Breaking: firestorm over hero worship engulfs DU

[PretzelWarrior]

Let me first say that I find Democratic Underground a truly unique and intriguing place. In general, the intellect here is much higher than other message boards I frequent. That is definitely a great thing for me since I value wit and wisdom from so many.

It is also a place where you can post your thoughts and watch them immediately sink to the bottom of the ocean because there are so many of us posting our thoughts that unless people have the time and can respond to it, the post is destined for page 6 quicker than you can say Stimulus Plan.

But sometimes an idea or thought catches fire like my post where I pointed to what I called the inordinate attention and obsessing around all things Obama and called it "hero worship". I have read through almost every reply to my original post to get everyone's opinions on the matter. To all of you I say respectively:

1. Thanks for the hide/ignore tips
2. Do you think it's really productive to label someone "right wing" or "bitter" for bringing this subject up in this way?
3. I'm glad so many got the point of my post. Let it be a starting point then.

What I was trying to convey in that post is this--I want President Barack Obama to succeed in a number of ways. I want him to install some of our progressive agenda with the help of the Democratic majority. I want him to do it in a way that maximizes probablity he will be there to do it another 4 years beyond this term. I want him to continue inspiring people to think outside themselves and do more for their own country so this place can continue being a force for good and a first among equals in providing aid to our own and to others as well as generating a quality of life that is sustainable.

The reason I felt the posts about what he ate, what his favorite color is, where he's going to be the next 5 mintues, etc. were over the top and didn't just want to ignore those posts or hide them is A)I wanted to see how far off the mainstream I was in how I felt, B)I wanted to express my feeling that admiration is great. I think there is a TON to admire about the man and his family. But I think when it goes to what I consider unseemly attention to the trivialities of his life as a person, it becomes counterproductive and almost a weapon that can be used against him.

President Obama in only 4 weeks in office hasn't done anything to seriously give me pause. He has swiftly signed legislation and issued executive orders in line with what i was hoping for. But if he does depart in a major way from things he has said or intimated he would do, I am hoping when people on this board bring it up they aren't savaged as traitors and heretics by a mob of people that are so consumed by the "heroic myth" built up around Obama.

I won't start any new threads on this topic for at least 6 months. How about that for a promise? :)

But I do want to clarify. It has been almost SCARY how moved my wife and i have been by President Obama. From the moment I heard him in 2004 to when my wife listened to "Audacity of Hope" while commuting to work, to the many policy speeches, my occasion to meet him personally, and attend a rally in Portland, I've been perilously close to at times being "Obama fanboy" because I wanted him in the Oval Office so bad. Now he's there. The dust has settled. It is time for the hard and serious work of restarting this country. So I was doing some evaluation of how beneficial it is to turn him into the latest Jennifer Aniston or Angelina Jolie vs. focusing on him as a leader who needs our help and doing the hard work of talking about policies and what we think about those.

However, it is a source of great pride for me that the man we elected is so overwhelmingly admired both here, in our allied nations like Canada, England, France....and even other nations we don't have close relationships with yet and hopefully will. He's a rockstar. That can pay political dividends. But that doesn't change my feelings about the need to not project too much onto him and warp it out of all proportion.

P.S. The cupcake Obama/Lincoln thing was cool.

[Midlodemocrat]

1. This should go well.

:popcorn:

[marmar]

3. Butter in the middle and on top, and a large Mountain Dew for me.....

:popcorn: :beer:

[AspenRose]

5. Popcorn with parmesan is good.

:popcorn: and a

[jeff30997]

9. Lol!

Yep. :popcorn: Can you pass me the butter please ?

[liberalmuse]

2. I don't worship President Obama.

Though I do admit to setting out milk and cookies for him every night. And...well, I pray to him, but only 3 times a day. I might have a little alter full of candles in my living room erected in his honor, but hell, doesn't everyone?

[babylonsister]

14. You do, too? Great minds!

:spray:

[jeff30997]

23. Speaking of worship....

Looking at all the hearts you received I can say that you have a huge fan-club.Where do I sign ? :)

[liberalmuse]

26. Yeah, baby!

And that being said and agreed upon, your hearts are totally making me have flashbacks. And I never even dropped acid!

