Seduction and overcompensation to many is only witnessed after 10:30 pm at the Roundhouse. In politics, seduction and overcompensation are merely tools in garnishing votes and influencing others. For years, I have seen people promise Big Red Ferraris to unsuspecting voters, only with the intention of delivering, at best, a Ford Focus. And this happens, not out of dishonesty or contempt for the unsuspecting voter, but because during elections, people will do anything to get over that magical line of 50 per cent plus one.
This desire to overcompensate one’s political promises has come about for a number reasons. The rivalry between politicians and political actors would be seen as the main contributor to this. In campaigning and running in contested elections, much is put on the line – egos, bragging rights, and increasingly, money, are all at stake. This sees people develop political identities that slowly turn to urban myths.
For example, a certain Victorian is rumoured to almost never speak both in public and in private. When they do, however, they supposedly only shout. Now, I have heard from multiple sources that this politician, however, only acts in this manner as it is now to be expected of them.
Why do this? It is because this mysticism is what builds a reputation and the illusion of power? I have met people who hold power based not on their control of the numbers or ability to head kick, but because they are perceived to have the numbers or head kick. When a reputation precedes you, there is no need to organise, as many will cower in fear and dare not organise.
However, like the commerce student who claims to own a Red Ferrari, this at times is illusion. Power in politics can only be shown on the day. Of those involved in the split, many were meant to have their reputations destroyed and rolled from all their positions. So far, they have only been rolled up the party machinery. In the end, those who claim to be big players are actually completing a glorified account degree, and the only thing that is 12 inches is their die-cast model of a Red Ferrari.
David Bailey-Mckay