Post by robeiae on Aug 22, 2017 8:59:46 GMT -5
Consider this story: www.cnn.com/2017/08/22/politics/louise-linton-steve-mnuchin-instagram/index.html
The post generated a number of comments criticizing her bragging, and she stupidly responded to some, making her look even more vapid than she already did. Because even without her responses to critical comments, she was displaying an incredible lack of tact by bragging about her wealth. Wasn't she?
Since she's the spouse of a public servant, she probably shouldn't be playing the "look how awesome I am" game on social media, especially since it feeds a narrative that is highly damaging to the Trump admin (a bunch of uber-rich pigs, playing at running the government). But if we can all agree on that, let's set aside the politics for a moment and consider her post in context of social media in general.
A HUGE chunk of the posts on social media--from Instagram to FB to twitter to messageboards, as well--are fundamentally "look how awesome I am" posts. This is especially true for many celebs and would-be celebs. And in many cases, such posts are "liked," shared, and the like by tons of the given person's followers (or "fans," as it were). A ton more tag brands and the like as a means of both recognition and advertising (yes, many people get paid to do this).
Of course, people have been bragging on themselves since day one, right? I recall an exchange on a Prodigy politics messageboard--back on the early years of the net--where one guy who was a self-styled "liberal hawk" was criticizing wealth and wealthy people, but went out of his way to point out how he had plenty of money and enjoyed bottles of Crystal on occasion. It was a weird thing in my mind, his need to brag. And I would bet that I've been just as guilty of such behavior, as well. We all have, I think. It's human nature.
But yet another possible consequence of social media: has this kind of braggadocio become something of an art form, even as it has also become a potential career for some? I mentioned the Kardashians in the other Peacock Feathers thread; their "intelligence" reflects their ability to use the tools available to maximize their exposure, to garner "fans" simply by bragging on themselves.
And to bring it back around to politics, this is how Trump garnered so many fans as well, right? Ostentatious displays of wealth that might turn some off clearly turn others on.
Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin's wife Louise Linton is facing a backlash for an Instagram post -- later deleted -- that touted the couple's wealth.
The post began with a glamorous photo of Linton stepping off an official government plane on a trip to Kentucky with her husband, who was there to discuss tax reform with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and visit Fort Knox.
Dressed in all white and carrying a handbag and silk scarf, the Scottish-born actress and producer tagged a series of luxury designers, including Hermes, Roland Mouret, Tom Ford and Valentino.
The post began with a glamorous photo of Linton stepping off an official government plane on a trip to Kentucky with her husband, who was there to discuss tax reform with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and visit Fort Knox.
Dressed in all white and carrying a handbag and silk scarf, the Scottish-born actress and producer tagged a series of luxury designers, including Hermes, Roland Mouret, Tom Ford and Valentino.
The post generated a number of comments criticizing her bragging, and she stupidly responded to some, making her look even more vapid than she already did. Because even without her responses to critical comments, she was displaying an incredible lack of tact by bragging about her wealth. Wasn't she?
Since she's the spouse of a public servant, she probably shouldn't be playing the "look how awesome I am" game on social media, especially since it feeds a narrative that is highly damaging to the Trump admin (a bunch of uber-rich pigs, playing at running the government). But if we can all agree on that, let's set aside the politics for a moment and consider her post in context of social media in general.
A HUGE chunk of the posts on social media--from Instagram to FB to twitter to messageboards, as well--are fundamentally "look how awesome I am" posts. This is especially true for many celebs and would-be celebs. And in many cases, such posts are "liked," shared, and the like by tons of the given person's followers (or "fans," as it were). A ton more tag brands and the like as a means of both recognition and advertising (yes, many people get paid to do this).
Of course, people have been bragging on themselves since day one, right? I recall an exchange on a Prodigy politics messageboard--back on the early years of the net--where one guy who was a self-styled "liberal hawk" was criticizing wealth and wealthy people, but went out of his way to point out how he had plenty of money and enjoyed bottles of Crystal on occasion. It was a weird thing in my mind, his need to brag. And I would bet that I've been just as guilty of such behavior, as well. We all have, I think. It's human nature.
But yet another possible consequence of social media: has this kind of braggadocio become something of an art form, even as it has also become a potential career for some? I mentioned the Kardashians in the other Peacock Feathers thread; their "intelligence" reflects their ability to use the tools available to maximize their exposure, to garner "fans" simply by bragging on themselves.
And to bring it back around to politics, this is how Trump garnered so many fans as well, right? Ostentatious displays of wealth that might turn some off clearly turn others on.