Since her inception in 1959 by the American toy company Mattel, Barbie has been a symbol of versatility and continuous transformation, reflecting the changing roles of women in society. Over the decades, this beloved doll has taken over 200 job roles ranging from an astronaut and doctor to entrepreneur and presidential candidate. Each variant of Barbie seems to tell a story of limitless possibilities, inspiring children to dream without boundaries.
On the other hand, Republican Representative George Santos, whose political career began much later, seems to weave a different kind of tale. Born in 1988, Santos launched himself onto the political scene with a campaign in 2021 to represent New York’s 3rd Congressional District. During his campaign, he shared many personal anecdotes and achievements which painted a picture of a well-rounded and successful individual. He claimed that his mother survived the 9/11 attacks and that his company lost four employees in the tragic Pulse nightclub shooting. However, these claims soon came under scrutiny as investigations by reputable sources including The New York Times indicated that there was no evidence backing up Santos’ assertions.
Despite the growing skepticism around the authenticity of his claims, Santos not only reiterated his previous statements but added new dimensions to his narrative. He admitted to having been previously married to a woman despite openly identifying as gay, and also made ambiguous claims regarding his religious heritage, describing himself as “Jew-ish” when questioned about his Jewish identity.
The situation escalated as a Siena College survey in February revealed a staggering 78% of Santos’s constituents believed he should resign. Some of his constituents were so moved by their representative’s alleged deceit that they formed an advocacy group named “Concerned Citizens of NY-03”. Their dissatisfaction culminated in a trip to Capitol Hill where they demanded his expulsion from office.
Amidst these controversies, stories about Santos continued to emerge. One such report involved an investigation by the FBI into Santos allegedly brokering the sale of a 141-foot super yacht. The intricacies of the deal and whether any laws were violated remained unclear, further fueling the mystery surrounding Santos.
Throughout this turmoil, Santos portrayed himself as a victim of ‘desperate journalism’ during an interview with Piers Morgan, and paradoxically acknowledged being a “terrible liar.” He requested public forgiveness, suggesting that his fabrications were not meant to deceive but were attempts to meet perceived expectations within his political sphere. This plea, however, did not seem to quell the doubt surrounding his integrity.
Even as investigations into his conduct continued, the response from his party was notably subdued, with the exception of Senator Mitt Romney who explicitly called for Santos’s resignation. Nevertheless, defying the widespread criticism and the previous controversies, Santos took a bold step by filing paperwork for re-election in 2024.
Parallel to the unfolding drama of George Santos, the fictional character Barbie also continued her foray into political life, having run her own campaigns in previous elections. Echoing her creator’s intention of showing that women can aspire to and achieve high office, there were strong indications and enthusiasm around the idea that Barbie might run for president come 2024.
Both characters, though vastly different in their nature and impact – one a real-life politician embroiled in controversy, and the other an iconic doll representing aspirational roles for women – invite a comparison that is as unusual as it is thought-provoking. As a playful nod to the bizarre and surreal trajectory of Santos’s career juxtaposed against Barbie’s ambitious make-believe careers, observers and commentators on social media couldn’t help but engage in speculative and ironic discourse on who might actually be better qualified to run for office.
Such a comparison, while humorous, also offers a stark reflection on the qualities and values we seek in our real-life leaders. It serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability, transparency, and truthfulness, qualities that are indispensable for those who hold or aspire to hold public office. In contrast to the clear-cut fictional world of Barbie where possibilities are limitless and consequences are non-existent, real-world politics demands a rigorous adherence to truth and ethical conduct, the evident lack of which not only disillusions constituents but also undermines the very ethos of public service.