[FLyellowdog]

For the love of Obama, why can't people just learn to get along?

I used up my white candles so I replaced with scented blue ones. I hope that's ok.

[liberalmuse]

28. The truth.

I did light my large white candle when President Obama's Tutu died.

[shellgame26]

35. ...

:rofl:

[Buzz Clik]

4. You accused someone of hero worship over Obama and were surprised by the negative reaction.

Your problem is obvious.

... and you're doing it again.

geez

[PretzelWarrior]

6. no. I've been here since 2003. I wasn't surpised by overreaction.

it's part of our stock in trade.

[Buzz Clik]

7. So this is just a flame fest.

Ok.

[Sparkly]

12. Looked to me more like an olive branch.

:shrug:

[PretzelWarrior]

17. why can't you read through the post?

I'm trying to commiserate. I'm trying to boil my conflicting thoughts into a message. On a message board. So far, all I've seen from you are a couple of pithy snarky replies with near zero substance.

[Starry Messenger]

8. This was the best President's Day, evah.

Shall we move on to the craft activity?

http://crafts.kaboose.com/pretzel-log-cabin.html

[crispini]

19. ROFL!

I just love DU.

[Clio the Leo]

10. PLEASE GOD........

..... PLEASE TAKE AWAY THESE THREE DAYS WEEKENDS!!!!! We cant go this long without news .... it's not healthy for us!!!! WE NEED SOMETHING LEGITIMATE TO TALK ABOUT AHHHH!!!!!!!
:scared: :nuke: :silly:

(I blame the sweet tarts, we're all amped up on too much sugar)

[Sparkly]

11. You must have touched a nerve.

For what it's worth, I know what you're saying and I'm with you. :hi:

[PretzelWarrior]

22. thanks for your support! we're all good people. just opinionated bastards

myself included.

[Ellipsis]

37. nah.

[conscious evolution]

13. 'turn him into the latest Jennifer Aniston or Angelina Jolie'

People keep treating hom like a pop star and pretty soon he is going to have the same kind of influence as Jennifer or Angelina.
Not what we need right now.

[Two Americas]

30. bingo

That is the danger. It is demeaning to the President and potentially destructive to the success of the mew administration to reduce him to an object of adulation, and to demand that support can only take one form and expression.

[yellowdogintexas]

15. I haven't been here for a couple days, look what I missed. But I just recommended

this post, even though I did not read the first one. Don't think I needed to

You said some Good Stuff here.

This paragraph pretty much sums it up for me, because I so wholeheartedly agree. The potential in this man for good is so overwhelming that it scares me, much like you said in a later paragraph. You put it very well, much better than I would have:

"I want President Barack Obama to succeed in a number of ways. I want him to install some of our progressive agenda with the help of the Democratic majority. I want him to do it in a way that maximizes probablity he will be there to do it another 4 years beyond this term. I want him to continue inspiring people to think outside themselves and do more for their own country so this place can continue being a force for good and a first among equals in providing aid to our own and to others as well as generating a quality of life that is sustainable."

However, it is fun to know all the details of where they eat, what they wear. I am old enough to remember how the nation obsessed over every breath Jackie Kennedy took. We haven't had anyone in the White House for a long time that would be fun to obsess over, so I think that has a lot to do with it, and don't forget so many admirers and supporters have never had a president that inspired that kind of admiration.

Don't get me wrong: I was happy President Carter was elected, thrilled beyond belief (and relief) when President Clinton was elected and re elected and depressed beyond measure in 2000 and 2004. Those elections are part of the euphoria and delight too.

Still grinning when I hear "President Obama" or "Vice-President Biden" on the radio or TV! :toast: :toast: :toast:

[FrenchieCat]

16. The beauty about this site is our diversity of thought and yet our similarity of goals

and the fact that we don't all see things in the exact same manner, but are like minded enough till we can find that we all have much more in common than not.

However, I hope that folks who like posting superficial shit about our President were not intimidated by the opinion of others (like your thread), just like I hope that those who have legitimate criticisms and concerns about some of our New President's actions don't feel intimidated in posting such.

