“Toronto’s crack-smoking mayor,” as he is most commonly known, has become an international center of attention. But why? Why does the world care about what Rob Ford will do next? Alone, his characteristics would not attract one’s attention for long. Although when taken together, and combined with how Ford responds to criticism, a lovable spectacle is born.
Local political figures seldom receive much attention. The few times they do are almost always limited to big scandals that disappear from the news cycle within a month. Some examples of this include the Charlotte mayor who resigned while embroiled in scandal, or the California state senator who was scheming to trade missiles for money. We’ve all but forgotten about those April scandals.
So why is Rob Ford different?
One undeniable reason is how his constant shenanigans – innocent as well as not-so-innocent – appear in photographs and video, mediums most easily consumed. It seems as though hilarious pictures of him surface on a daily basis.
In one instance, that’s a picture of a politician appearing to tickle Ford.
This Is A Great Photo Of Rod Ford Being Tickled (by Aaron Harris of @reuterspictures) http://t.co/JhmhrC5D60 pic.twitter.com/5oRBqFPvz5
— Business Insider (@businessinsider) January 31, 2014
This eventually led to the politician denying he was tickling Rob Ford.
I can say with near complete certainty that this is the only instance in which one politician will ever have to state on the record whether or not he tickled another politician.
In another instance, a reporter tweeted:
nature’s most majestic beast (pictured here with an owl) (via @TomFornelli) pic.twitter.com/grTbW6KqBK
— Bill Hanstock (@sundownmotel) April 17, 2014
Furthermore, every other headline about Ford, until he went to rehab, seemed to be some form of “New Video of Rob Ford in Drunken Stupor.” In one particular instance, he was recorded by a 13-year-old fan of Ford. The video shows him drunk, swearing, and sporting festive St. Patrick’s Day necklaces.
He also provides no shortage of brief quotations that raise eyebrows.
Rob Ford began rehab treatment for his substance abuse in May. When asked how it was going, he explained quite eloquently, “Rehab is amazing. It reminds me of football camp. Kind of like the Washington Redskins camp I went to as a kid.”
“Amazing” is a strange word to describe rehab.
One is undoubtedly surprised when learning this man is mayor of Canada’s biggest city. But that is certainly not enough to hold international attention for months. Rather, these components tie into one more that combine to form an international spectacle. The final component is how good a sport he is about this all.
His reelection campaign began selling Rob Ford bobbleheads. He went on the Jimmy Kimmel Show. He’s also pictured next to Drake. These are not actions taken by a timid, ashamed man. Rather, these are ones taken by a man who understands the extent of his international appeal, as well as how to capitalize on it.
What could easily be seen as a man in an unfortunate situation, whose administration is full of corruption, drug use, and poor leadership, is instead seen as a comical, lovable buffoon who sticks out like a sore thumb wherever he appears.
Ford teaches an important lesson: If you want to harness influence and attraction, when you’re made fun of, roll with it. Embrace it. But don’t go overboard, unless you are alright with nobody taking you seriously.
It is easier for Rob Ford, as he often appears to have no shame or any reservations about exploiting himself for attention. If you have morals, this take becomes more delicate. But it is undeniable that Rob Ford embraces this art form to the extreme, and has successfully gained attention, while somewhat masking his troubles with a bizarre, jolly exterior.
