The politics of Rob Ford
Social media has ended the careers of
countless individuals over the years. From
people using Twitter to acquire drugs at work,
to people venting about their superiors on
Facebook, there’s no shortage of cautionary
tales. Internet shaming is just the latest incarnation
of the traditional public shaming that
used to take place in city squares. One man,
however, rose above it all.
Sexual assault, drug use, public intoxication; the list of crimes that former mayor Rob Ford has been accused of befits a rock star or rapper. Ford’s death evoked a tremendous response from the community he served with complete dedication. In a day and age when public figures step down over minor infractions, Ford brazenly stayed the course to execute his vision for Toronto. The media was routinely baffled by the unwavering public support for an individual who refused to adhere to the unwritten rules of politics. Critics and opponents be damned, Rob Ford campaigned on a promise to reign in expenses, and he did just that.
As media outlets gloss over years of scathing criticism to publish sycophantic eulogies to the late mayor, they do a disservice to the man himself. The true appeal of Rob Ford was in his obvious struggle with the human condition. Ford battled addiction, obesity and a tendency to make a fool of himself at the best of times. It was difficult to look at Ford without catching a glimpse of yourself. It may not have been a part you’re proud of, but there was something genuinely endearing about seeing Ford ride the choppy waves of his political career.
Football was a passion that transcended Ford’s time in office. He was heavily involved in a charity football foundation that aimed to get kids involved in the sport. The majority of coverage that endeavour received was when he came under fire for using his mayoral office to push for donations to the charity. It’s just one example of a man whose heart was in the right place despite a complete inability to avoid controversy.
Politicians like Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Kathleen Wynne present an incredibly censored persona of themselves. While it’s unlikely that they’re living a dual life of addiction or intrigue, it’s doubtful that they’re the same person when the cameras are turned off. That’s what Rob Ford brought to the table: authenticity. If his darkest secrets were on the front page, people had no problem trusting him in office.
A legacy of honesty and a genuine passion for both his city and his family is something everyone can aspire to. It’s easy to judge a person, and between the celebrity pages and the scandal of the hour, the media loves to hop on board. No one was more acutely aware of their flaws or so often reminded of them than Rob Ford. What the people of Toronto understood, and what his legacy will be, is that Rob Ford passionately advocated for the best interests of the people who put him in office. It’s impossible to find fault in that.
Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this online edition of Interrobang newspaper reflect the views of the writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. The Interrobang is published weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online by clicking here.
Sexual assault, drug use, public intoxication; the list of crimes that former mayor Rob Ford has been accused of befits a rock star or rapper. Ford’s death evoked a tremendous response from the community he served with complete dedication. In a day and age when public figures step down over minor infractions, Ford brazenly stayed the course to execute his vision for Toronto. The media was routinely baffled by the unwavering public support for an individual who refused to adhere to the unwritten rules of politics. Critics and opponents be damned, Rob Ford campaigned on a promise to reign in expenses, and he did just that.
As media outlets gloss over years of scathing criticism to publish sycophantic eulogies to the late mayor, they do a disservice to the man himself. The true appeal of Rob Ford was in his obvious struggle with the human condition. Ford battled addiction, obesity and a tendency to make a fool of himself at the best of times. It was difficult to look at Ford without catching a glimpse of yourself. It may not have been a part you’re proud of, but there was something genuinely endearing about seeing Ford ride the choppy waves of his political career.
Football was a passion that transcended Ford’s time in office. He was heavily involved in a charity football foundation that aimed to get kids involved in the sport. The majority of coverage that endeavour received was when he came under fire for using his mayoral office to push for donations to the charity. It’s just one example of a man whose heart was in the right place despite a complete inability to avoid controversy.
Politicians like Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Kathleen Wynne present an incredibly censored persona of themselves. While it’s unlikely that they’re living a dual life of addiction or intrigue, it’s doubtful that they’re the same person when the cameras are turned off. That’s what Rob Ford brought to the table: authenticity. If his darkest secrets were on the front page, people had no problem trusting him in office.
A legacy of honesty and a genuine passion for both his city and his family is something everyone can aspire to. It’s easy to judge a person, and between the celebrity pages and the scandal of the hour, the media loves to hop on board. No one was more acutely aware of their flaws or so often reminded of them than Rob Ford. What the people of Toronto understood, and what his legacy will be, is that Rob Ford passionately advocated for the best interests of the people who put him in office. It’s impossible to find fault in that.
Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this online edition of Interrobang newspaper reflect the views of the writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. The Interrobang is published weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online by clicking here.
