To think that we have become so narcissistic and self indulgent to the extent that we are led by a bunch of incompetents or worse, mendacious fools, anyone?
1
I have the same picture for my FB for two years. I am amazed at my friends who are 45-55 years old!, posting "selfies" every week. I was with one friend whose pictures I would admire, thinking, wow, she is so photogenic. Well, little did I know. I watched her take no less than 20 selfies before she got a shot she liked, and that's the one she posted on fb along with tagging the venue we were at that night. These "look at me I'm having fun" shots are not spontaneous, they're staged, they're phony, and they are taken by people who are not present in the moments of their lives. Count me out. And if I meet a politician running for President I have questions for them, not selfie requests.
11
This is simply the new face of retail politics, little different from what has always been expected of candidates at the start of the campaign. That many of the current crop of candidates do not enjoy this aspect of campaigning, speaks to their dislike of taking the campaign to the people. Does anyone doubt that Bill Clinton loves meeting people and relished campaign at the retail level? That's what made him a brilliant politician, excellent from the one-on-one through massive arenas.
Will photos on social media sway voters? It's a far more targeted approach than costly mass media buys, which may or may not impact elections past a certain level of expenditures. If the goal is to energize one's base and get the vote out, this certainly won't hurt and is worth an hour of the candidates time at this juncture of the long campaign.
Will photos on social media sway voters? It's a far more targeted approach than costly mass media buys, which may or may not impact elections past a certain level of expenditures. If the goal is to energize one's base and get the vote out, this certainly won't hurt and is worth an hour of the candidates time at this juncture of the long campaign.
2
In order to get real quality pictures you have to let the press get closer to you. The general rule for Hilary is "Selfies are Safer".
1
This is not a new self indulgent psychology owned by the millennials.
What do we all see in the media when famous people get interviewed or photographed in their homes? We see lots and lots of photos on trophy shelves, bookshelves and fireplace mantels of these famous people with other famous people.
This is just disruptive technology for the masses taking advantage of the age old psychological tenet called association.
And of all the people to complain about it, politicians, who used to blithely charged thousands of dollars in campaign donations to get a photograph taken with them.
The only difference now is that they are forced to do it for social media "branding" purposes and most of all, for free.
What do we all see in the media when famous people get interviewed or photographed in their homes? We see lots and lots of photos on trophy shelves, bookshelves and fireplace mantels of these famous people with other famous people.
This is just disruptive technology for the masses taking advantage of the age old psychological tenet called association.
And of all the people to complain about it, politicians, who used to blithely charged thousands of dollars in campaign donations to get a photograph taken with them.
The only difference now is that they are forced to do it for social media "branding" purposes and most of all, for free.
1
Now I want a "me-and-my-candidate" selfie lawn sign. I never thought of it before reading this. But, candidates have huge amounts of money from their super pacs and the least, the very least they could do would be to offer to turn our selfies into lawn signs.
And for those who cannot get a live selfie, why not have a choice of templates available on the candidate's web site that lets me easily paste my pic into a fun scene, and then it gets turned into a lawn sign and generates a robocall that says " Hi ( selfie person name) , this is ( candidate name ). I'm just calling to tell you an awesome lawn sign of us together is on its way to you via FedEx. I'm doing this because I care deeply about you, value our friendship and the good times we've had together, and if elected I will make your needs my number one priority. "
And for those who cannot get a live selfie, why not have a choice of templates available on the candidate's web site that lets me easily paste my pic into a fun scene, and then it gets turned into a lawn sign and generates a robocall that says " Hi ( selfie person name) , this is ( candidate name ). I'm just calling to tell you an awesome lawn sign of us together is on its way to you via FedEx. I'm doing this because I care deeply about you, value our friendship and the good times we've had together, and if elected I will make your needs my number one priority. "
1
Taking a selfie is better than kissing babies.
2
The more we all discuss this dumb phenomenon, the more we deride it, the more we make those who compulsively engage in it seem like dopes…
The closer we get to the day when anyone taking a selfie will feel like an idiot in public and the practice will atrophy to the point where it be as rare as spitting.
Another practice done by those with no social awareness.
Keep talking it down till it dies out and is done only in private.
The closer we get to the day when anyone taking a selfie will feel like an idiot in public and the practice will atrophy to the point where it be as rare as spitting.
Another practice done by those with no social awareness.
Keep talking it down till it dies out and is done only in private.
8
As is the case with the proliferation of anything, the more of something that exists, the less its value. EVERYONE has a cell phone now and thus has at his constant disposal, a camera. What will a photo be worth a century from now? Will we peer with awe and curiosity at these selfies as we do the photography of Robert Frank or Henri Cartier Bresson? Or will we disregard them like we do candy wrappers? Will these digital images even last? Does anyone know the shelf life of a hard drive or even a CD? I have no empirical evidence, but I think the signature of a candidate, especially one who is elected, will endure. Emails, digital photography seem ephemeral. What is going to be lost when we totally stop creating physical artifacts like autographs and actual letters? What will these selfies tell us about this culture we now inhabit?
2
I'm waiting to see what will happen to the first candidate who refuses to participate in this nonsense. Will attendance at his/her rallies go down? Will contributions plummet? Will he/she become persona non grata? On a scale of 1 to 10, how badly will he/she be trashed on the web, not just by trolls but by everyday Americans? And how will the media respond? With horrid gasps? Scolding commentary? Will the analysis appear above the fold or below? Which candidate is going to take the first step?
4
On the other hand, the folks complaining about narcissism and manners have a point if you consider that this is like rubber necking at a traffic accident. From our individual perspective, that 5 or 10 seconds to take a selfie is small. When you multiply the fact that every time we go 3 feet at an event or attraction one must accommodate a selfie fanatic's perfect shot, the rest of folks are inconvenienced. Unlimited storage and no additional cost means the same delay as when someone takes 10 seconds in traffic to gawk. Guilty as charged, but don't play the Get Off My Lawn card too quickly.
3
So we have abandoned the litmus test in favor of the selfie test. The crucial issue is not where candidates stand, but rather how they stand. Apocalypse now.
6
Apocalypse now means that plastic surgeons are being besieged by folks who want to look PERFECT for selfies.
"The study revealed that one in three facial plastic surgeons surveyed saw an increase in requests for procedures due to patients being more self aware of looks in social media. In fact,13 percent of AAFPRS members surveyed identified increased photo sharing and patients’ dissatisfaction with their own image on social media sites as a rising trend in practice. As a result, AAFPRS members surveyed noted a 10 percent increase in rhinoplasty in 2013 over 2012, as well as a 7 percent increase in hair transplants and a 6 percent increase in eyelid surgery.”
