About Big Bird [View all]
We're all having a big laugh about Big Bird, but the fact that this particular issue resonated among so many people speaks to something in the collective unconscious of the population.
Big Bird, as a symbol, represents the progressive ideal of free access to education for all and connects with a level of awareness beyond words. Romney's callous and casual dismissal of that beloved symbol demonstrated that he really is willing to put Wall Street above the interests of everyone else -- even the nation's children. Fortunately, the American public intuited that immediately the night of the debate.
The explosion on Twitter that night reveals that Romney made a huge mistake when he threw some "red meat" to his base by dismissing Big Bird. I doubt that most people were very attentive to the wonkish details that followed. Contrary to the opinions of pundits, the threat to Big Bird was the most significant element of this debate, because it touched people deeply in the collective unconscious that connects with childhood, children, and the mists of fond memories.
In this symbolic realm, Romney is forever the "Grinch," "Scrooge," and, of course, Thurston Howell III.
= new reply since forum marked as read