Now is the time when we hear of politicians and their approval rating by the population. These numbers are gained by doing surveys. Someone running for office needs at least half of the voting populace to approve of them during the first week of November.
But how do the rest of us stack up, and do approval ratings even matter? We all want approval to some extent. There’s several levels and some are more necessary than others.
-2. The lowest level is hostility. When someone does not approve of your existence, and they are actively trying to seek and destroy you, you need their approval to survive. Historically people of another creed or nationality have fallen under this extreme disapproval. Currently there are countries that will imprison or unalive a person for being gay or the wrong religion. I feel like our politics, sometimes wanders into this extreme type of mutual contempt for the other, but it is unsustainable.
-1. The second level is barely tolerable. That is where others will leave you to live your life, but don’t want to look at you. I think apartheid and segregation fall in this category. You can live near by and come into town to do labor but, but you can’t attend our schools, use the hospital or stay over. Lots of people live here, but they’re not having a good time. There are portions of society that use a wall and a gate and a rope to keep others in their place.
0. The next level is where you are included but not appreciated. They will take your ticket money, but they will put you in the back. They want your approval, but they aren’t going to do anything extra to get it. They will “friend” you so you can like their posts, but they won’t like yours back. They need an audience to clap for them. This is most politicians with their constituents. Please donate now. $100 gets you a thank you card, $100 million gets you a gig in the Cabinet.
+1. The next level is equal inclusion. You have access to every level. You get invited to the party. You are on the Christmas card list. You are part of the group, and if you don’t show up someone will notice. Most of us are satisfied to live at this level. Honestly, it’s probably the best level.
+2. The next level is endorsement. You are seated in the front and given time and attention. Your advice is sought and your choices and opinions are emulated. This section is reserved for respected religious clergy, elders, and Dolly Parton. There are fewer and fewer of these.
+2.5. Idol worship. That’s where you’re not only appreciated and emulated but you have rabid fan base, like Swifties or Magas . Lots of people want to be a +2.5. Internet influencers, actors, singers, famous sports stars live on this list. Advertisers pay them money to use their products and access their followers. This level is very hard to maintain, and most people who do make it, only spend about 15 minutes. It is not an ideal place to strive for because humans are fickle and demanding, and nobody is perfect enough to be all things to all people all the time. +2.5 is Mount Everest. There is no air and you’ll suffocate if you spent too much time, plus it’s a long drop to the bottom if you miss a step.
Here lies the fallen celebrities.