Why politicians are not your friend

 By Ava Bourdeau, Staff Writer

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez cemented her reputation as a cultural icon amongst the generation z when she streamed herself on Twitch playing the popular video game Among Us. Since being anointed to Congress, Ocasio-Cortez (or AOC, as known by her fans) has been steadily gaining popularity with young people due to her progressive policies. Her youthful personality, compelling speaking skills and the representation she brings to Congress have also helped make her a major success with teenagers and young adults across America. She has become such a sensation that many are willing to allow their love for her mask the mistakes she makes. Thus, when Ocasio-Cortez outright ignored requests to meet with prominent Jewish leaders from NYC, little was said about this questionable behavior. 

The idolization of Ocasio-Cortez is a prime example of a parasocial relationship. This term refers to an unhealthy attachment one may have to a famous figure, to the point where they view them as friends despite having never personally interacted with them. While it’s very common to see this occur between celebrities and their fans, having this type of attitude towards politicians is very concerning. 

Parasocial relationships have become more common especially amongst Trump supporters. While it’s difficult to come across vocal “Trumpets” in Santa Monica, many of his supporters are under the false impression that he can do no wrong, as they proudly display Trump signs, flags and bumper stickers to show their support. They blatantly ignore Trump’s racism, sexism, and bigotry, even defending him after he rudely mocked a disabled reporter in 2016. As the Trump administration wore on in America, his supporters were all too quick to dismiss some of the president’s more questionable actions, immediately calling anyone who disagreed “libtards” or “snowflakes”. Many of his most notable policies only benefited the top 1 percent,  yet his working-class supporters maintained their belief that everything Trump did was good and right. This idolization amongst his supporters is especially harmful when considering the fact that Trump refuses to denounce white supremacy. 

“This is one of the main reasons the KKK is more present of a force… [Trump] gives them a sense of security,” Natalie Greenfield (’22), a politically active Samo student, said.

Idolization is arguably far more prominent of an issue on the political right, especially due to the fact that right-leaning communities are generally rather isolated and get most of their information from heavily biased sources such as Fox News. However, this does not mean that the left’s only instance of idolization is with AOC. While most on the left are more wary when it comes to worshipping politicians, it’s fairly common to see certain ideologies put on a pedestal, such as systems like socialism and communism. This can be just as harmful as upholding people, as political systems are often incredibly varied, thus it’s important to acknowledge that they contain both good and bad. Therefore it becomes far more difficult to listen to the opinions of others who may have different ideas. It also leads many to believe that they, and those who think like them, are always right, and anyone else is in the wrong no matter what. 

“Realistically you do have to find common ground, and idolization of any sort leads to problematic division,” Greenfield said. 

The election was a prime example of how we let idolization go too far. Biden and Trump both had distinct plans and policies which they advertised in their campaign. Despite this, most Americans focused more on the characters of the two candidates. Even Trump himself turned to personal attacks during the first presidential debate, steering the conversation away from important topics such as healthcare, immigration and COVID-19. While it’s important that we try to elect people with good morals, nobody is perfect, including politicians. The best we can do is choose who to support based on their policies.

Although the election results caused many to breathe a warranted sigh of relief, it begs the question of whether or not we’re putting our preexisting loyalties above our growth as a nation. Believing someone can do no wrong is an issue in any situation, but when this is applied to politics it takes on global implications. Students involved in human rights activism, such as Erin Vinson, have become increasingly concerned that idolization can lead to dire consequences.

“[The] Trump administration’s reasonings for many things are simply excuses, and way too many of his followers still are hanging off of every word… It’s concerning to the core of many Americans whose lives are now at stake,” Erin Vinson (‘22) said. 

While it’s important to find politicians and ideologies you agree with, we must also be willing to acknowledge flaws and mistakes when they inevitably occur. The political world is a confusing one, and getting caught up in unequivocal loyalties can only serve to further warp one’s perception.