Make a political hero of Zack Polanski if you want. Just don’t forget to engage your brain | Marina Hyde
In a recent article by Marina Hyde for The Guardian, the dynamics of political admiration and accountability are scrutinized, particularly in light of the Green Party leader’s rising popularity. Hyde draws parallels between the uncritical adulation politicians sometimes receive and the potential pitfalls that can arise from such blind support. Using a flashback to a memorable moment on “The View,” where Kelly Osbourne made a controversial comment about Donald Trump’s remarks on Latino immigrants, Hyde illustrates how seemingly innocuous statements can reveal deeper societal issues. Osbourne’s attempt at humor quickly spiraled into a media frenzy, prompting discussions about the implications of her words and the broader context of race and immigration in America.
Hyde argues that while it’s easy to celebrate political figures who resonate with progressive values, such as the Green Party leader, it is crucial to maintain a critical perspective. Unquestioning praise can lead to complacency and a lack of accountability, which ultimately hampers genuine progress. She emphasizes that political leaders, regardless of their popularity, must be held to the same standards of scrutiny as anyone else. The article serves as a reminder that in the political arena, adulation without critique can be detrimental, leading to an echo chamber where important discussions about policy and ethics are sidelined. Hyde’s commentary invites readers to reflect on the complexities of political support and the necessity of balancing admiration with critical engagement.
The Green party leader is riding high in the polls. But across the political spectrum, uncritical adulation leads nowhere fast
Shortly after Donald Trump launched his first White House run in 2015, television’s Kelly Osbourne made one of her regular appearances on The View, which is basically the American version of Loose Women but doesn’t feel the need to have a cringey title. Trump had made some
extremely nasty comments
about Mexican immigrants, and Kelly had a rhetorical question for the other ladies gathered round the wood-effect dining table that morning. “You kick every Latino out of this country,”
she sassed
, “then WHO is going to be cleaning your toilet, Donald Trump?”
Oooooof. The reaction from fellow panellist Rosie Perez was instantaneously negative, to the point that even Kelly realised in the moment that this needed clean-up. Apparently there weren’t any willing rubber-gloved Latinos on hand, so madam was going to have to do it herself. “I didn’t mean it like that,” Osbourne shot back. “Come on! You know I would never mean it like that! I’m not part of this argument.” A
media firestorm
nonetheless ensued, though Kelly declined to apologise for even the appearance of racism, I think on the basis that people like her simply are not capable of subconsciously holding unpleasant views that they accidentally reveal while making important TV appearances.
Marina Hyde is a Guardian columnist
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