Chinese Vases and the Great Political Metaphor

August 21 2023 (18:55 WEST)

At the intersection of cultural history and contemporary politics, an intriguing metaphor emerges that sheds light on the dynamics of local politicians and their relationship with society. Chinese vases. Emblematic objects of oriental craftsmanship that offer a look through which we can examine the position and functionality of our closest political leaders. This comparison reveals surprising and often uncomfortable nuances, highlighting the tensions between aesthetics and substance in the political sphere. This reflection that I offer you arises from my professional and educational visit to certain plenary sessions of different nearby corporations and the visualization of plenary sessions in regional and national chambers. 

Chinese vases are known for their aesthetic beauty and elaborate craftsmanship. Their presence in homes and museums transcends borders, being admired for their great delicacy and detail. However, behind their ornamental facade, these vases often lack practical and functional utility. When considering this analogy in the current political context, it is difficult not to see parallels with certain politicians who, at times, focus more on rhetoric, image and their own comfort than on the implementation of executive actions beneficial to their constituents. 

Just as some Chinese vases can be enigmatic and difficult to decipher in terms of their real purpose, some public officials have shown that they know how to hide their intentions behind bombastic speeches and empty promises. This metaphor reveals the challenge of discerning between superficiality and authenticity in both cases. In addition, Chinese vases have often been the subject of controversy, as the authenticity and provenance of some specimens have been questioned. In a society where transparency and honesty are essential in politics, this comparison highlights the importance of genuine accountability on the part of leaders, something that, for the moment, we do not see in our house in relation to transcendental issues for the island. 

However, it would be unfair to paint all our representatives with the same brush. Just as not all Chinese vases lack value, not all political leaders lack the same, nor substance or drive. Some of our closest representatives have demonstrated a real commitment to the well-being of society and the implementation of policies that have a positive impact. These leaders stand out for their authenticity and focus on solving the real problems facing the territory they represent, and I have many examples of this from all political persuasions. 

Utility may be another of the issues in which we can relate these Chinese vases to our representatives. The attempted deception by those who control some political organizations, disguising organic positions of utility is one more example, because in reality, their margin of action is totally limited and controlled. I say it with knowledge of the cause. I have also seen Chinese vases in plenary debates totally accommodated and they are not even able to fix their party's position on transcendental issues, perhaps, because in the debate the null capacity of the Chinese vase to impress the one who contemplates it would be brought to light, depriving us of plenary and/or parliamentary debate, which is essential in public activity. 

Ultimately, the metaphor of Chinese vases and politicians reminds us of the importance of looking beyond the surface and questioning what really underpins political rhetoric. It is a call to citizens to be critical and demanding in their evaluation of leaders, seeking those who combine aesthetics with substance, and whose actions support their words. Just as collectors look for authenticity in Chinese vases, citizens should look for authenticity in their leaders, in order to build a more solid and meaningful future. May our island not be filled with Chinese vases. 

Most read