Be Careful of the Cult of Personality!
Because of our more immediate access to known figures, it's important to temper our parasocial relationship between these individuals (whether they in media, politics or entertainment).
As an individual who's known by a mere hundreds of people (most don't know who I am) It's important for me in independent media to advise that there's no cult of personality around me (while my notoriety is still extremely small).
I am flawed. I make mistakes. I transgress. Too many times I see viewers (especially a political figures or independent media figures) develop a cult of personality around known people and any critique of them is seen as an insult or defamation of the persons character.
This is part of the individualism that plagues our country. It's falsely believed that an individual can save us even when it comes to media or politics. I believe our faith should be in the collective, we the people. We must divorce ourselves from this individualistic mindset that places individuals above ourselves in this sociopolitical climate.
Only then will we be able to change the culture to one that places that needs of the many over the needs of the few to make a more just and dignified society.
This will take critical thinking about the opinions and views of the people we listen to or the media we consume. We may find that they don't jive with our values as closely as we thought and should take what they say with a grain of salt.
But this is best because humans are imperfect and it's better to focus on the collective to push for real liberation than the individual.
Remember: Egos can also kill movements. Once your ego takes over, it becomes less about the people and more about you.
This is a lesson all of us on the left should be mindful of.
I HOPE that's what I instill in my presentations with every bit of content I do and I know despite my imperfections, I will continue to do better. I hope more people in my position do the same.
A timely essay. It is good to see you writing, Jaybe!