American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS).
http://www.aafprs.org/media/press_release/20140311.html
Carly Simon’s “You’re so vain” keeps running through my head...
"The study revealed that one in three facial plastic surgeons surveyed saw an increase in requests for procedures due to patients being more self aware of looks in social media. In fact,13 percent of AAFPRS members surveyed identified increased photo sharing and patients’ dissatisfaction with their own image on social media sites as a rising trend in practice. As a result, AAFPRS members surveyed noted a 10 percent increase in rhinoplasty in 2013 over 2012, as well as a 7 percent increase in hair transplants and a 6 percent increase in eyelid surgery.”
American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS).
http://www.aafprs.org/media/press_release/20140311.html
Carly Simon’s “You’re so vain” keeps running through my head...
1
They all must be ill at the thought that these commoners are not forced to pay $25,000 for a photo opp. Good God! What is Political America coming to?
8
Retired,
Thanks for the laugh!
Thanks for the laugh!
Why all the selfie hate here? Is there really a fundamental difference between taking a selfie and asking someone else to take your picture? Because I am not seeing it. Even the oldest, crankiest fart on this forum has asked someone to take his picture at an iconic place like the Eiffel Tower—because anyone can buy a postcard of the tower, but having yourself in the scene documents that you were there. It also makes for a much more interesting photo to share with friends and family. The celebrity selfie, like the more traditional vacation picture, is not an apocalyptic tool of narcissists, people, get a grip!
3
I do believe there is a fundamental difference between asking someone to take your photo and a selfie. Asking a person (I'll use the Tour Eiffel instance, since you bring it up) to take your photo means you must connect with another human being. Perhaps you have to ask in fractured French. Perhaps you have to get over the innate fear of approaching someone from a foreign country. I have always found that moment to be wonderful, usually ending in smiles all around.
I recall asking a random guy in Chicago once to take our photos in front of the lions at the art museum -- and wondering, just for a moment, if he'd run off with my Nikon. He didn't, of course. I learned an important life lesson that day.
I recall asking a random guy in Chicago once to take our photos in front of the lions at the art museum -- and wondering, just for a moment, if he'd run off with my Nikon. He didn't, of course. I learned an important life lesson that day.
8
Actually no. I don't have anyone take a picture of me anywhere. And what is "documenting that you were there"?
6
So this actually happened last evening...we were sitting on a bench in Central Park that looks out over The Lake to the Bow Bridge. A beautiful sight as any New Yorker can attest. Three 20-something women came by, one said: "let's take a photo!" They gathered shoulder-to-shoulder, their backs to the view, one took a selfie and they went on their way. Not one took even a moment to actually stop and look at the view. So yes, they documented that they were at a place they never really experienced. It was shallow, narcissistic and left me feeling sad and disappointed. Maybe I shouldn't have felt that way but I did. I can't imagine how a parade of photos of your face is interesting to share with anyone.
9
So we elect leaders based on selfies and then we cry and moan that opur politics is so bad. In a democracy, only one, and only ONE, group is to be blamed:
The People.
Because politicians come from people, people elect politicians.
Washington is a rteflection of people's choices so when people blame Washington, they are basically self-incriminating.
The People are the villain responsible for this malaise and dysfunction.
The People.
Because politicians come from people, people elect politicians.
Washington is a rteflection of people's choices so when people blame Washington, they are basically self-incriminating.
The People are the villain responsible for this malaise and dysfunction.
5
"Selfie", or "of the self": One outcome of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness".
Other outcomes might include something called "The Donald", a Christie, yet another Bush, yet another Clinton, about 16 others running for president, a bad health care system, "Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission", 80% of airline routes controlled by 4 airlines, torture as foreign policy, trade treaties held secret from the American people, and Orwellian "Patriot Acts" that conduct espionage on my 90-year old grandmother.
American "Selfie", circa 2015 AD.
Other outcomes might include something called "The Donald", a Christie, yet another Bush, yet another Clinton, about 16 others running for president, a bad health care system, "Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission", 80% of airline routes controlled by 4 airlines, torture as foreign policy, trade treaties held secret from the American people, and Orwellian "Patriot Acts" that conduct espionage on my 90-year old grandmother.
American "Selfie", circa 2015 AD.
6
Commenters here are being too harsh towards selfie takers. Selfies often offer candidates the chance to interact with the public, especially the younger generation. Many young people work for change and promote tolerance and innovation. They are not the 'narcissistic', 'selfish' beings that many have called them.
1
So Ms. Fitzgerald bases her choice of president on who is "less stiff about it", rather than say for example the coherence of a candidates macro economic policies or whether they support illegal drone killings...
I'd say lobbyist is an ideal profession for her. To do well in that profession one needs to have no well thought out beliefs or opinions, just an ability to sound sincere and forthright about whoever is paying the most this week.
I'd say lobbyist is an ideal profession for her. To do well in that profession one needs to have no well thought out beliefs or opinions, just an ability to sound sincere and forthright about whoever is paying the most this week.
17
Bradshsi,
That's no less remarkable than someone deciding to vote for Hillary in the 2008 primaries because she teared up in New Hampshire. The qualities one looks for in a President aren't necessarily the same as those one looks for in choosing a friend or spouse. There are times when a President needs to be coldly rational rather than sympathetic, in order to achieve a greater long-term good. Hillary's "reset" with Russia and Mr. Obama's forthcoming accommodation of Iran are textbook examples of what we don't want in a President - or at least shouldn't.
That's no less remarkable than someone deciding to vote for Hillary in the 2008 primaries because she teared up in New Hampshire. The qualities one looks for in a President aren't necessarily the same as those one looks for in choosing a friend or spouse. There are times when a President needs to be coldly rational rather than sympathetic, in order to achieve a greater long-term good. Hillary's "reset" with Russia and Mr. Obama's forthcoming accommodation of Iran are textbook examples of what we don't want in a President - or at least shouldn't.
1
Long ago, I'm now 70, I decided to just experience events and let my memory decide what was important to recall.
It may be nice to have photos, but once you take hundreds and thousands, who has the time to go through them? And do you force that viewing on others?
By all means, follow whatever rule you choose. But ask yourself: do you want to live life? Or memorialize it?
I love my privacy! No politicking for me. No photos with pols.
It may be nice to have photos, but once you take hundreds and thousands, who has the time to go through them? And do you force that viewing on others?
By all means, follow whatever rule you choose. But ask yourself: do you want to live life? Or memorialize it?
I love my privacy! No politicking for me. No photos with pols.
17
Smartphone cameras are in so many circumstances an impediment to experience and an enabler for those craving validation that they are interesting. Look! I was there!
6
So, what have we here? Selfies with Hillary, Christie, Rand Paul, Rubio, Bush and Jindal.
