When I read The Ugly American more than 50 years ago, an archetypal 3-D image affixed in my thinking, one that has emerged as a lens through which to observe phenomenal persons over the past half century.
Yesterday, a populist movement in our nation elevated a very Ugly American to figurehead status. As I lensed this person for more than a year prior to his elevation, I could not find anything noble, elevating, or uplifting in his image. Nothing more than his phenomenal bling and enthusiasms commended my attention. Yet, I will call him Mr. President, as I must.
As footnote, I am disturbed by this phenomenon. However, I am less disturbed by the elevation of this Ugly American than what elevating an Ugly American says about our nation.