In early 2022, the Canadian trucker protests in Ottawa sparked a heated debate, highlighting a growing divide between elites and the common people. This event, viewed through the lens of William Shakespeare’s ‘Pericles, Prince of Tyre,’ reveals timeless truths about leadership, humility, and the essential role of ordinary citizens in a functioning society. This article explores these themes, drawing parallels between the play’s narrative and the real-world political drama that unfolded in Canada. By examining the dynamics between Prince Pericles and the fishermen, and comparing them to the relationship between Prime Minister Trudeau and the Canadian truckers, we can gain insights into the dangers of isolated elites and the importance of servant leadership.
The wisdom of Shakespeare’s neglected play offers a fresh perspective on populism, distrust, and the crucial need for leaders to remain connected to the people they serve. This is particularly relevant in our technologically advanced democracies, where social media echo chambers can further isolate elites from the realities faced by the common people. Join us as we delve into the Bard’s enduring insights and explore how they can help us bridge the divide and foster a more humane approach to politics.
The Truckers’ Protest and Elite Disdain
During the Canadian trucker protests, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other political and media elites were quick to dismiss the protestors as a fringe group of white nationalists. Trudeau’s government invoked emergency powers to suppress the movement, further alienating themselves from a significant portion of the population. This response underscored a growing disconnect between the ruling class and the common people. It was this chasm between the elite and the workers that inspired William Shakespeare’s Pericles, Prince of Tyre play.
As time passes, the political furor dies down and the passage of time has left room for reflection. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has left the political scene in Canada. This historical divide between elites and the common people has been present since the first chieftain led a raid on his stone-age neighbors. Political communities need leadership. For almost as long, this divide has been exploited by political movements from populists in the Roman Republic to international communists in the twentieth century.
Shakespeare’s ‘Pericles’: A Lesson in Humility
Shakespeare’s ‘Pericles, Prince of Tyre,’ a play often overlooked today, was immensely popular in its time because it resonated with the common experiences of the English people. The play’s protagonist, Prince Pericles, is forced into exile by a corrupt king. Shipwrecked and stripped of his possessions, Pericles encounters a group of fishermen who offer him aid and hospitality. This encounter highlights the dependence of leaders on the labor and support of ordinary people. Shakespeare reminds us of the Christian perspective on political authority, one based in servant leadership that today’s elites need to recapture.
The scene where the fishermen catch Pericles’ armor from the sea is particularly telling. It symbolizes the idea that leaders, despite their authority, are sustained by the labor of the common people. The fishermen are much like the first disciples, mending their nets by the Sea of Galilee when Jesus calls them to follow Him. And as the excited fisherman hauled up his weighty catch, the audience would have caught the reference to Peter incredulously “putt[ing] out into the deep” at Christ’s behest and the miraculous catch, by which Peter knew he was in the presence of the Son of God.
The Modern-Day Trucker Analogy
The truckers who protested against COVID-era restrictions can be seen as modern-day counterparts to Shakespeare’s humble fishermen. These essential workers, often overlooked and underappreciated, keep our economy running by delivering goods across vast distances. Without truckers, the shelves at the grocery store, and our stomachs, would be empty. Covid made this divide even starker, as the elites isolated in the comfort of their homes and worked remotely, while those who live from paycheck to paycheck continued to work to provide the goods that made our splendid isolation possible.
During the trucker protests, Canadians came out to the highway by the thousands to stand in the bitter cold and cheer them on. The fact that so many came out in weather that would freeze exposed skin in a few minutes was a testament to their enthusiasm for the truckers’ cause. This highlights the essential role they play in our society and the importance of recognizing their contributions.
Breaking the Echo Chamber
One of the key issues highlighted by both Shakespeare’s play and the Canadian trucker protests is the danger of elites isolating themselves in echo chambers. Social media algorithms can create a continuous stream of affirmation, making it difficult for leaders to see their own errors and grow in humility. Leaders are much less likely to see errors, learn from them, and grow in humility if we don’t seek out the voices of those with whom we disagree.
In Shakespeare’s ‘Pericles,’ Lord Helicanus advises the prince to seek honest counsel, even if it means hearing unpleasant truths. This is a stark contrast to the flattery often offered by those seeking favor. He concludes that the one who flatters “makes war upon your life.” By seeking diverse perspectives, leaders can avoid the pitfalls of isolation and make more informed decisions.
Lessons for Today’s Elites
The algorithms that curate our social media feeds are bottomless fonts of flattery. The elite class can draw all their information about the outside world and their standing in it from these whitewashed platforms. The continuous stream of affirmation can make them incredulous of those who disagree with their decisions, labeling them radicals on the fringe of society, as Trudeau and his inner circle did with the truckers. We isolated elites are much less likely to see our errors, learn from them, and grow in humility if we don’t seek out the voices of those with whom we disagree.
The play and the Canadian trucker protests offer valuable lessons for today’s elites. They remind us of the importance of humility, servant leadership, and the need to stay connected to the common people. By embracing these principles, leaders can bridge the divide and foster a more just and equitable society.
Conclusion
In an age marked by populism and a distrust of elites, the wisdom of Shakespeare’s ‘Pericles, Prince of Tyre’ offers a timely reminder of the importance of servant leadership and the essential role of the common people. The Canadian trucker protests serve as a modern-day example of the disconnect that can arise when elites isolate themselves from the realities faced by ordinary citizens. Leaders must actively seek diverse perspectives, embrace humility, and recognize their dependence on the labor and support of those they serve.
By heeding these lessons, we can foster a more humane approach to politics, bridge the divide between elites and the common people, and build a more just and equitable society for all. Only through mutual respect and understanding can we create a political landscape that truly serves the needs of everyone.
Leave a Reply