'The Hugo Chavez Show'

In Gabrielle’s Chavez and Bush: The people’s person blog, an interesting question is raised: is it a good thing for leaders to be labeled 'elitists?' This alludes to my point that there is a relationship between the socio-economic positioning of a country and the style of political leadership it adapts. It makes sense for a leader to create a respectable, nationalistic identity through capitalizing on whatever drives / controls that particular society. Ironically in a rather democratic manner, leaders attempt to personify their states’ ideals of success, gaining consent and thus control.

After watching Frontline’s The Hugo Chavez Show it became apparent to me that being a socialist developing country, the general Venezuelan population feel as if they need a leader whom can give them hope and aspiration amidst a struggling socio-economic environment. Therefore I can see how at the beginning of his regime (prior to taking his power-trip to ridiculously high level), Chavez’s personable charisma and spontaneous attitude had a pied piper effect on the people. While I have to dig deep to find anything that’s not sickly egotistical in his Sunday morning televised rants, Chavez recognized the opening for a god-like symbol to lead Venezuela out of socio-economic struggle.

On the other hand, within Western society, we are inclined to look to a leader who personifies what we typically idolize; capitalism. Traditionally a business-inclined leader who formally presents him/herself as an “elite” is perceived as a strong leader. As relatively self-sufficient individuals, free from poverty, it seems like we have distant, business-like relationships with our leaders.

As the economic recession throws the West out of our comfort-zone however, I see a movement towards the need for a more personable Chavez style of leadership. I’m not saying that the West wants to be subject to a dictatorship, but in a time of “crisis” we would like to look towards a leader with characteristics similar to that of Chavez – a personable, hope-bringing leader whom is heavily relied upon to bring about change. Does Obama fit these criteria? Definitely. John Key? An Obama-wannabe in regard to being “one of the people,” but with his whiney kiwi accent and colloquial language – maybe so.