fanboys

As the few of you who read this blog know, I never write about politics. I guess I shouldn't say never, one or two sarcastic political remarks may find there way in to a post from time to time. The main reasons that I don't are because I don't have many firm political opinions, and when push comes to shove, I don't care that much.

I'm registered independent, mainly because I've felt attacked by both sides at some point, and as an independent I don't have to answer as many heated questions. It's a cop out, I know, but I also may be more enlightened. I feel as though just about every political issue is a dense issue. It's all grey. I'd rather sift through the grey than try to find little black or white dots which are speckled throughout to hold dearly to.


Anyway, the main reason for this post is that I recently read something that got me thinking. In Colorado Springs there is a local publication known as the "Independent." It's free of charge, contains articles on local politics, and reviews of film, music, and local town hot spots.

Last week there was a quote that I can't get out of my mind. It was labeled "Quote of the Week." A local C Springs resident posted this on a news website comment section,

"I don't care if Sarah Palin isn't very smart, she'd still make a great president."

I couldn't get this quote out of my mind. My first instinct was to laugh. But it reminded me of fanboys for some reason.

Fanboys is a term usually reserved for film, comic books, and video games. For example, recently there are hoards of fanboys that worship at the Star Wars alter. Ten years ago, when Episode one was released, there was international pandemonium. People camped outside of theaters for weeks, months even, just to buy tickets for a two hour film. Fanboys declared this the best film of all time before they even saw it. These fanboys still call this film great ten years later, even when most of the film going public thought the film was sub par.

More recently, teenage girls are traveling in flocks and gaggles to see the new Twilight film. It made 140 million dollars at the box office last weekend alone even though it was universally reviled by critics. The kicker is, most women I've talked to admit that the Twilight films are crap. Poorly directed, written, and acted. The general idea I get from women I've worked with "I know the movie is terrible, but I still want to see it." They aren't even defending it, but still love it.

This is what I can't get out of my head when it comes to that quote about Sarah Palin. Have we become fanboys when it comes to politics? Have we already decided that whatever candidate that is in our party is awesome and whatever candidate is in the other party sucks ass? Is Sarah Palin the Republicans version of Twilight. "Ah, we know she's not that smart, but she's a great candidate." Is President Obama the Democrats version of Star wars Episode I? "I know he isn't the president yet, but he is going to be amazing, perhaps the best ever."

Even worse about these fanboys, they revile anyone who disagrees with them. They use words of such hatred for critics of their beloved films.

Reminds me of the constant status updates I see on facebook blasting those in public office. Jesus Christ, do fanboys have anything better to do? Fanboys are so lenient of the things they are fans of, and so quick to criticize rivals.

Have we become fanboys in politics?