And while they're in front of the camera, satisfying the egos of those in the crowds, Bernie Sanders continues to draw the largest crowds - and amount of individual donors and donations - of any candidate.
Guess to whom I'm listening?
And while they're in front of the camera, satisfying the egos of those in the crowds, Bernie Sanders continues to draw the largest crowds - and amount of individual donors and donations - of any candidate.
Guess to whom I'm listening?
10
All countries should be run by highly educated, sincere bores who view it as a profession and calling.
the fact that we need telegenic candidates, with good ad ratings, with megawatt smiles, and who take selfies shows us how little we deserve to have any kind of intelligent governance.
the fact that we need telegenic candidates, with good ad ratings, with megawatt smiles, and who take selfies shows us how little we deserve to have any kind of intelligent governance.
9
Highly educated? Well, Michael Dukakis was highly educated.
Paul the Father and Paul the Son are both MD's.
Jimmy Carter wanted to be highly educated if not the US's Mahatma Gandhi. But Rick Perry? He never claimed to be very educated?
How about just educated?
Paul the Father and Paul the Son are both MD's.
Jimmy Carter wanted to be highly educated if not the US's Mahatma Gandhi. But Rick Perry? He never claimed to be very educated?
How about just educated?
I absolutely agrtee. I want an ugly, aloof, disabled, horny president but this person can help make our country better and world a better place.
In fact we should be even allowed to see the face or know the name, just vote for the ideas.
There should be a civic test before people are allowed to vote.
In fact we should be even allowed to see the face or know the name, just vote for the ideas.
There should be a civic test before people are allowed to vote.
1
Proud millennial here: not sure if these help or hurt a candidate. If I saw a friend on social media posing with a candidate I doubt it would sway my opinion either way. Rather, it would likely just give me more insight into that friends political affiliations. These seem pretty disruptive and narcissistic on the whole.
18
Wow, lots of negativity in the comments. I see a lot of it as subtext for yet another round of millenial bashing. How is taking a picture with a phone that different than taking a picture with a Kodak or a Polaroid? Really, not that different. The only difference is the technology at hand. Please lighten up everyone.
2
Because a Kodak moment is very much faster, easier, and less intrusive than the one-on-one process of wrapping your arm around a candidate and acting like BFF. Also less scary and nerve-wracking for the candidate's security detail.
8
People, both those who vote and those who don't, who need to take selfies with politicians, those whom they support and those they don't, are in a mutual admiration society. They are as narcissistic as the pols in their photos. They deserve one another.
What these camera hogs also deserve is the same self-glorifying group of government representatives as they are. We deserve the government we get to pose for selfies.
We have met the enemy and it is US.
DD
Manhattan
What these camera hogs also deserve is the same self-glorifying group of government representatives as they are. We deserve the government we get to pose for selfies.
We have met the enemy and it is US.
DD
Manhattan
11
Dennis,
Aw, can't the voters just have some fun without the necessity of ascribing meaning to it? Besides, a selfie will never bring as much money on Ebay as an autographed placard, should a successful candidate become recognized as a consequential President years from now.
Aw, can't the voters just have some fun without the necessity of ascribing meaning to it? Besides, a selfie will never bring as much money on Ebay as an autographed placard, should a successful candidate become recognized as a consequential President years from now.
When we become more absorbed with ME and my SELFIE than with the person to whom we should be interacting with, somehow presupposing erroneously that celebrity status by proximity will be cast upon ME, well, that's just ridiculous.
YOU taking the picture is proof enough, as if YOU should need proof. Whether YOU need to insert yourself in the photo or even take the photo to begin as some historical documentation that YOU WERE THERE as opposed to giving your solemn word, than the person to whom you are addressing is not worthy of YOU needing to prove anything.
And if YOU think that in this day and age of millions of photos being taken, SELFIE or not, is going to matter to future generations than point and shoot and click away.
What a true photo-file wants is the rarity, not the many.
The Lincoln Money Shot. That's the person who snapped ole Honest Abe at Gettysburg. The two and a half window of opportunity that came and went without so much as one flash of sliver nitrate. Who knew?
Celebrity Proximity: It's just a click away, click away, click away. Please, Gimme Shelter From The Storm.
DD
NYC
YOU taking the picture is proof enough, as if YOU should need proof. Whether YOU need to insert yourself in the photo or even take the photo to begin as some historical documentation that YOU WERE THERE as opposed to giving your solemn word, than the person to whom you are addressing is not worthy of YOU needing to prove anything.
And if YOU think that in this day and age of millions of photos being taken, SELFIE or not, is going to matter to future generations than point and shoot and click away.
What a true photo-file wants is the rarity, not the many.
The Lincoln Money Shot. That's the person who snapped ole Honest Abe at Gettysburg. The two and a half window of opportunity that came and went without so much as one flash of sliver nitrate. Who knew?
Celebrity Proximity: It's just a click away, click away, click away. Please, Gimme Shelter From The Storm.
DD
NYC
7
Selfie? I don't think it will help them to score points in an election. Of course, Hillary was trying to win the votes of 18 year old voters. But I believe that reasonable Americans will realize that Hillary is not the best candidate for President .
4
Cue all the fuddy duddies to complain. Yes, we have technology that allows people to take photos of themselves so they can enjoy the memory later. Like this was never a desire back when a handful of rich patrons hired portrait painters or we drew our successful hunt on cave walls.
4
I suppose a selfie with a cardboard cutout won't do. Can't someone come up with an app that lets you make a fake selfie without leaving home? Politicians could cooperate by providing photos designed to work with the app.
3
The only selfie photos I want to see are people voting for a candidate that hasn't been bought by the oligarch kingdom.
8
I'm not sure the photo that accompanies this story shows a selfie being taken. Who takes a selfie like that? I think we might just be looking at a good, old fashioned "picture" being taken by a third person and they happen to be using an iPhone. Way to play to readers' technology fears, Times.
1
I see people at concerts and movies fumbling with their phones to capture the event, while they miss the event. At this point it doesn't matter though, all the politicians have dumbed their discussions down to pablum. No one actually stands for anything other than themselves and so a selfie seems like a perfect metaphor for what we've become as citizens.
10
Imagine, if you can, showing a future grandchild, a selfie with Scott Walker --- a kodak moment all will remember.
2
Only if he finally becomes POTUS!
I think it's one of Mrs Clinton's better pictures. She has a tendency to come across as stiff but in this photo she seems more relaxed. The fabulous and enthusiastic smile on the picture taker, who looks like a younger version of hillary, certainly enhances the happy mood as do their matching red tops. Overall a good shot and much better than the thousands of staged photos she and bill have taken with guests as mementos.
