Parasocialism and Politicians

We all have favorite influencers, some just carry the nuclear football.

He must be a good guy, he fist bumps babies, she must be a great person she is relatable online.

Teenage girls and middle-aged men are not so different. Both foster parasocial relationships that can only disappoint them. Influencers fall from grace, and politicians fail to make good on their campaign promises.

So often bright people are the victims of the deterioration, decay, decrepitude of the critical analysis of public figures, reducing them to sound bites that entertain us. Entertaining our fearful minds, hoping fist bumps over ice cream or religious rallies will save us from the inadequacies we’ve allowed to proliferate in politicians. Because they’re funny. Because they’re relatable. Because we’re “superfans”.

Never should the public be super fans of a political figure. Election allows the people to hold critical thought about a politician and ideological support at the same time. This duality has vanished before my eyes before I could even vote. Politicians have become influencers. Selling promises and genius marketing schemes to remain in power.

Bands, influencers, sports teams, and celebrities have fans. They are afforded a level of safety from criticism because they entertain and sell a product. I am a fan of the Grateful Dead, I am a fan of the Jacksonville Jaguars. I am not a fan of politicians posing as entertainment,stripping the power from the people. Taking away from my choice before I could ever make one. I’m tired of influencers. I am tired of being told what to think and buy and what to believe.

Break out, read, write, and devalue entertainment in your life.