However, I do still believe that in this being a Democratic forum, and this being a Democratic President, that the threads in support of this particular President would regularly outnumber the critical ones.....unless he does something that is universally seen as basis of criticism by most in the base (e.g., FISA or something like that).

I will add though that those who consistently have negative things to say, and rarely anything positive to say about this President are suspect in my book. They have either chosen the wrong site purposefully or accidently, because this is afterall a Democratic site which supports this Democratic President.

[PretzelWarrior]

20. Frenchie, I wholeheartedly agree

I think you said it well. I don't want people to be intimidated from posting things like that I guess. I was posting how it came across to me or struck me. I have no power over what they post or don't post and wouldn't want it.

I am happy to go forth not clicking on "President Obama kisses puppies" threads and have at least registered my opinion here. :)

[jeff30997]

24. "President Obama kisses puppies" ???

LINK PLEASE!!!! :bounce: :rofl:

[Jackeens]

27. Here ya go:

Although the photographer JUST missed the kiss, his batteries ran out:

[sellitman]

18. Angelina Jolie is a Godesss. Barack is just my President.

Let's remember what real worship is.

;)

[crispini]

21. To jump straight to your point:

it becomes counterproductive and almost a weapon that can be used against him.

I really don't see how. If you can explain HOW posts about what Obama wears, where they go to dinner, etc., can hurt his ability to get things done, two thumbs up. Otherwise... it's just light entertainment for those who like it and I personally don't think it's going to hurt his ability to get things done. I, personally, really like the Michelle Obama fashion threads because, well, she looks damn good and I think she's going to massively influence the fashion industry. Plus, clothes are fun!

Sorry if you addressed this in your other thread; I've not read that one yet but will go and stock up on :popcorn: forthwith.

[conscious evolution]

36. For some reason this old saying pops to mind

Below average people discuss other people
Average people discuss events
Above average people discuss ideas


By focusing the conversation on what he wears,etc... you take time away from discussing his ideas or what he does as President.
The pop status also lowers peoples expectations of his abilty to get things done and tends to marginalize him into a trivial personality enjoying his fifteen minutes of fame and thus not to be taken seriously.

[crispini]

46. There's plenty of bandwidth to go around.

People are going to discuss what interests them; there's no zero-sum game here as far as discussion of Obama's wardrobe vs. Obama's ideas.

And, au contraire, I think the pop status does NOT marginalize him. Are people like Bono marginalized? Not in the slightest. The difference here is in what the Beltway elites think and do, and in what the rest of the country thinks and does. The elites may "think" it's marginalizing him. The people who take an almost personal interest in the lives of the first family are making a human connection that definitely has not been made with a President in a long, long time.

[shellgame26]

39. I know

The Obamas have totally reinvigorated the American cultural landscape. Suddenly the world thinks we're cool again.

On another note, I can't wait for Project Runway 6 to see if there is a Michelle Obama challenge..WOOHOOO!!!

[asteroid2003QQ47]

45. Keywords--

Improver
Skepticism
Blind faith
Unpardonable sin

"The improver of natural science absolutely refuses to acknowledge authority, as such. For him, skepticism is the highest of duties: blind faith the one unpardonable sin."
--Thomas Henry Huxley

Those who trivialize the President do him no favors, is that so hard to understand?

[crispini]

47. I don't agree that discussing the daily life of the Obamas is trivializing him.

Sure, it's discussing "people" instead of "ideas." Loads of people do that every day. There's a reason why magazines such as "People" and "US" are wildly popular on your local convenience store newsstands, where there is not an issue of ANY weighty type of issue-discussing magazine to be found. And it's because this is already an activity that hundreds of thousands of people engage in.

If people want to connect to the life of the Obamas in this way, it will only enhance their importance. The Beltway elites may sneer at those of us out here in "flyover" country but the American people know what they like and what they want to hear more of.

[asteroid2003QQ47]

52. "People" et al (as wildly popular as the "average crap"

Jeff Goldblum's character in the Big Chill said of People Magazine: the length of each article is dictated by how long it takes an average American to take an average crap.

