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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 article by Marina Hyde for The Guardian, the absurdity of American journalism is brought to light through the lens of a scandal involving U.S. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra and journalist Olivia Nuzzi. Hyde humorously critiques the American media’s tendency to treat such personal dramas with an air of grave seriousness, contrasting it with the British press’s self-awareness of its own sensationalism. She argues that while American journalists often see themselves as part of a noble pursuit, they are missing the comedic potential of their own narratives. For instance, the article references Becerra’s reported writing of “felching poetry” to Nuzzi, a detail that Hyde suggests should be met with laughter rather than solemn analysis.

Hyde’s commentary serves as a reminder that sometimes, the best response to the absurdity of political scandals is humor. She highlights the stark differences between British and American media, noting that while British journalists embrace their role in the “gutter,” American counterparts seem to elevate their reporting to a lofty pedestal, often missing the humor inherent in their stories. This perspective not only critiques the seriousness with which American journalism approaches personal scandals but also invites readers to engage with these narratives through a more lighthearted lens. Ultimately, Hyde encourages a shift in how such stories are perceived, suggesting that laughter may be the most appropriate response to the bizarre intersections of politics and personal life in the media landscape.