6
What an incredibly ego-centric affectation. The poor politicians (and trust me, I never thought I'd say that) have no choice but to participate in these rituals of self-absorbtion lest they be seen as being less than inclusive. I'll leave it to the professionals to determine exactly what's afoot here, although it must have something to do with a society full of people who are desperate to validate their own existence.
17
I have always had a personal "policy" of leaving celebrities alone when I might accidentally encounter one on a flight, at an airport or at some public event. It is probably what they want most: just to be allowed to be a person, unencumbered.
In seeing video of how people react these days around well known people, it seems that they have some unspoken belief that they own the famous person, that the famous have a responsibility to stop whatever they are doing and give that person a celebrity moment. This is crazy. It is rude, intrusive and, at base, kind of ignorant. Now, that ignorance has been transferred to the presidential campaign trail where it will no doubt consume hundreds of hours of candidates.
Does anyone have the courage to say no? This trend makes me think that Bill Clinton was not such a bad guy to be selling access to the Lincoln bedroom in the White House. Hey, if you want a personal photo with the candidate, you've got to come to the big dollar fund raiser and bring your big dollars.
I was once on the public tour of the White House where the guy in front of me insisted to the guard that he wanted to see the president.
'Don't we get to see the president?"
"No."
"Why?"
"He's got work to do."
"Couldn't they have him behind glass or something?"
Silence.
Many people visit Washington, DC, and seem to assume it is one big government Disneyworld. You mean people actually work there?
Candidates are being reduced to the personal playthings of crowds.
In seeing video of how people react these days around well known people, it seems that they have some unspoken belief that they own the famous person, that the famous have a responsibility to stop whatever they are doing and give that person a celebrity moment. This is crazy. It is rude, intrusive and, at base, kind of ignorant. Now, that ignorance has been transferred to the presidential campaign trail where it will no doubt consume hundreds of hours of candidates.
Does anyone have the courage to say no? This trend makes me think that Bill Clinton was not such a bad guy to be selling access to the Lincoln bedroom in the White House. Hey, if you want a personal photo with the candidate, you've got to come to the big dollar fund raiser and bring your big dollars.
I was once on the public tour of the White House where the guy in front of me insisted to the guard that he wanted to see the president.
'Don't we get to see the president?"
"No."
"Why?"
"He's got work to do."
"Couldn't they have him behind glass or something?"
Silence.
Many people visit Washington, DC, and seem to assume it is one big government Disneyworld. You mean people actually work there?
Candidates are being reduced to the personal playthings of crowds.
17
Our elections are totally out of hand. All the money, years of speculation, who is in/who is out, the pundits…I can't stand it any longer. No wonder people don't vote, I'm about nauseated when political commercials are on TV more than a year ahead of the election. And now selfies. Ugh. Why would ANYONE want to be run for office??
5
Given the swollen head size of most of these candidates, is it even possible to get more than one face into a single frame?
3
“When we take selfies and chat, it’s the beauty of American democracy,” Mr. Graham said. “I don’t think Putin really does this,” he added, referring to President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia. “I don’t think he probably has to worry about selfies.”
You are probably wrong about Putin, his ego is so big he probably eats up every chance.
You are probably wrong about Putin, his ego is so big he probably eats up every chance.
2
Why Mr. Boyd would so proudly proclaim the shallowness of his generation is a mystery.
5
Technology is fine, I guess, but why does it always seem to skew everything toward style and away from substance?
9
I actually think selfies are a boon to our electoral system. Unlike a handshake or a scribbled autograph, they force to candidate to focus, even if just for a few seconds, on what should be the most important person to the candidate: A voter (and maybe the voter's child). It reminds both the candidate and the requesting soul that the candidate really is just another person who has to deal with everyday things--like how to work a smart phone's camera. How they react tells us something about them, too. Over-analyzing the motives of those crowds with their smart phones seems a bit elitist. After all, even celebs want selfies with candidates. Not too long ago Meryl Streep took a selfie with Hillary Clinton--and both women seemed eager and delighted by it.
2
"Dadof2", while I haven't been to any campaign events lately, I will say this: all of the video shooting and insistence on getting a photo with the candidate is just...stupid. It also reflects a lack of knowledge on the part of the "general public" about what is important in a presidential election. This is a person who is likely to have the power of war and peace in his or her hands, matters of life and death on a daily basis. If you want that person to be "popular" and "likable", could it be that you are looking for the wrong qualities?
As the last quote of the article indicated, a lot of this springs from a sense of entitlement. It is also born of "I have the technology and, like it or not, I am going to use it." That's called rudeness in any social situation.
As the last quote of the article indicated, a lot of this springs from a sense of entitlement. It is also born of "I have the technology and, like it or not, I am going to use it." That's called rudeness in any social situation.
7
Meryl Streep probably paid big money for that selfie. No wonder Hillary looked delighted. Hollywood people love candidates. The celebs' money buys them an actual exchange with the candidate. I'm sure this delighted Meryl.
I am sorry you feel that way. Do you feel the same way about someone thrusting a pen and autograph book, or picture at a candidate? How about how the Representatives and Senators jockey for position to shake the President's hand when he enters for the SOTU address? Much of what every candidate from the far Left to the far Right says is carefully scripted, and, yes, a lie. At the moment of contact, whether a handshake, autograph, or selfie, a candidate is more likely to reveal who they are, both to the person and the world, thus giving us, the voters, yet one more chance to maybe show their real character, good or bad.
I am far more sympathetic to leaving sports and entertainment celebrities alone when they are out in public but the politicians work for us, and make decisions that affect our lives. So when they are campaigning, they can kiss babies, shake hands, sign autographs, and now, allow selfies.
I am far more sympathetic to leaving sports and entertainment celebrities alone when they are out in public but the politicians work for us, and make decisions that affect our lives. So when they are campaigning, they can kiss babies, shake hands, sign autographs, and now, allow selfies.
Will selfies be permitted once the conventions have nominated their parties' candidates (and the candidates have Secret Service protection)? Because I think some wacko could easily figure out how to harm a candidate while pretending to take a "selfie" with him or her.
4
i don't know who came up with the description "selfies", but the word is apropos to the US these days. It's the focus on me, me, me that has divided our country and the future does not bode well if it doesn't change to we, we, we. Soon.
23
"Selfies" are just what they are intended to be. All about one's self. Just part and parcel of the 'me' generation and the feeling of entitlement.
16
This election will be greatly influenced by social media. Each time a selfie is posted, it is immediately consumed by all the poster's followers. This is free advertising for the candidate.
4
With the amount of personal contact this requires--and possibly having the arm of the photographer around the candidate's back--I pity the security personnel trying to screen for nuts. Although with the current slate it might be hard to distinguish between candidate and citizen loon, still, it seems a tragedy waiting to happen.
5
And then we wonder why the electorate is so ill-informed?
