I woke up on Jan. 13, and my calendar gave me its daily dose of wisdom: “We’re concerned about AIDS inside our White House – make no mistake about it.”
“George W. Bushisms” was a present that not only brought laughter to my life, but also left me with a burning question: When did the president of the United States of America become a marketable celebrity?
Without argument, the president is one of the most well-known people in the world, but there is a major difference between being well-known for political action and being made into a pop culture icon.
I have a good friend who cherishes her “George W. Bush Talking Action Figure,” which comes in three versions: “Top Gun George W. Bush,” “Turkey Dinner George W. Bush” and the classic “George W. Bush” in his trademark black suit with red tie.
The action figure is advertised like a G.I. Joe doll. The tag line on the regular action figure brags about its 17 different phrases, while the “Top Gun Bush” comes with accessories, including an oxygen tank and goggles.
Oh, but that’s not all, folks. You can also purchase the likenesses of other political figures ranging from Ronald Reagan to Donald Rumsfeld. The Web site TalkingPresidents.com boasts that its action figures sell for as much as $250 during the holidays on eBay.
When did the president become an action figure rather than a figure of action? The president is supposed to be one of the most feared and respected men on the face of this planet, and instead, the position has been devalued to a strange cross between commander in chief, Carrot Top and Superman.
It is as if companies like this and others that market this pop culture candy are trying to make the president into a superhero. Hated by some, loved by others, ready to either save the day or destroy the world. It’s left up to the consumer to decide.
Well, I have decided that this is ridiculous. I like to think that I have a sense of humor, but I find myself thinking that this has gone too far. Some might say that Bush is an easy target, with his own version of the English language, but he is not the only figure targeted and not all of the items are humorous. The action figures, for example, have both humorous and inspiring phrases from our leaders.
Though the media may make the president into a superhero, he is only a man, with his shortcomings and his strengths. Since when is all respect lost for a person just because he has a hard time with public speaking or with his marriage?
As the years go by the president is often disgraced by the media. How are we supposed to remain at the top when our representative is so commercialized? I don’t think we can.
Whether one agrees with the political stance of any given president, one must agree that the man is still our leader, and without at least a little bit of respect, it is hard to get things accomplished.
Many people plead for change, but the office cannot change until we stop exploiting the men in it. When we put reverence back into the position, reverence for the man holding it will follow.
When presidents stop making headlines for extracurricular activities and start making headlines for policy, our nation will be able to take a better stand on the man in charge and make changes if we see fit.
