February 04, 2004

Diapers and Politicians

Posted by shonk at 12:21 AM in Politics, Words of Wisdom | TrackBack

Today I saw a bumper sticker I really liked:

Both diapers and politicians ought to be changed

Often for the same reason.

Now, I know that sounds like a stereotypically vacuous-but-pretending-to-be-deep bumper sticker slogan, but bear with me for a moment; there’s actually something to this one.

First, and obviously, the comparison is fitting because, just like politicians, all diapers get soiled. Not just some. All. At this stage, the equation between politicians and dishonesty is as close a we’re ever likely to come to a cultural tautology.

Less superficially, I think the comparison between diapers and politicians is apt (unwittingly, no doubt) because one of the first steps a person makes towards maturity is when he leaves the Pampers behind. Uncomfortable, ungainly and unattractive though they may be, diapers are fundamentally degrading to any sort of developed consciousness, an indicator that the person wearing them is so helpless that the only way he can be prevented from spreading filth and disease is by literally wallowing in his own shit.

So yes, politicians, like diapers, ought to be changed, and usually for the same reason. But remember, only the most helpless and self-loathing of people wears diapers for his whole life.

Comments

"But remember, only the most helpless and self-loathing of people wears diapers for his whole life."

I believe Tocqueville expressed similar sentiments, albeit a bit more eloquently.

Great webblog Clay! Keep up the good work.

Posted by: JC at February 4, 2004 09:54 AM

I believe Tocqueville expressed similar sentiments, albeit a bit more eloquently.

That damn Tocqueville, always one-upping me in the eloquence department.

Posted by: shonk at February 4, 2004 10:13 AM

So, what are you saying? That I should stop using presidential candidates as underwear when I'm too lazy to do laundry?

Posted by: Curt at February 4, 2004 06:44 PM

I'm just browsing around your site for the first time, interesting read

Posted by: Jon Huron at November 3, 2004 04:16 PM