We Should Not Idolize Politicians and Political Figures

You may have heard the saying, “Never meet your heroes.” I am sure that many people who have met individuals they have idolized have ended up being disappointed. 

If you have seen the second Legally Blonde movie, Elle Woods was thrilled to work on a bill with a Congresswoman she admired. Her excitement quickly became disappointment when she learned that the Congresswoman had reversed her stance on it. 

That unfortunately is the reality of what happens when someone idolizes politicians and political figures.

Of course, there is nothing wrong with looking up to someone and being inspired, but we need to remember that these people are just human beings and have flaws. 

Long story short, meeting one of my political idols was disappointing, especially when he acted rude in front of my friends and made inappropriate comments during a youth and young adult political conference. 

That was when I decided that I needed to stop idolizing politicians and political figures. 

However, there are other reasons we should not idolize them.

Working in politics can change you, for better or for worse. I have seen it change friends, colleagues, politicians, and political figures. 

When it comes to politicians, they make promises to their people, but many of them cave to pressure or become part of the “swamp.” Soon, their only goal is to be in or remain in power, and they forget about their people at home. Many of them also end up voting in favor of legislation they promised to oppose and voting against legislation they said they would support. 

Political figures can get caught up in their fame, and they act like they are more important than other people around them. There are some people I know who have made a name for themselves in the political world, and I have seen them act differently around old friends and colleagues. 

Idolizing politicians and political figures can lead to a lack of critical thinking and even create a personality cult. It is frightening to see people blindly follow someone without questioning their decisions or policies. 

Putting these people on a pedestal can also lead to division, as many view those who disagree with their idol as enemies or opponents. This has become apparent recently when I see many conservatives, libertarians, and other people in center-right circles be called RINOs (Republican in Name Only) just because they disagreed on an issue or two with certain politicians or political figures.

This can also distract from important issues, as people end up focusing on the actions of these people instead of debating policies, principles, and ideas. People have dismissed actions and flaws of people they idolize because they are emotionally invested in them. In the media, we constantly hear about the actions and mistakes of politicians or political figures more than we hear about their policies and ideas. 

In order to avoid idolizing politicians and political figures, ask yourself: 

1. Do you base your political beliefs on a person or a set of values? People can change their minds on issues and policies. However, values can promote consistency and critical thinking. 

2. Do you inform yourself on the issues, policies, and ideas? Being informed can allow you to develop independent thinking. You should talk to others, read the news and books, and dive into research and studies. 

3. Do you keep these people accountable? This is primarily for politicians. It is important to contact your elected officials at the local, state, and federal level. Holding them accountable can prevent them from potentially becoming corrupt and distant from people.  

Working in policy has enabled me to focus on policies, principles, and ideas instead of fixating on people. While there are people I look up to in politics and many I consider friends or acquaintances, I do not always agree with them. Being informed and thinking independently can be liberating for the mind.