The Game of Politics

    Imagine you’re at a football game. You are most likely rooting for one team. It may be because they’re from your hometown, or your favorite player is on that team, but regardless, you are loyal to them. You’ll boo when the opposing team starts doing good and glare at their fans. Loyalty to a team makes sense in these types of situations. But should this apply to the political world as well? 

    Politicians are often treated like famous athletes and Hollywood celebrities. Along with that comes loyalty, and sometimes, extreme amounts of praise. In fact, citizens have created fanfictions for the Founding Fathers and nicknames for the fans of politicians. For example, author Sarah Vowell, who wrote The Partly Cloudy Patriot, has said she’s “always been more of a Jeffersonhead”. Also, Trump supporters have named their children after him and disputes between Trump and Biden supporters continue to break out. 

    Although supporting one politician and disliking another due to their decisions and actions is valid, I believe some citizens have unknowingly grown an unconditional love for certain political figures. Because of this loyalty, the hatred and division among citizens has escalated and the United States has become a divided football game with politicians on the field and citizens in the stands. People are suddenly blind to the mistakes of their favorite politicians and they can’t imagine befriending someone who dislikes that politician. 

    I believe it’s necessary for various opinions and perspectives to exist in politics. But when it turns into a game of winning, losing, and superfans, more harm is done than good.