What can we learn from RFK Jr’s ‘erotic poetry’? That Americans need to get better at enjoying a scandal | Marina Hyde
In a recent commentary, Marina Hyde from The Guardian humorously critiques the serious tone often adopted by American journalism, particularly in light of the recent revelations about U.S. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra’s alleged “digital affair” with journalist Olivia Nuzzi. Hyde argues that the American press tends to elevate its own significance to an absurd level, contrasting it with the British press, which is more self-aware and willing to embrace the absurdities of its own narratives. She suggests that while American journalists grapple with lofty ideals, they are missing the comedic potential inherent in their own stories, especially when it comes to scandalous and sensational news.
Hyde draws attention to the bizarre nature of the affair, highlighting the contrast between the gravity with which it is reported and the ludicrous details involved, such as Becerra’s supposed foray into writing explicit poetry. Rather than being treated as a serious scandal, Hyde implies that such stories should be met with laughter, as they reflect a certain level of absurdity that is often overlooked. She points out that while American journalism strives for a noble mission, it often ends up presenting narratives that are more fitting for satire than solemn analysis. This commentary not only underscores the cultural differences in how news is reported across the Atlantic but also invites readers to find humor in the often ridiculous nature of political dramas.
Ultimately, Hyde’s piece serves as a reminder that sometimes, instead of dissecting the seriousness of political scandals, it may be more appropriate to simply laugh at the human follies that underlie them. By embracing humor, readers can navigate the complexities of political narratives with a lighter heart, recognizing the absurdity that often accompanies the high stakes of public life.
The US health secretary’s ‘digital affair’ with Olivia Nuzzi doesn’t need sombre analysis. Take it from this Brit: sometimes laughter is the only option
Literally nothing on this earth takes itself as seriously as American journalism. There are rogue-state dictators it’s more permissible to laugh at than the endlessly hilarious pretensions of newsmen and newswomen in the United States. The crucial difference between the British press and US press is that at least we in the British press
know
we’re in the gutter. The Americans have always imagined – and so loudly – that they are involved in some kind of higher calling. Guys, I love you and stuff, but get over it, because you’re missing one of the great jokes of the century. Yourselves.
I don’t deny that everything’s bigger in America. Our former health secretary had a knee-trembler up against his office door
in the pandemic
; their current one
apparently
wrote felching … poetry, is it … felching poetry? … to a superstar journalist who was worrying about his brainworm, yet the story is being written up like it’s Dante, instead of X-rated Italian brainrot.
Marina Hyde is a Guardian columnist
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A year in Westminster: John Crace, Marina Hyde and Pippa Crerar
On Tuesday 2 December, join Crace, Hyde and Crerar as they look back at another extraordinary year, with special guests, live at the Barbican in London and livestreamed globally. Book tickets
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