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I don't think what's keeping "ordinary men and women" from becoming politicians is the toxicity public figures are exposed to, considering a lot of "ordinary me
by pluma 7y ago
I don't think what's keeping "ordinary men and women" from becoming politicians is the toxicity public figures are exposed to, considering a lot of "ordinary men and women" (but particularly women, gender-non-conforming men and PoC, especially if they're trans) get the same or worse on a daily basis on social media.
If you look at the careers and upbringing of most high-ranking politicians, I doubt the most obvious distinction to common folk would be particular thick skin -- heck, the sitting POTUS isn't exactly thick skinned and that's arguably the most publicly exposed office in the world.
Hint: it's wealth. The distinction is coming from wealth and having connections with wealthy people who supply you with funding and influence.
- katbyte 7y agoIt’s wealth and maybe being from a race and sex that generally isn’t raked over the coals for simply being black or a women? White male politicians don’t get much flak for being white or male. Black women politician would get so much for both her race and gender. As a women I’d never want to be in the public eye for this reason.
- luckylion 7y ago> White male politicians don’t get much flak for being white or male. "Stupid white men" was a huge success a few years back.
- nailer 7y agoNot disputing the sentiment, but if you're referring to Michael Moore's book, the full title is "Stupid White Men ...And Other Sorry Excuses for the State of the Nation!" - ie, he's not being racist or sexist but rather saying that's a very simplistic excuse.
- ejefz 7y ago>White male politicians don’t get much flak for being white or male. Obviously you've never had an account on Twitter
- nailer 7y agoThis is a new account on HN, but the downvotes are surprising, seeing as most people here have indeed used Twitter before.