More concerned with celebrity than substance.
More concerned with celebrity than substance.
17
The Internet brought everyone the World. Selfies now make everyone and anyone your BFF... way better than any autograph. They capture a moment in time. No wonder everyone like them, especially when everyone is the star of their own life movie....
"citing a few examples of how inattentive selfie snappers had met their demise. (Falling off a cliff in Portugal, for example.) "
How do we up this trend? Can we install some sort of "Selfie Area" at public events equipped with a small unobtrusive cliff of sorts. Something for the general public good. Needn't be messy or loud. Most won't even lift their faces from the screens on the way down.
How do we up this trend? Can we install some sort of "Selfie Area" at public events equipped with a small unobtrusive cliff of sorts. Something for the general public good. Needn't be messy or loud. Most won't even lift their faces from the screens on the way down.
10
The social media will determine the winner this time around. Each time a selfie is posted, it gets propagated to all the poster's followers. This will be instant advertising to millions of voters - at no cost!
Anyone wants to take a selfie with Donald Trump?
5
Our recent politics has been full of candidates who use nicknames to otherwise conceal a name that would appear to have less voter appeal. For example, Willard Romney becoming "Mitt" Romney. Piyush Jindal becoming "Bobby" Jindal. But this election cycle presents a candidate who conceals his first, last and middle name. Does anyone know the birth certificate name of Jeb! ?
Its John Ellis Bush. If that name appeared on the ballot, some voters might not recognize it.
Its John Ellis Bush. If that name appeared on the ballot, some voters might not recognize it.
5
So - has the famous question changed from "which candidate would you rather have a beer with" to "which candidate is the best to take a selfie with?"
5
So absolutely sick of selfies, presidential candidates and everyone else's.
59
I'm sorry but I am so sick of all of their faces already. Do we need to see distorted and grotesque phony smiles that a Selfie gives you??
22
I suspect that if the demographics were available for all those commenting here today, you'd find a disproportionate number with old Polaroids in their closet and no where to buy film.
7
Actually I use a digital single lens reflex. Kind of hard to take a selfie with it.
7
An SLR? Still make those?
No Jim. You'd find a disproportionate number of people who have their egos in check; people who don't feel a need to chronicle their every move on the planet including taking pictures of themselves in lavatories, taking pictures of their food (before and after it is eaten), etc, etc.
10
Because selfies with celebrities prove that you exist and that your existence matters, not unlike Steve Martin's character in "The Jerk" who was so thrilled to find his name in the telephone book (remember telephone books?). Now if voters would only learn to think critically and focus on the socio-economic issues that matter we might develop an informed electorate. As it stands now, democracy in America is a bad joke.
32
Well, we live our politics in Disneyland where Mickey Mouse is king. If it weren't for our military might, who in the world would take us seriously?
1
A friendly word of advice to both private citizens and the candidates they con into taking selfies with them: they could come back to haunt you. All a prospective employer has to do is see your candidate selfie on Facebook, and they might make unwarranted assumptions about your political affiliations, and your job worthiness along with them. And candidates: if any of these people show up later as convicted sex offenders, or on the FBI's Most Wanted List later on, well, you know...
11
People seem to be reading too much into this. The technology has arrived to snap pictures quickly and cheaply, whereas before we had to spend money on film and wait for development, or buy a 'Polaroid' camera. Now we can even see ourselves by reversing the camera, so we don't have to wonder how we look to others. It's a cool new toy. I'm not photogenic, and far from narcissistic, yet even I took a few to document my 140 mile PCT hike recently, to see how I morphed from a corporate drone to a dehydrated, sleep deprived, lonely, anxious, unshaven climate chanege evangelist in just 6 short days. The selfie is a confessional, as sure as visiting the Priest was to Catholics once was. It's forced honesty with ourselves, because we see our own minute changes, even if others only see our carefully prepared social masks smiling vainly, glibly, and oozing positivity and gregarious fearlessness. We see through it and notice if the subtle clues to our depression, anxiety and alienation is showing. We check often. Including self-absorbed political leaders in our new hobby is a natural next step. We've been this way since the mythological Adam and 'The Fall'. It's just a new variation on a timeless challenge, how to balance our capacity for great feats of synthetic and analytic thought and unparalleled empathetic generosity with our tendency to hedonism, vanity, and self-absorption. Deal with it.
3
Since you rarely take selfies, I take it you do not speak from self awareness. What makes you think others are mining their selfies for self-knowledge? Do you have any evidence, or are you taking a leap?
5
Rnh, I find Truth cognitively biased. Reality can transcend human perception, but is a fascinating mystery, except to the rigidly anthropocentric. Have you never read fiction, or do you limit yourself to journalism and scientific papers? I'm alludind to the subconscious subtext to the apparent narcissism, which, to me, is a facile explanation of our behavior, from an existential and humanistic perspective.
Jim
Jim
1
>2015
>Trusting any presidential candidate other than Sanders this closely
Is anybody actually excited for uber-establishment presidential candidates? Calling it now: These crowds are all either paid shills, or have some kind of personal stake in it otherwise.
>Trusting any presidential candidate other than Sanders this closely
Is anybody actually excited for uber-establishment presidential candidates? Calling it now: These crowds are all either paid shills, or have some kind of personal stake in it otherwise.
5
I frankly would question how many of the selfie-hunters are genuine supporters versus Facebook click-seekers.
Perhaps times have changed, but I see this as politicians enabling shallow status-seekers. And I don't think they'll get much of value for the pandering.
Perhaps times have changed, but I see this as politicians enabling shallow status-seekers. And I don't think they'll get much of value for the pandering.
5
Personally I don't think I am that attractive. Why would I point a camera at my own face? If I truly needed a picture of myself with another person to commemorate an important event (my marriage, winning the Nobel prize, etc.) I would simply ask a third party to compose and shoot a nice picture for us.
11
Emblematic of shallow candidates and a hopelessly self-absorbed, Ill-informed electorate, it is even a sterner indictment of the Times' habitually woeful political coverage that this topic requires THREE articles, including a request to show us your presidential candidates selfies.
16
I started taking my Kodak to campaign events around New York in 1970, when I was still a teenager. I got some wonderful shots of former Supreme Court Justice Arthur Goldberg (1970 Democratic candidate for governor) gesticulating at a table at Nathan's Coney Island, using a hot dog to make a point; Congressman Richard Ottinger (1970 Democratic candidate for senator), shaking hands with voters at the Kings Highway train station while holding a cigarette in his other hand; & Congresswoman Bella Abzug with her trademark outsized hat staring at me sourly as she approached.
