Today I as I logged into my social media outlet of choice, I am bombarded with an image of Mitt Romney post election. He looks disheveled (possibly wind gust, who knows.) and like a normal person (unless you live in Oregon), he is pumping his own fuel. I notice the boisterous laughter and enjoyment of some with the echo, “how the mighty have fallen” type cheers. On the other side, some are repudiating and grumbling at how some revel in the firebranding. I know that in time the taunting will subside but the reality is that these are the decisions one makes when living in the “spotlight”.
Admit it, public perception is everything and the media is quick to define you. Once you’ve been defined, the media also will sustain that definition long after you’ve decided you no longer want to be in the limelight. For some, it leaves them in ruins, Princess Diana being one such example. Another example that comes to mind that doesn’t end in tragedy is former New York representative, Anthony Weiner. These people choose to put themselves front and center in the public eye whether choosing to run for re-election or saying “I do” and are scrutinized like no one else. Their actions are recorded for all to see, catalogued in the history of our humanity, and visibly castigated or lauded.
I wonder though, why is it that people like former Congressman Weiner can quietly disappear into the shadows of the stage after a scathing expose, and people like former Governor and Vice-Presidential candidate Sara Palin can’t do the same after an election defeat. People continue their beratement and others are reconciled to herangous speeches that continue the reinforment of the media’s stereotype. There are those who even go so far as to then focus their attention to the families of these individuals and harass them like they did with (in this example) Bristol. I’ve heard both of these females called all sorts of disgusting names that would make any preacher pass out, and people choose to ignore it. By being dismissive and not denouncing the behaviour, one is silently agreeing.
Former US House Representative Allen West recently lost his recount bid and I’m sure I’ll be overwhelmed soon enough with public denouncement of him. I will politely smile at your image but I will be also wondering what is causing you to behave like this. Time will tell what people will do, but I’ve already smirked at your continued criticism of the loser and I will continue to because if I don’t, I’ll be called a sore winner. I do however want to point out, that Anthony Weiner is still a dick for flashing himself inappropriately to others while Mitt Romney was trying to continue with his life.
Abhorrent demagoguery is vile no matter who does it, but take note of who’s the sore winner in the election. What compels the rational to behave like this? It would be enjoyable to watch as my nephew’s AYSO team walloped the competition and then chanted ‘neener-neener’ for 2 weeks but I was taught that’s not how winners behave. I guess parents teach this to their children now-a-days. Are you this type of parent? I guess it makes you cool to be a sore winner.