Thanks crispini, it's only 6:00 AM and you have given me a laugh that will endure throughout the day.:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[asteroid2003QQ47]

58. re: crispini's hundreds of thousands of "People" readers in "flyover" country.

You gotta remember that these are simple farmers. These are people of the land, the common clay of the new West. You know…..Morons.
--Blazing Saddles

I'm sure that they, the common clay "People" readers, also don't agree that discussing the daily life of the Obamas is trivializing him.
Congratulations, you have made your point.

[crispini]

59. Oooo.

Condescension on the internets! Shocked, I tell you, I am shocked to find people with holier-than-thou attitudes online! :eyes:

[asteroid2003QQ47]

60. Is there no pleasing you people? I congratulate you for...

how well you made your point and am rewarded with sarcasm?

[angee_is_mad]

25. WHATEver!!!!!!!

100% Obama supporter here. You mentioned how moved you and your wife were. Remember that feeling. Now imagine that feeling multiplied x10. That is the feeling of a rather large group of people who never fathom in their lifetime that a Barack Obama would be elected President. Let that group of people enjoy their moment.

When I am around my family, particularly seniors, I just watch them when the Obamas are on TV. It would literally bring tears to your eyes. The seniors have a look of pride. But there is a small tinged of fear, because they remember the past.

Even I still can't get over the fact that there are two little black girls running around the Whitehouse with cornrows and afro puffs. I'm sure a lot of people on DU won't or can't understand and they don't have to, but at least let us have our MOMent.

[stray cat]

29. I like puppies and cats!

[jefferson_dem]

31. Oy. Perspective.

:kick:

[hedgehog]

32. But among ourselves, we always get along..........

(Be patient - it's at the very end.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKHTabTYl_M

[stray cat]

33. Now this is a true super hero!

[rug]

34. You can never go wrong with cupcakes.

[Adsos Letter]

38. !

:spray:

Edited to add: You, sir, are a master of the one-liner. :D

[Muttocracy]

79. yes, he is! nt

[Danger Mouse]

40. I consign you to the void, where little imps will poke you in the rear with forks.

BEGONE!!!
Or...to the Lounge.
Sorry. Abyss was closed.
President's Day.

[Teaser]

41. POST WHAT I WANT

thanks.

[JTFrog]

42. Ah jeeze....

Just spare us any further bullshit justifications already.


JFC.

[joshcryer]

Joseph Campbell.

Heroes Journey.

[joshcryer]

43. Joseph Campbell.

Heroes Journey.

[sniffa]

44. This "firestorm" is a RW talking point and has no place on DU

[Undercurrent]

48. .

[Clio the Leo]

49. "counterproductive and almost a weapon" ....... no.

And, AGAIN, this is where I feel you're incorrect.

If you want to be annoyed, fine, that's understandable. Go right ahead and talk about how annoying it is.

But these threads are being posted .... and the similar phenomenon of he and his family being on practically ever fluff magazine in the check out stand etc .... means he is POPULAR. If he is POPULAR, it means the nation LIKES him.

HOW is that possibly counterproductive? Do we only want votes that are made because they admire his fiscal policy? No. We want votes ... PERIOD.

If a couple million people vote for him in 2012 because they think he's cool and he has a nice family, hey, I'll take it!

HOW is this "worship" as you call it, "counterproductive and almost a weapon." I fail to understand that at all.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

50. Just so we're clear on what we're talking about here:

Would this qualify as hero worship? ;)



But seriously. You have a president who not only is an intelligent, articulate and thoughtful man gifted with a speaking voice and style that comes around once a generation, and he's on OUR team, but he also happens to have a lot of personal charm, have a charming family, and has glamor going for him.

These last things are superficial, but they're a godsend. They help immeasurably in the guy not only getting into office but also in lobbying for his agenda and increasing the popularity of the Democratic Party.

Don't look a gift horse in the mouth. True he has to use those natural gifts for good and not evil. But if he does, thank heaven that he has them.

[Love Bug]

75. Bwah! Who wrote that -- Jay and Silent Bob?

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

81. Actually it sounds about right for Jay.

Just got finished watching "Zack and Miri make a Porno" which starred the "Jay" actor too.