I have a photo of State Sen. Basil Paterson (1970 Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, father of a future lieutenant governor and governor), making a speech on the back of a pickup truck on Flatbush Avenue; of Gov. Nelson Rockefeller, making a speech in Prospect Park, with one hand characteristically in his suit pocket; and Bronx Congressman Herman Badillo appearing utterly exhausted as he greeted voters.
I treasure these photos more than I ever would any selfie taken of me with a candidate. Some of the photos I have seem to be the only historical record of some of these campaign events, and posted online, they rank high in the Google image searches for some of the lesser-known politicians I photographed.
And I got to observe candidates close up rather than just looking to put myself in the picture. I could do that years later, when I became a Democratic candidate for Congress myself. Feh on selfies!
I have a photo of State Sen. Basil Paterson (1970 Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, father of a future lieutenant governor and governor), making a speech on the back of a pickup truck on Flatbush Avenue; of Gov. Nelson Rockefeller, making a speech in Prospect Park, with one hand characteristically in his suit pocket; and Bronx Congressman Herman Badillo appearing utterly exhausted as he greeted voters.
I treasure these photos more than I ever would any selfie taken of me with a candidate. Some of the photos I have seem to be the only historical record of some of these campaign events, and posted online, they rank high in the Google image searches for some of the lesser-known politicians I photographed.
And I got to observe candidates close up rather than just looking to put myself in the picture. I could do that years later, when I became a Democratic candidate for Congress myself. Feh on selfies!
9
I'm proud to say I got to exchange a few words with Mrs. Clinton when I met her in line. I thanked her for strength and courage in the face of so many attacks. That deepened my connection with her. By the time I tried to take a selfie she'd moved down the line.
Everyone can vainly admire a selfie. But that moment of human connection will be my personal keepsake.
Everyone can vainly admire a selfie. But that moment of human connection will be my personal keepsake.
7
You have to be, to some degree, a narcissist to run for president. What better way to relate to narcissism than with a selfie? What better way for me, a narcissist, to interact with a fellow narcissist?
I think the life caught by the phone camera is, to a degree much greater than is appreciated, a more examined life. The next generation is poised to watch themselves do great things.
I think the life caught by the phone camera is, to a degree much greater than is appreciated, a more examined life. The next generation is poised to watch themselves do great things.
3
I could not disagree with those who think this is a bad thing more. This forces the candidates to interact directly with the public. What better time, as a voter, to get a moment next to a candidate where she or he is obliged to be quiet and smile. What better time to ask a question that requires a response?
6
Oh come on, Edward Allen! Do you actually believe that some narcissist who wants a selfie with to a candidate is actually interested in asking questions? They simply do it for bragging rights.
4
Got to disagree with you on this, even though I see your point. The selfie is about being with a celebrity, not political engagement. It's a "look-at-me" event, not a "what-is-your-position-on" exchange. I would bet that no questions, let alone serious ones, are asked of a candidate after a selfie has been taken. I wish it were otherwise.
3
Could one imagine a selfie of Washington,or Jefferson ? If the founding fathers witnessed this public debacle they would have made peace with the Crown!
9
Today, “Facing a Selfie Election, Presidential Hopefuls Grin and Bear It” by Jeremy W. Peters and Ashley Parker, interested me. This article shows how candidates running for election are being beckoned to take “selfies” with fans and supporters. Truth be told, I do not agree that this is what presidential elections are all about. When our union was born, elections were meant to pick and choose candidates who could benefit our nation the most. When candidates are now busy taking selfies with crowds, it makes me believe that this is the wrong way to become the President of the United States. Candidates posing for pictures and quickly moving on do not get to know their supporters better. I feel that contenders who’d like to know their fans better should be holding meetings, not spreading their name over social media. As stated in the article, ““This is something that campaigns should embrace and be very happy with, because it’s just free advertising,” said Mr. Paul’s head digital strategist, Vincent Harris.” I fully understand what Mr. Harris is saying here. But, is a good president one who has plastered their face everywhere on social media? Is advertising truly a better way to become the president? I also understand that people are very consumed with technology. It is easy to see that advertising may be the easiest way to collect voter’s votes. But, doesn’t a president with good qualities win from acknowledging people’s needs? Or do they simply win from the most advertising?
4
So many cynics here. Despite their foibles, people love meeting someone they would otherwise not have a chance to meet. Why not record it. I think it's more than a cult of personality, though that may be part of it for some. If had the chance to meet the President or someone else I admired, I'd want the picture, or autograph, if they would oblige. The truth is if these candidates refused the picture, that seeming insignificance might turn out to be the news of the day. I think these candidates know they owe those who volunteer for them a lot. A selfie granted may be just an exercise in self-indulgence, but we should allow ourselves these from time to time. And candidates are right to oblige.
3
to all the sad-sack commenters - with snarky negative things they've cooked up to say- all I could notice in this were the genuine smiles, and how much better everyone looks when they are having fun with selfies.
4
You've seen a lot of genuine smiles?
9
I agree with rnh, the smiles I see in these picture on the candidates look extremely fake. Look at the one of Hilary at the top of the article. Her eyes seems like they're saying "Will this ever end?" That's the fakest smile of all.
4
Tom Wolfe may want to rethink, or at least tweak, his definition of the Me Generation. The evidence is clear that it's looking us square in the face.
14
My very good father told me as a kid to always cross the street whenever I saw a politician or a lawyer approaching me. He gave me lots of good advice like this, and all of it has turned out to be extremely helpful.
10
“Most of them aren’t stiff about it,” Ms. Fitzgerald added. “Some of them might be. But they shouldn’t be president.”
What an analysis! Ruling out an individual for the presidency based on their perceived demeanor during a picture. How short-sighted and self-centered an attitude.
What an analysis! Ruling out an individual for the presidency based on their perceived demeanor during a picture. How short-sighted and self-centered an attitude.
32
It is rather sad that elections today are based on a selfie, not content and political platforms. These are genuinely important people that could impact all of our lives! Instead of snapping a quick photo for our profile pictures, we should be getting to know those who could potentially run our country some day. Great presidents like Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt didn’t benefit our country by relying on selfies- they spoke to the American people and told them why they should deserve to be our president, why we should trust them, and all the great things they would do for us. On the other hand, a large part of campaigning is identifying with the voters. Candidates are voted for because people feel like they can relate to them, and they will help the people with many common problems. For example, a person who cannot relate or try to decrease the amount of poverty in the country would most likely not be voted for president. Selfies relate to the American people through social media and feeling like one is close to a presidential candidate. However, while relation is important, a picture simply can’t win an election for you. The newfound campaign strategy reflects on self-focused social media, not the presidential election or campaigner. What would happen if someone who only cared about how many social media pages they appeared on was voted on? What happen to our country? I believe that instead of using selfies, political content should be used to campaign.
19
Not one selfie with Bernie Sanders. Says it all. Man has class.
