Like many others, I was left reeling after watching Russell BrandÔÇÖs newsnight interview with Jeremy Paxman. The notoriously wordy entertainerÔÇÖs passionate articulation of an egalitarian (a word he used repeatedly) society was incredibly infectious and towards the end of his ten minute spiel, I found myself hanging on his every word and nodding along like a Churchill dog. An alternative system that would reduce the disparity between rich and poor, end corporate and economic exploitation whilst also saving the planet through conquering environmental issues, what is not to love?
Following his interview, Mr Brand ÔÇô whose comedy tour is entitled ÔÇÿThe Messiah ComplexÔÇÖ and coincidentally aesthetically emulates Christ through his long hair and thick beard ÔÇô has been heralded by many as a saviour. The disenfranchised actorÔÇÖs words have evidently struck a chord for many with social networking sites calling for Brand to become Prime Minister. Sadly for us, Mr Brand doesnÔÇÖt have the blueprints for the system he proposes in his newsnight manifesto and while praised by many, the comedian has also been criticised for eloquently putting forward ideas that have no substance.
During the interview it is revealed that Mr Brand has never voted. The entertainer argues that he has chosen to do this not through apathy but through ÔÇ£absolute indifference, weariness and exhaustion at the lies, treachery and deceit of the political class.ÔÇØ
This notion that ÔÇÿvoting wonÔÇÖt change anythingÔÇÖ in one that has been challenged by a vast number of politicians and journalists since the interview was released.┬á Robin Lustig, former presenter of┬á Radio 4ÔÇÖs The World Tonight, stated in a recent blog regarding Mr BrandÔÇÖs interview: ÔÇ£What Brand says is not only daft but dangerous. ItÔÇÖs dangerous because he is a clever man with influence … The core of his message is: ÔÇÿI will never vote and I donÔÇÖt think you should, eitherÔÇÖ. He presents this as a message of hope, when in fact it is precisely the opposite. It is a message of despair. ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Voting doesnÔÇÖt change anything? …Tell the millions of black South Africans who voted for the ANC in 1994 and elected Nelson Mandela as their president.ÔÇØ
Personally, I have to agree with Mr Lustig in the sense that BrandÔÇÖs call to the public to boycott voting is the wrong one.┬á Mr BrandÔÇÖs frustrations at our current crop of politicians being Eton school boys, who have let our nation down through claiming excessive bonuses and false promises (namely Nick Clegg and tuition fees) are felt by many. To suggest we would be better off without a government and a democracy, however, is ludicrous. Like the politicians he evidently despises, Mr Brand does his best to shirk away from directly answering Mr PaxmanÔÇÖs questions concerning what exactly he proposes are the alternatives to government and democracy.┬á Ultimately, it is the experienced interviewers statement ÔÇ£By the time someone comes along that you might think is worth voting for it may be too lateÔÇØ which resonates loudest from the pairÔÇÖs exchange, highlighting the flawed nature of what Mr Brand is advocating.
Mr BrandÔÇÖs ideas of revolution have divided broadcasters, writers and even mums in the playground while his debate with Mr Paxman has been widely interpreted as a clash between the views of an antiquated older generation against an angry and frustrated younger one. With the interview sparking such debate, it is hard to criticise Mr Brand for the lack of political merit in his suggestions as he has clearly achieved what he intended.┬á┬á The former chat show host has got people talking and through his celebrity platform he has inspired people to look for political alternatives. They just donÔÇÖt know what they are yet.
Alistair Corless
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