You, yourself and you

Selfishness -- it's become a theme lacing through all kinds of political commentary of late.  In The Globe this morning,  columnist Jeffrey Simpson wonders whether we're too self-interested to do anything about the environment, while Rick Salutin wonders whether Michael Ignatieff is too self-absorbed to be a national leader.

The whole debate over Tim Horton's versus the UN has been cast as a feud over Canadians' self-interest too; do we care more about our reputation (UN) or our wallets/appetites (Tim Horton's)? In the Ottawa Citizen, Susan Riley rather dismally predicts that the Liberals are going to have to embrace the politics of voter self-interest if they want to take on the Conservatives.

Meanwhile, a new book by Brian Crowley, titled Fearful Symmetry,  laments how we've become a nation of takers, largely because of demographics and Quebec separatism.

Could it be that we're starting to get at what's really turning people off politics and, more broadly, federal policy debates? Is there anything interesting or redeeming about a conversation  that's a tug-of-war between self-interests? It's not just that politicians are self-absorbed -- it's that they assume you are too. The  ascending art of political marketing (insert self-promotional  plug for own article on this subject, thus proving point) is all framed around  the reductionist view of citizens as consumers.

  I choose to see this emerging theme as an optimistic sign -- the first step in solving a problem is admitting it exists.

Comments

[Sarann]

I live in a community where there is a huge and very active volunteer segment. I think you may be right. Time for someone to tell Canadians what Kennedy told Americans (I have so much trouble with the term Americans but what else can I use USAians) "Ask not what your country can do for you........." Seems Canadians used to be more tolerant and less selfish. Perhaps you are right and they just need the right kind of leadership.

[Catherine]

Thank you for your optimistic spirit, Ms. Delacourt.

Reading the blogs and commentary today, put me in a funk.

Time to move on my day with your hopeful wish erasing all the other 'stuff.'

[Gabe]

"The ascending art of political marketing (insert self-promotional plug for own article on this subject, thus proving point) is all framed around the reductionist view of citizens as consumers."

Economics 101 reduces citizens to inputs and outputs. Consumerism drives our economy. The more self-interested citizens are, the more successful the economy. Nothing will change that equation until citizens realize that consuming ever more stuff does not give them the satisfaction of having actually achieved anything of importance.

[Wascally Wabbit]

Here's my "unelected handler theory" Susan..
Jean Cretien - as lieutenant to Pierre Trudeau - was always respected for the sincerity of his statements - "Straight from the Heart" was the catchphrase then.
Then - when he became party leader - it was if he was placed into a strait jacket - in order - I believe - to ensure he "didn't make any glaring gaffes".
I noticed that - since he has become leader - much the same has happened to Michael Ignatieff.
Difference is - Cretien had political experience - and well honed political instincts - and after a while - dispensed with the handlers to a large degree - and was better and better respected because of that.
Mr. Ignatieff does not have that luxury - yet!
But - from all that we have seen coming out - his handlers either are abysmal - or he has nothing substantive to give.
If he really has something behind those frowns - presumably aimed to communicate great thoughts being thunk - then maybe Mr. Ignatieff - as well as his thoughts - have to come out from behind the frwons and the handlers - and stand to be recognized - and judged!