There seems to be a deepening of political or democratic culture across all spheres of life, consciously or unconsciously. This is evident in the prioritization of votes or popular interests as the deciding factor in various situations or events.
In essence, a growing interest among citizens—extending even to family levels—is being driven by decisions and actions that please, satisfy, or excite the majority, often at the expense of objective merit. This prioritization of subjectivity over objectivity reflects the profound influence of public sentiment.
For instance, there is increasing pressure on celebrities, private business owners, public office holders, and other prominent figures to maintain a favorable public image. They are compelled to align with popular public endorsement or majority approval to sustain relevance.
Businesspeople and celebrities, in particular, now feel obligated to manage and maintain substantial fan bases on social media. This obligation arises from a deepening democratic or political culture where public validation and popularity often outweigh sheer talent or quality in gaining recognition. Good talent alone may no longer suffice without the support and approval of the public.
In most contests or nominations for outstanding performance, public voting has become the primary determinant of victory, even outside government or traditional politics. This shift demonstrates respect for popular sentiment, with decisions now influenced by spectators or fans rather than limited to experts or judges.
While this trend offers significant advantages, it is not without drawbacks. The pressure to conform to public standards often drives celebrities and public figures to adopt “fake lives” to appease or attract a larger audience. This may foster positive attributes such as emotional intelligence and public consciousness but also tempts individuals to resort to deception, exaggeration, or insincerity, akin to stereotypical politicians seeking righteousness in the public eye.
Despite these negative aspects, the growing political culture seems to carry greater merit. It compels individuals—whether in government or not—to embrace the principles of politics, prioritizing public interest, fairness, and accountability. Politics, as one of the world’s most noble professions, plays a valuable role in fostering responsibility and societal improvement.
The Duality of Public Sentiment
Respect for public opinion and sentiment fosters peace, participation, and inspiration. However, this same respect poses threats to personal freedom, principles, and individuality. The growing political culture can be particularly challenging for talents or celebrities unable to maintain favorable public sentiment.
Take, for example, Nigerian actor Yul Edochie. Once celebrated for his exceptional talent and promising future, his decision to marry a second wife, Judy Austin, led to a significant decline in public approval. Fans who once lauded his every action now scrutinize and attack him at the slightest opportunity. Conversely, his first wife, Queen May Edochie, enjoys widespread public sympathy and approval, leading to various endorsements and appointments.
Similarly, Nigerian football star Ahmed Musa faced mixed public sentiment after divorcing his first wife and remarrying. While such decisions are personal, they often provoke public reactions that could affect one’s reputation or career trajectory if put to a vote.
In entertainment, public sentiment often overshadows merit. For instance, contestants in the Nigerian Idol music competition have faced elimination despite their evident talent. The early exit of promising participants like Gracia and Jennifer sparked debates about the coexistence of merit and popular votes, highlighting the tension between emotional appeal and objective quality.
The Influence of Emotional Narratives
The deepening political culture has also led talents and celebrities to share inspirational, adventurous, or emotional stories to mobilize public sentiment. In some cases, individuals may omit or alter details about their personal lives—such as marital status—to attract specific audiences or avoid alienating potential fans.
While the democratization of public approval fosters moral legitimacy, positive influence, and social justice, it can undermine personal freedom and authenticity. Despite these challenges, the benefits of this cultural shift cannot be overlooked. A redefined understanding of merit that considers quality, character, and public validation could pave the way for a more inclusive and representative society.
Balancing Emotion and Merit
Research suggests that political culture often favors public sentiment and emotion over merit. Politicians and campaigns capitalize on emotional appeals to connect with voters, sometimes prioritizing emotional resonance over policy substance. The media further amplifies this trend by focusing on sensational stories, often sidelining fact-based arguments.
In this context, even non-politicians must seek emotional appeal and positive public sentiment to gain approval and recognition. Whether as leaders, influencers, or individuals on social media, the ability to balance merit with emotional resonance can contribute to societal betterment. Disregarding public opinion or constructive criticism can do more harm than good.
Ultimately, the growing political culture, while not perfect, fosters accountability, fairness, and public engagement. Striking a balance between emotion and merit is essential to ensure both personal freedom and societal progress.
