jour. Labeling our politicians as "celebrities" reduces democracy to People Magazine headlines, requires important policy ideas to be expressed in sound bites, and deters any candidate who might face making Mr. Blackwell's worst dressed list. We need - nay, deserve - more substance and less fluff from our representatives.
Perhaps worst of all, this attitude of political leader as "celebrity" distances our elected officials from us. Sadly, at this same community meeting, I witnessed our community leaders talking primarily among themselves. They sat together at the same table and didn't bother to individually talk with any of the community. They practice politics as a "members only" club unless and until they are in the midst of a campaign. What a missed opportunity to connect in a meaningful way to the people they work for. Perhaps their "celebrity" has gone to their heads.
I for one prefer "public servant" as the proper label for our politicians. Our community, country and world don't need any more "celebrities."
