The Fly That Stole the Show
graphic by alexa kroin
It’s so easy to get distracted these days. We get it, there’s just so much going on. But the last thing anyone expected to see from a super serious vice-presidential debate was a literal FLY stealing our gaze.
But that’s okay, right? It’s not like people would pay more attention to a fly than to the increasing pressures of systemic racism right? It’s not like something so small as a fly could influence an election, right?? Well, we’ll see about that.
It was around 1:27:00 that a little buggy buzzed its way on screen during one of the most heated debates in American history. We don’t have to remind you how high the stakes are for this election. It’s no longer stupid arguments with your uncle Bob or your ancient grandma at Thanksgiving about foreign policy. The dumpster fire that is 2020 has seen to it that we now have a presidential candidate that openly supports white supremacists. How’s that for dinner table conversation?
If you’ve been even slightly paying attention to the news, then you know about the pressing issue of police brutality going on within our country. Yet, when we get to this topic during the debate, most people ended up paying more attention to a FLY. Now, while we may think it’s hilarious how a literal line of fly swatters was produced because of this (plz buy one), we simply cannot ignore how big of an impact this tiny insect might have had on our history.
When that fly landed on Mike Pence’s head, everyone’s attention instantly turned. The only thing we cared about was that damn fly, and our Snapchat stories proved it. We doubt most viewers even listened to the dumbass answer Pence gave to the question. REMEMBER PEOPLE: This was when they were discussing Breonna Taylor’s murder!
If you were daydreaming about that fly eating Pence’s scalp off, then you missed out on his clear avoidance of the topic of Breonna’s death to focus on rioters. ZERO mention of peaceful protests, of course. ZERO acknowledgement of systematic racism, classic. ZERO willingness to recognize police brutality in our country. You may have missed all this because of a frickn’ FLY!
We can’t afford to be distracted!
If we aren’t making the right choices on our ballots, then we are only going to make this country worse. Are we really going to let Americans zone out with everything going on right now? This isn’t an 8am zoom class. This is the next four years of your LIFE.
Don’t let this election be known as the one where people were too busy giggling at a fly to prevent further disaster! Pay attention to the candidates’ views, regardless of which way you swing! Devote time to think through their words and your choices! And if you haven’t already, VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!