Johnson’s appeal used to baffle me.
Why do people want a clown as leader?
Until I realised it’s a form of “English exceptionalism”.
Other countries are nervous about replacing leaders with fools. But Johnson as leader is unconscious confirmation that Britain will always be fine.
Why do people want a clown as leader?
Until I realised it’s a form of “English exceptionalism”.
Other countries are nervous about replacing leaders with fools. But Johnson as leader is unconscious confirmation that Britain will always be fine.
2/
This is an interesting article on this kind of “deliberately subvert seriousness” strategy.
You will notice, particularly in international events, Johnson always acts up more.
It’s an attempt to make the seriousness of the others look ridiculous.
theguardian.com/news/2021/mar/…
This is an interesting article on this kind of “deliberately subvert seriousness” strategy.
You will notice, particularly in international events, Johnson always acts up more.
It’s an attempt to make the seriousness of the others look ridiculous.
theguardian.com/news/2021/mar/…
3/
This is what distinguishes Johnson from Trump & Mussolini.
The latter 2 are more concerned with a strident masculinity - Johnson wants to communicate a complete disregard for the concept that Britain even needs to try to be serious - because we are so naturally superior.
This is what distinguishes Johnson from Trump & Mussolini.
The latter 2 are more concerned with a strident masculinity - Johnson wants to communicate a complete disregard for the concept that Britain even needs to try to be serious - because we are so naturally superior.
4/
That’s what makes Brexit so potentially traumatic.
Brexit was/is sold under this “fun buccaneering”, & rejection of EU rules & serious committees, motif.
But if Brexit noticeably diminishes the UK this isn’t just bad in itself - it challenges this long held British concept.
That’s what makes Brexit so potentially traumatic.
Brexit was/is sold under this “fun buccaneering”, & rejection of EU rules & serious committees, motif.
But if Brexit noticeably diminishes the UK this isn’t just bad in itself - it challenges this long held British concept.
5/
Johnsonism is like a hyped up version of “The Gifted Amateur Gentleman Myth” for the celebrity age.
And given industrialization, empire, WWII & island status its easy to see why so many people believe & like it.
But what happens if serious times mean we need more than this?
Johnsonism is like a hyped up version of “The Gifted Amateur Gentleman Myth” for the celebrity age.
And given industrialization, empire, WWII & island status its easy to see why so many people believe & like it.
But what happens if serious times mean we need more than this?
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
