Staff Reports
In the grand theater that is American politics, there are a few things you can always rely on. The sun will rise, the sky will remain blue, and Democrats will continue their tradition of pandering to African Americans in the most theatrical ways. It seems that every election cycle brings with it a new episode of cultural impersonation, leaving many, particularly within the black community, scratching their heads or sighing in exasperation. The latest chapter in this ongoing saga stars none other than Gavin Newsom, California’s governor notorious for his uncanny tendency to morph into characters that supposedly resonate with the audience he’s addressing.
Picture this: Gavin Newsom, a man born into the lap of luxury with close ties to the Getty family’s empire, taking his turn to spin a yarn of rags-to-riches on a recent podcast. He paints a vivid picture of himself hustling, munching on Wonder Bread, and defining his narrative through the prism of hip-hop culture. It’s almost Shakespearean in its dramatic flair, except for the fact that the audience knows his real back story involves considerably less street cred and a lot more country club cheddar.
Watching Newsom try to slip into a “relatable” persona is akin to watching a snake try to do the moonwalk. Behind the forced slang and casual references lies an obvious truth: his life story is less about scraping by and more about being cushioned by the proverbial silver spoon. His dad was apparently well-placed in the opulent circles of the Getty family, providing young Gavin not with cold realities of street hustles, but with warm access to privilege and opportunity. No wonder the public can’t help but chuckle at this new attempt to broadcast a “down with the people” vibe.
However, Newsom is not alone in this political carnival. Remember Joe Biden? During the George Floyd era, there was that peculiar moment in a church where Biden dropped to one knee. It seemed like an obvious attempt to show solidarity or respect, but it was largely met with puzzled looks from the congregation. It was an image that encapsulated the confusion and discomfort that often accompany these political antics. The message it sent was clear: actions that seem forced or out of context only serve to alienate the very group they’re meant to support.
So here we are, watching Gavin Newsom under scrutiny trying to channel his inner street kid while the world knows about his cushy upbringing. Behind these melodramatic performances lies a bigger question: if elected officials feel the need to portray these personas to connect with their constituents, what does it say about the authenticity of their platforms? As the political stage continues to churn out performances, Americans are left to wonder why some politicians feel you need to pretend to be something you’re not to gain a vote. Perhaps the electorate would appreciate a bit more honesty and a lot less theatrics. After all, authenticity should be the currency in politics, not an exception.
