News that actor/comedian Robin Williams died by apparent suicide earlier this week came as a shock to many, despite his well-documented struggles with addiction and depression. Still it was interesting to witness how the death of a celebrity seemed to deeply affect so many and inspire a collective grieving across the Internet. The dude was well liked.
However what we found particularly telling was how political figures expressed their grief and/or condolences, especially when you consider that anything a politician tweets is by nature a political act and thus an extension of the values, messages and core beliefs they want to project to their constituents or potential voters. Here’s a sampling of what politicians had to say about Williams:
• Always the diplomat, U.S. President Barack Obama didn’t single out any movies by name in his tweet, which strangely was written in the third person, but POTUS, or at least whoever runs his Twitter feed, proved to be reasonably familiar with the actor’s work. The underlying message: I am an everyman who has seen more Robin Williams movies than Tyler Perry movies.
@BarackObama: “Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny ... and everything in between. But he was one of a kind.” — President Obama
• Surprisingly, Prime Minister Stephen Harper expressed what could almost be considered a real emotion in his simple and quasi personal tweet, which we’re pretty sure came from an actual human. The underlying message: I have feelings and sometimes they are sad.
@pmharper: Laureen and I were saddened to hear of the passing of Robin Williams. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time.
• Federal Liberal leader Justin Trudeau saw Harper’s emoting and raised him an old school pop culture reference. And he followed it up in French. Mon dieu! Underlying message: I’m hip, not afraid of rainbows and appeal to Quebeckers.
@JustinTrudeau: To me, he will always be Mork. I will wear my rainbow suspenders and remember the great artist and man that he was.
@JustinTrudeau: Pour moi, il sera toujours Mork. Je porterai mes bretelles arc-en-ciel en me souvenant de l’artiste et de l’homme formidables qu’il était.
• Federal NDP leader Thomas Mulcair remembered the humour of Williams while at the same time felt it necessary to be a buzzkill with a passive aggressive comment about the sorry state of the world. Underlying message: I have a sense of humour, but my beard and I are deadly serious when it comes to everything that is not funny and likely Prime Minister Harper’s fault. I also know how to use hashtags.
@ThomasMulcair: Robin Williams had an unparalleled ability to make us laugh. The world could use some of that right now. #RememberRobin
• Closer to home, B.C. Premier Christy Clark didn’t waste an opportunity to remind people of her “families first” agenda. Underlying message: I am a mother and by extension part of a family, much like you in these times of uncertainty due to the unrealistic demands of teachers, but pay no attention to the fact that my child goes to a private school. Also, Robin Williams :(
@christyclarkbc: Robin Williams brought hours of joy to countless families — ours included. Rest in peace.
Still reeling from Williams’ death, Clark also posted one of her favourite clips from the movie RV. Underlying message: I have horrible tastes in films. The Fisher King confused me.
@christyclarkbc : One of my personal favourite Robin Williams scenes. Thanks for all the family memories, Robin. http://ow.ly/Afi1R
• On the municipal front, NPA mayoral candidate Kirk Lapointe kept it simple but still managed to differentiate himself from the lumpen masses. Underlying message: I go out to comedy shows. That's the way I roll.
@kirklapointe: Robin Williams, best and most insightful comedy show I’ve ever seen, so sad he is lost.
• Although Mayor Gregor Robertson didn’t issue his own personal tweet about Williams, he or his Twitter handlers did retweet someone else. Underlying message: I’m busy tweeting about Vancouver making the list of the World’s Most Innovative Cities (you’re welcome), but if I don’t at least acknowledge the death of this celebrity who has absolutely no bearing on the daily workings of this city I will seem heartless, out of touch and not part of “the conversation.”
@ThingsIGrewUpOn : Thank you, from a generation who grew up laughing with you. You will be missed #RIPRobinWilliams