Someone posted it on a website during the primaries and I thought it was funny as hell so I saved it. I don't know where it originates from.

[kwenu]

51. I absolutely love Obama and the First Family as a whole but...

it doesn't mean he can't makes mistakes or even that I won't disagree with him if he gets it wrong. I like seeing wonderful photos of a President I can be proud of and I don't feel that is a problem or a concern in and of itself. If you don't appreciate the "fan of Obama" threads then avoid them but don't attack or lecture others who really do like them.

[and-justice-for-all]

53. Worship?? I worship nothing....

and Obama a hero?? I think that is yet to be determined, if not ever going to happen.

Right now, I am happy to have supported him and to have voted for him, but I would not go as far as he is a 'hero' or something to be 'worshiped.

I can actually be happy with this POTUS and not embarrassed.

[H2O Man]

54. cluster flies

[Muttocracy]

80. :)

[ShortnFiery]

55. Just come out and admit it PretzelWarrior : You LIVE to stir-up conflict about President Obama

:shrug:

[Marrah_G]

56. I wouldn't call it a firestorm really.

[mmonk]

57. I worked for his election, supported him, and was a delegate for him.

However, he did disappoint me when his justice department repeated the state secrets privilege to cover up details of torture. So I post about it. I think it's funny when people take it as hating him instead of being angry over an issue.

[opihimoimoi]

61. Old Tablets in the Kahunas Cave fore told of this Man of Color coming to Save the Planet

President Obama is OUR DESTINY

HE is Blessed with MANA

HE will bring World Peace to us...Wealth is better than Stealth....Reality over Fantasy....HE is our new found GOD....

[Marrah_G]

62. You are joking right.... please say you are....

I just can't tell anymore. My sarcasm meter is completely broken.

[opihimoimoi]

63. But Of course Mon Cheri....If I wuz series...no one would believe...

[Marrah_G]

66. hehehe

Yikes.....I'm really starting to lose it.

I'd like to blame the nyquil, but since I actually came to work for a half day today I couldn't take any.

I'm amusing myself in my office by trying to say your name out loud.....

[opihimoimoi]

69. LOL....love that cat....mine is not nearly as fat...Siamese...Blue...Name is ROCKY

[Marrah_G]

70. I love love love siamese cats!

[Jackeens]

71. I hope you like my cat.

I worship him!

[opihimoimoi]

72. Unless they got fleas..I love cats....the shirt on your cat is special....did he vote??

[grantcart]

64. And I am sure that President Obama agrees with you

and THAT is why he is my hero

:crazy:

:banghead:

:dilemma:

:sarcasm:

[PretzelWarrior]

74. LOL good one. BTW. I did love your valentines day satire piece on him.

[BlooInBloo]

65. The "worship" haters are simply liars.

[asteroid2003QQ47]

67. Better a liar than a moron! n/t

[BlooInBloo]

68. I'll take your word for it.

[asteroid2003QQ47]

82. Yesterdays liars may be tomorrows truth tellers but...

morons/groupies are forever!
----------------------------------------

Never tell the the truth to those unworthy of it.
--Mark Twain

[Manifestor_of_Light]

73. Go to ASAH, to the Psychic Consortium threads.

Under DU Groups, Personal Interests, ASAH.

They have confirmed what we feel...this man came out of nowhere and won -- like something cosmic and preordained is going on.

And that he is coming from a higher level of values and influence. The Repukes don't know how to attack him because he takes the high road always.

Go read those threads. There are six of them.

There really is a fundamental change going on. :D

[Love Bug]

76. I agree with you but I think we're entitled to be giddy for awhile

Being human, Obama is going to make mistakes and probably will make some big ones (not as big as *, tho) so until then, we should enjoy the crush we have on him. Reality will set in soon enough.

[Numba6]

77. The Obsession from the Uber-Progressives About Obama Supporters & Heroe Worship Plays

into the strategy of hate started last year,

as I went on at length in a reply to a similar post here if anyone's interested:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=8201986&mesg_id=8203745

[Uzybone]

78. Very well said.

I hated the idea when McCain used it, and I hate it even more now.