Donald Trump took to twitter at 5.42 this morning to attack the actor - comedian Alex Baldwin for the later's mocking portrayal of the US Commander-in-Chief. Looks like arguably the most powerful person on earth was tossing and turning on his bed unable to sleep due to the humiliation from his caricature, venting his anger by twitting the first thing in the morning.
Mr. President - this is not Putin's Russia or Kim Jung Un's North Korea, the two dictators you admire the most. It sounds sickening for the head of the world's oldest democracy to openly admire dictators, though American administration is known to bake bread with them for furthering their national interest. But you lead a democracy where you will be poked fun at and laughed at. Your flamboyant nature and lifestyle provides fodder to the Late Night Comedians. Better get used to it.
Parodies and spoofs of American Presidents galore from time immemorial, especially on late night program shows where they make caricature of politicians and celebrities, making a lasting impact on the audience and electorates.
The spoof of the all Presidential debates between Trump and Clinton made me laugh until my stomach ached. (It's available on YouTube). Alec Baldwin did (and still does) a wonderful caricature, copying Trump's voice, bullying mannerisms and his ridiculing look with a pouty, snorted face. The message was, Trump not only didn't know the answers to policy matters, he didn't understand questions.
Bill Maher, the half Jewish liberal comedian and one of my favorites, once countered Trump's claim that Obama wasn't born in USA by demanding a proof from the orange hair Republican nominee to validate that he wasn't sired by a Orangutan. Trump didn't find this very funny and threatened to sue Bill Maher.
The comedians often make mincemeat of the politicians, the end result can be devastating 1976 on SNL, comedian Chevy Chase made a mockery of Gerald Ford, slipping off stair cases and stage. It made look him like a bumbling buffoon in front of the electorates and certainly contributed to the Republican candidates defeat.
Tina Fey's epic caricature of Sarah Palin in 2008, made her look like dumb (she wasn't far from bring so) and unprepared for Presidency. She made a hilarious clone of Sarah Palin, making satire of the later's lack of foreign policy experience when she spoofed - "I am great at foreign policy as I can see Russia from my home".
It is always easier to make fun or create cartoon of extrovert and flamboyant characters. Apart from Trump and Sarah Palin is Bill Clinton. Clinton jokes galore in America, especially at the height of Monica Lewinsky scandal when comedians has a field day. Jay Leno said - "What's the similarities between a Coke vending machine and Monica Lewinsky ? Both have slots for Bill".
At the same time, it is difficult to make caricature of those with cool demeanor. Obama is one such celebrity, who is not much mocked at. Eminent Indian cartoonist R K Laxman famously said it was most difficult for him to make a cartoon of Jawaharlal Nehru for the same reason.
Making fun of our political leaders is the hallmark of a healthy democracy. In many cases, the politicians make their audience laugh at their own expense. It make them more respectable and acceptable.
In contrast, if one dares to do mock the leaders of Russia, China or North Korea, Gulag or a gun squad await you. Glad we are living in democracies, where we dare to poke fun and make satire of our leaders. As we say in Odia - JIE CHIDIBA, TAKU BESI CHIDEIBE, meaning the more you react to being made fun of, more you will be poked at. So Mr. President, laugh at yourself and get a life.
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