61
Now if we can just get these politicians to twerk…
22
Yikes...no thanks.
No surprise, then, really, that climate change is given such short shrift. We're too busy taking pictures of ourselves and the panderers who massage our egos, while we feed theirs, and who tell us whatever we want to hear.
It's a wonder that, by now, the national anthem hasn't been changed to "Don't Worry, Be Happy."
It's a wonder that, by now, the national anthem hasn't been changed to "Don't Worry, Be Happy."
12
This is just creepy.
13
Narcissism 1, Democracy 0.
One wonders if we even deserve self-government anymore.
One wonders if we even deserve self-government anymore.
16
The plethora of narcissism!! Unbelievable!
9
How is this any worse than people telling all their businesses on Facebook? It's all pretty pathetic.
10
What if a clever "lone wolf" comes up with a gun that looks like a smartphone?
2
Turn the camera around, the world is much more interesting than you.
10% of all photographs that were ever taken were taken that year. And I am sure that trend has continued. What do people find so fascinating about themselves?
10% of all photographs that were ever taken were taken that year. And I am sure that trend has continued. What do people find so fascinating about themselves?
6
Most Americans have such a high undeserved opinion of themselves, humility seems to be seen as a weakness, sad.
6
To think that lives were lost at Lexington, Gettysburg, Antietam, Pearl Harbor, Omaha Beach and Iwo Jima; and continue to be lost in places few Americans could place on a map . . . Roads, tunnels and bridges crumble; schools--both urban and rural--fail and fall apart for the third generation in a row; services are nil, taxes are at an all time low; the private sector is reaping and raping; the average are slowly sliding, while the poor quietly drown. Welcome to America.
33
Whenever I hear the word "selfie" I think of the animals in the zoo that once amused themselves by mugging into a mirror--not because they didn't want more but because we left them no choice.
The sooner this word and activity disappears the healthier we will be as a society. Along with the monster that is Facebook that allows people to waste endless hours a day telling us what they had for lunch and the color lipstick they chose at Sephora.
Most people just aren't as interesting or attractive as they somehow imagine themselves.
The sooner this word and activity disappears the healthier we will be as a society. Along with the monster that is Facebook that allows people to waste endless hours a day telling us what they had for lunch and the color lipstick they chose at Sephora.
Most people just aren't as interesting or attractive as they somehow imagine themselves.
73
Another New Age of Narcissicism
5
I thought selfies could not sink any lower, but, ta da, I underestimated the mindlessness of at least a portion of the population. Again. Since these people have identified themselves, can we be at least reasonably certain they will not vote?
7
Selfies is representative of the new generation who have become die-hard narcissists. A generation who bemoan the loss of privacy are themselves perpetuating the loss. They record every move they make, every breath they take and then press the send button to all and sundry and breathlessly wait for the 'I like, Terrific, how cute etc. etc. to bask in the glory of popularity. The Presidential Candidates HAVE to play along to show off they are as tech savvy too as these youngsters, except that their narcissism is dangerous. But at least the babies are spared and can nap in peace. Just for that reason, selfies are a better proposition.
19
Great pic of Hillary!
3
enough already with this selfishness.
3
Seriously?
The US has become home to the most narcissistic, poorly informed and infantile electorate in the universe!
The US has become home to the most narcissistic, poorly informed and infantile electorate in the universe!
19
Combine that with the fact that people in the US are the biggest polluters in the world and responsible for most of the damage from climate change.
1
Some much self esteem for so little reason.
34
Considering that every politician's office that I have ever seen includes an entire wall dedicated to pictures of that politician with even more important politicians (and celebrities, athletes, and billionaires), they should be the last people to object to the hoi polloi demanding souvenirs.
Nothing new under the sun to be found here.
Nothing new under the sun to be found here.
5
Indeed the narcissists complaining about common folk narcissists! Too precious.
1
People pictures are becoming worthy of fewer and fewer words...at least meaningful ones.
8
The selfie "revolution" kind of says it all about America, where it is going, and the fabric from which it is made. Life is not about you, no matter how narcissistic you might be. This is basic, though few will understand. You need to be looking out at existence, not back at your own face. In some quarters this will be seen as communism because you care about others and what might be going on with them. It is far better to imagine yourself in the history that will never be and take a picture of it, while you are at it. Photography once served the ability to record history, when today it has become so trivialize by the populace that it is a major revelation in the character of our country and records only fantasy and fiction.
38
It's all really rather sad in that nauseating sense.
38
Great, so the next President will be the one who took the most "selfies" with his "voters." So only the most vapid have a chance, come to think of it isn't it already that way? Party on.
5
This is pathetic. It is absurd for leaders of a country to run around taking photos with hundreds of people, and of no practical use.
11
Somewhere, on some planet far away, there's an entity watching us and asking itself, "How on earth did they not see this coming?"
In another second of galactic time, on another planet, another entity will wonder, "What on earth were they thinking?"
And before we know it, all across the universe, the conscious will wonder, "Whatever happened to earth?"
Ping. . .
In another second of galactic time, on another planet, another entity will wonder, "What on earth were they thinking?"
And before we know it, all across the universe, the conscious will wonder, "Whatever happened to earth?"
Ping. . .
26
how i love a person who thinks about the bigger picture...but please, can't some INTELLIGENT life form intervene before our big bang is transformed into the little ping? it's such a beautiful blue planet we call home.
4
This upcoming election for president could also include a selfie-endurance contest. For example, the politician who's able to maintain a selfie-happy-face for another, counting, sixteen months of this monkey-see-monkey-do selfie-with-politician obsession could be crowned winner :)
11
I wonder if the "legions of selfie" will pay attention to the candidates and the issues. Will they bother to vote? If not, what's the point? If so, why not engage in policy and substance? This is nonsense. A good many of us may soon come to rue the day we went out to play and threw out substance and took in Showtime.
30
Selfies epitomize the way politicians view themselves: through an uncritical lens that delivers instant, flattering images that are skin deep and allow no outside intervention or review. Unless, of course, your name is Anthony Weiner.
12
In that, sadly, they differ little from much of the population at large.
7
Honestly, this whole selfie craze with people holding cameras up in front of themselves has reached a point of utter stupidity. As much as I can't stand most of these candidates, I sort of feel sorry for them, having to submit to the idiotic people who feel they need to validate themselves in this manner. Oh, how I wish it would all just go away. Every time I see people holding a phone up with one of those sticks I want to knock it out of their hand and say, "Grow up."
154
The selfie, a sign of our times: instant gratification, empty calories, and blatant self promotion. A camera in every smartphone --thus one in every hand-- has made every social gathering, from weddings to campaigns, an insufferable chore. It's not hard to see the future (and this might be the only worthy Rubio contribution): updated social manners will require that any event you let the official photographer take pictures for you later to download.
