There have been some really depressing political moments in recent American history. We seem intent on reaching new lows. It's almost like we are indeed collectively taking criticisms and warnings not at face value, but rather, as an opportunity to say, "Hold my beer" before leaping boldly into yet new lows to astonish and horrify the world, and to harm future generations.
One such moment took place just months ago, when former star wrestler Hulk Hogan addressed the Republican National Convention by ripping his shirt (as he used to do during his days of wrestling) while championing MAGA values and promoting Donald Trump to be the next president. This was a moment which made me feel both like laughing (in a humorless manner) and despairing at yet new lows. My worst fears of what this might mean were pretty much confirmed when there were posts everywhere on social media showing pictures of this ridiculous farce next to the one of a fictional wrestling president in the movie "Idiocracy." Indeed, it sometimes feels like we are heading towards the world portrayed in "Idiocracy," but we never seemed to veer as closely or enthusiastically towards that fate as we did on that day.
Well as it turns out, I was far from the only one who was less than enthusiastic about Hulk Hogan's actions and words on that day. In fact, many people expressed their incredulity and despair at this latest sign of just how collectively stupid we Americans seem intent on becoming.
Here's the thing: Hulk Hogan is entitled to his opinion, as are we all. But we really seem to have reached new lows in this country when somebody who obviously and demonstrably knows so painfully little about political realities in this country is invited to such an event of national prominence and, at least once upon a time, of prestige. Of course, that ship probably sailed a while ago. Yet, it seems like Americans are determined not to make any progress or recovery in this regard, and Hulk Hogan's appearance at the RNC this past summer seems like proof positive of that. This country has so many problems and is so polarized at the moment, that Hogan falling back on his childish ripping of his shirt - a gimmick which had frankly grown a bit tiresome back in the prime days of his career in the 1980's and 1990's - and using that ridiculous act which he relied on so heavily during his career in fake professional wrestling, then passing that absurdity as some kind of meaningful political message for our times was both laughable (again, in a humorless sort of a way) and, frankly, tragic.
You know what, Hulkster? Maybe you should stay in your lane. I know that you obviously like being the center of attention at every turn. But it might behoove you not to capitalize on every opportunity. That feels especially true when it requires you to humiliate yourself and loudly and proudly advertise your immaturity and lack of qualifications to speak seriously about...well, apparently anything, really.
Of course, the deterioration of the seriousness and gravitas of our political realities could not have happened without Americans themselves allowing it to happen. Often this happened with wild enthusiasm. It seems that Americans continually elect people who tell them what they want to hear, and not what they need to hear.
That was an embarrassment for Hulk Hogan, whether or not he realizes it (as maybe now, after being booed, he is beginning to) or not. Far worse, though, it was yet the latest indignity for the nation, as if it needed more. It was just one more humiliating indicator of just how collectively unserious and immature and yes, toxic, we have allowed our politics to get. Yes, this is, or should be regarded as, a humiliation on a national level. Sometimes, Hulkster, it's best to sit some things out. To stay in your lane, if you will, and not to advertise your complete lack of even basic knowledge and respect for the subject. There are millions of people with real issues and concerns in the United States. Ripping your shirt and giving your tiresome old wrestling act is not an answer for anything.
Possibly related to this, Hogan was recently booed during a brief appearance at a wrestling event out in Los Angeles, I believe. Now, I cannot say with certainty that the booing was a result of what he did at the RNC address. But then again, I cannot say with certainty that it wasn't due to that, either.
What I can say is that Hogan richly deserved his boos. I do not generally take pleasure in seeing people booed publicly. But let me tell you something, brother: given his obviously inflated sense of self worth, I did admittedly take some pleasure in Hulk Hogan being knocked down a peg or two in public recently.
Below is a video clip of Hogan getting booed.
Hulk Hogan got booed out of Intuit Dome at WWE Netflix Raw #wwe #wrestling #wweraw #wwenetflix
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