Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
In what can only be described as a plot twist worthy of a daytime soap opera, media moguls Rupert Murdoch and Elon Musk have found themselves ousted from the honor of receiving an award in memory of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. This dramatic turn of events comes after vocal opposition from none other than Barbra Streisand, who apparently still has the clout to make influential men quiver in their overpriced Italian leather shoes.
The award, meant to embody justice and equality, seemingly wavered in its symbolism until Streisand’s intervention restored its dignity. Let’s grab some popcorn and dissect how two of the world’s most powerful men got themselves uninvited from a party they probably thought was in their honor.
The Breakdown
- The ‘Notorious’ No-Go: Initially slated to receive the “Ruth Bader Ginsburg Woman of Leadership Award,” Murdoch and Musk were about as suitable for a justice and equality award as a cat is for a swimming competition.
- Specifically, the controversy centered around the apparent disconnect between the recipients’ actions and the values Ginsburg stood for. Imagine RBG doing a spit-take in the great courtroom in the sky as she hears who’s getting an award in her honor.
- Specifically, the controversy centered around the apparent disconnect between the recipients’ actions and the values Ginsburg stood for. Imagine RBG doing a spit-take in the great courtroom in the sky as she hears who’s getting an award in her honor.
- Barbra’s Barrage: Barbra Streisand, the award-winning actress and singer, didn’t just voice her opinion; she belted it out like the climax of a Broadway musical.
- After Streisand’s pointed remarks about the mismatch of this accolade with the late Justice’s ideals, the decision was miraculously reversed faster than you can say “Yentl.”
- After Streisand’s pointed remarks about the mismatch of this accolade with the late Justice’s ideals, the decision was miraculously reversed faster than you can say “Yentl.”
- Murdoch’s Mismatch: The thought of Rupert Murdoch, a man whose media empire often stands accused of polarizing journalism, getting an award for championing leadership and democracy seemed to many like a fish riding a bicycle.
- Murdoch’s media outlets frequently fly in the face of the gender equality and staunch liberal values RBG stood for, raising eyebrows and blood pressures alike.
- Murdoch’s media outlets frequently fly in the face of the gender equality and staunch liberal values RBG stood for, raising eyebrows and blood pressures alike.
- Musk’s Mishap: Elon Musk, while a revolutionary entrepreneur, holds a record in labor relations and online behavior that can be politely described as ‘spotty.’
- Some might argue that giving Musk an award for leadership is like awarding a demolition derby champ for their subtle driving finesse.
- Some might argue that giving Musk an award for leadership is like awarding a demolition derby champ for their subtle driving finesse.
- Award’s Awkward Acrobatics: The award committee must have performed mental gymnastics worthy of an Olympic event to justify their initial choices.
- This resulted in a public relations backflip that landed them in an ungainly heap on the floor of public opinion, ultimately leading to a retraction so hasty it might as well have been mid-air.
- This resulted in a public relations backflip that landed them in an ungainly heap on the floor of public opinion, ultimately leading to a retraction so hasty it might as well have been mid-air.
The Counter
- Justice as a Joke: Perhaps we’ve all misunderstood, and this was an elaborate set-up for an award-winning joke. Unfortunately, the punchline ended up being the award’s credibility.
- One could argue that if RBG had a sense of humor as wicked as some claim, she might have found the irony delicious.
- One could argue that if RBG had a sense of humor as wicked as some claim, she might have found the irony delicious.
- Murdoch’s Merits: Maybe Murdoch was going to redirect the attention to his lesser-known community theater group where he exclusively produces plays about social justice. Unlikely, but let’s give the man a chance!
- It’s possible the nomination was meant to be aspirational, a ‘become the award you’re supposed to receive’ kind of thing.
- It’s possible the nomination was meant to be aspirational, a ‘become the award you’re supposed to receive’ kind of thing.
- Musk’s Mastery: Could it be possible that Musk’s tweets are a form of advanced liberal satire that’s just misunderstood? Maybe he’s playing 4D chess with the other libs, and we’re here playing checkers.
- Perhaps, in another universe, Musk’s ability to disrupt his way into every headline is a maverick move worthy of Ginsburg’s ghostly nod of approval.
- Perhaps, in another universe, Musk’s ability to disrupt his way into every headline is a maverick move worthy of Ginsburg’s ghostly nod of approval.
- Streisand’s Surprise: Was Barbra Streisand’s influence really a surprise? After all, in a world where the Kardashians are policy influencers, why wouldn’t Babs be a power-player?
- There’s a chance her statements were the deus ex machina the organizers needed to save face. Streisand swoops in, rights the wrongs, and the day is saved!
- There’s a chance her statements were the deus ex machina the organizers needed to save face. Streisand swoops in, rights the wrongs, and the day is saved!
- Award’s Agility: Finally, maybe we should commend the award committee’s ability to pivot. It’s not every day you see an organization make a U-turn with such grace under fire.
- Their willingness to change their mind might just be the very embodiment of the democratic process. They listened to public opinion and acted accordingly – isn’t that justice served?
- Their willingness to change their mind might just be the very embodiment of the democratic process. They listened to public opinion and acted accordingly – isn’t that justice served?
The Hot Take
As we wrap up today’s saga of the rich and famous getting taken down a notch, let’s ponder a liberal solution to this shindig. Instead of handing out awards to whoever has the most Twitter followers or the most controversial news network, how about we create a panel that actually considers the values of the person the award is named after? Groundbreaking, I know.
Let’s consider scrutinizing potential honorees with the same zest we apply to our avocado toast; carefully, lovingly, and with a dash of red pepper flakes. So the next time we’re deciding who gets to bask in the reflective glory of RBG’s legacy, let’s make sure they’ve done more than just sign paychecks and tweet edgy thoughts. Ah, to dream of a world where awards are given for genuine contributions to society and not just for being the flavor of the month. One can only hope.
Source: HAPPY ENDING: Murdoch & Musk DUMPED from RBG award after Barbra Streisand speaks out