It's true, millennials are the selfie generation, but hopefully there'll be more substance behind. Let's not even get started on the 'selfie-stick'!
It's true, millennials are the selfie generation, but hopefully there'll be more substance behind. Let's not even get started on the 'selfie-stick'!
45
A "Selfie Election": a perfect metaphor for the trivialization and dumbing down of contemporary politics. We can perhaps excuse teenagers and young 20somethings who have some maturing to do, but basic manners and a sense of decorum are obviously lacking in this whole scenario. Do the political views and positions of the candidates matter or is it really just the way they respond to "selfies? Please..... be a little serious; elections are important.
How many of these narcissistic types will even make it to the polls to vote?
Time will tell. So many "selfies" to take; so many gadgets to distract from any serious analysis of the candidates. The silly season is upon us... and 16 months to go!
How many of these narcissistic types will even make it to the polls to vote?
Time will tell. So many "selfies" to take; so many gadgets to distract from any serious analysis of the candidates. The silly season is upon us... and 16 months to go!
92
"We can perhaps excuse teenagers and young 20somethings who have some maturing to do"
Not a fair characterization at all. I'm in my earlier 20s and thoroughly engaged with the political process. But you're right, I have my doubts about the rest of my generation. I don't sense much deep thought. And not just about politics.
Not a fair characterization at all. I'm in my earlier 20s and thoroughly engaged with the political process. But you're right, I have my doubts about the rest of my generation. I don't sense much deep thought. And not just about politics.
2
I don't think this sort of thing should decide who you vote for, but what exactly is wrong with getting your picture taken with a politicians? It seems fun and harmless.
Wouldn't it be grand if the candidates said "you are meeting me in person, looking me in the eye. That is way more valuable than a photo. Let's not waste time on trite cliche, ok?" That would be the person I'd vote for. We accept too many things here in America just because "well that's the way it is". Our country was founded on finding a different road to go down, a road that supposedly leads to freedom and liberty for all. On this independence day, let us all remember that there are always other options, other possible roads this country can go down.
61
Do not want to think about having to look at these faces for the next 18 months, or their politics for 4 years
5
Say 'Cheesy'.
103
Or bolonga, even head cheese.
The irony would just be too rich if any of the GOP future also-rans question the motives of individuals asking for selfie-style pictures. Most of the many, many Republican candidates don't have a snowball's chance of ending up in the White House and the real question is what self-serving agendas they feel is worth voters' time.
2
Is there that much difference between this and getting an autograph? And with so many people acquiring a selfie with their political idols, surely these things are losing value.
6
"Is there that much difference between this and getting an autograph?"
Significant difference, if I may. In the case of the autograph you are getting a personal momento from an individual, penned by their own hand - it is about them offering something, not you engaging in some sort of self-gratification. Selfies, on the other hand, as the name implies are more about the self, not any other. Yes, the politician, like a monument, building or bit of scenery, is a decorative add on, but the primary motivation is "look at ME!!".
Significant difference, if I may. In the case of the autograph you are getting a personal momento from an individual, penned by their own hand - it is about them offering something, not you engaging in some sort of self-gratification. Selfies, on the other hand, as the name implies are more about the self, not any other. Yes, the politician, like a monument, building or bit of scenery, is a decorative add on, but the primary motivation is "look at ME!!".
41
I'm with Ben Carson oddly on this one--the only issue. Selfies seem like the perfect example of why this country is where it is politically.
People are more absorbed with their images, concerns, wants, and instant gratification than they are with discussing real issues or grilling candidates than they are about voting.
Here's a factoid I want to see: how many selfie slaves bothered to vote in the last election or plan to vote in 2016? We get the political leaders we demand and vote for--no more, no less.
People are more absorbed with their images, concerns, wants, and instant gratification than they are with discussing real issues or grilling candidates than they are about voting.
Here's a factoid I want to see: how many selfie slaves bothered to vote in the last election or plan to vote in 2016? We get the political leaders we demand and vote for--no more, no less.
103
Frankly, yet another reason why I refuse to get all in a lather about "low voter turn out".
When people are so self-absorbed or vote for a candidate because of some innate and ultimately irrelevant trait like gender or race, or, even more gag-inducing "because they're cool", we can do quite nicely without their ballot on election day. I would much rather have people who have actually thought through issues and candidates casting a vote, even though I may not agree with their conclusion; at least they've given it more than minimalist, modern, superficial thought.
When people are so self-absorbed or vote for a candidate because of some innate and ultimately irrelevant trait like gender or race, or, even more gag-inducing "because they're cool", we can do quite nicely without their ballot on election day. I would much rather have people who have actually thought through issues and candidates casting a vote, even though I may not agree with their conclusion; at least they've given it more than minimalist, modern, superficial thought.
6
The only disagreement with Carson was his predictably apocalyptic pronouncement "selfies kill."
3
Keep listening and you may find you're with Ben Carson a lot more than you think.
1
This is really worth THREE articles in the New York Times?
72
The selfie of my father's day was getting within five feet of John F. Kennedy when Kennedy spoke at the University of Wiscosin's Music Hall in 1960, and my father's Facebook was telling his family about it for years afterward. There's nothing truly new here.
21
What a sick, self-possessed society we've become.
Sad, very sad.
Sad, very sad.
159
Your point is well-taken but I think you mean "self-involved," not "self-possessed." If this generation of narcissists were self-possessed they wouldn't need to reaffirm their existence every few minutes by taking selfies.
5
Why bother with most of the candidates?
Why give them any coverage?
Why give them any coverage?
12
Why bother asking the candidates where they stand? After all the differences between them are small and may have little to do with what eventually happens. So much more important to collect a trophy to put up on twitter or facebook. After all, it is all about "me", not the candidate.
74
Not content to get an autograph on a program, NOW fans have to drag a celebrity into their frame for “See we ARE best buddies” and posting it on their Facebook Wall! This is absolutely pathetic!
The secret service must be going bonkers!
We’re seeing Selfies at the French Open which has sent these selfish people into a hospital using the ambulances meant for the riders! In the French Open fans line the roads and streets 5 or 6 deep, run alongside the cyclists who can be going 40 mph. Running backward they frequently knock other people down and cyclists are attempting to knock them out of the way. Or we get bicycle collisions when these selfish people get in the way...Contador had a broken leg early in the race.
It’s just crazy how folks feel they MUST be part of the race, DESERVE to be part of the race! We are so selfish, so entitled that many of us forget that we are spectators and are not part of the actual match!
Selfies need to be outlawed. There are just so many crazy people among us. Can’t we just stop this incredibly selfish act? But with Selfies they are now PART of the action!