Some New Orleanians are looking to cast themselves a new leader.Their choice? Brad Pitt.The “Brad Pitt for Mayor” movement started earlier this year when Tulane art history professor Thomas Bayer listed “13 Reasons Brad Pitt Should Be the Next Mayor of New Orleans.”Bayer’s list inspired Josh Harvey, proprietor of New Orleans’ Storyville Apparel, to print up some “Brad Pitt for Mayor” T-shirts.The response so far has been remarkable. “Brad Pitt for Mayor” shirts have become a common spectacle on the streets of the Big Easy. And the effort hasn’t gone unnoticed.The Times-Picayune columnist Chris Rose wrote an article in June entitled: “Give the people what they want: Brad Pitt for Mayor.”The campaign’s success even prompted interviewers to ask Pitt whether he’d consider a future in politics.”I’m running on the gay marriage, no religion, legalization and taxation of marijuana platform,” Pitt joked in an interview with MSNBC. Pitt went on to downplay the entire issue as mere wishful thinking, saying, “I don’t have a chance.”But that hasn’t stopped others from prodding.In an August interview with Bill Maher, Pitt was again asked whether he’s considered a mayoral run.Pitt casually laughed off the remark. But he did admit that if he ever entered politics, he’d likely run for governor of the “great state of Louisiana.”The comment sparked a flurry of Internet rumors and spiked the hopes of many local fans.Yet even with Pitt’s outstanding charitable efforts, many residents have already shrugged Pitt off as a non-contender.It’s true Pitt lacks the typical amount of political “experience.”But the question must be asked: What exactly “qualifies” somebody to run for governor of Louisiana? A criminal record? Mafia connections? The previous title of “grand marshal” of the Klan?After all, this is Louisiana — the bottom cellar for political integrity and transparency. The state where all its representatives’ moral decency has either been squandered in the frozen tundra of a kitchen fridge or between the greasy legs of a “D.C. Madam.”Should the same state that had to choose between a convicted crook and a prominent Klan member not even be allowed to consider having an actor in the governor’s mansion?After decades of rampant corruption, it’s evident Louisiana citizens hold the state’s highest public office in much higher regard than the men and women they elect to occupy it.Besides, what’s worse for the state: an actor auditioning for the role of governor or a governor auditioning for the role of President?
In reality, politicians are merely actors. So in that sense, Pitt has all the experience one could ask for.Even more impressive than Pitt’s success on the silver screen, though, have been his humanitarian efforts off it.Through charitable programs such as the Make It Right foundation, Pitt has used his star as a beacon of light to help illuminate the shadowy depths of corruption that have flooded the Big Easy for decades.Many citizens, however, have wrongfully lauded Pitt as a potential savior.But he isn’t a miracle worker. He’s a shining example of the incredible good individuals can achieve outside of politics when they voluntarily unite under shared values.
As Pitt suggests, disasters like the ones we saw after Hurricane Katrina can be prevented. That’s precisely why concerned citizens should follow Pitt’s lead and take initiative rather than trying to resurrect the same broken system that helped create such a mess in the first place.Politicians can promise change. But only individuals can truly deliver it.If Pitt’s admirers really want to promote his agenda, their goal should be to emulate his actions, not worship him as our political savior.Projecting the hopes and dreams of an entire state — or nation, for that matter — on one man and expecting drastic change is simply delusional.As Gandhi said, “We have to be the change we want to see in the world.”Pitt might be a superstar. But he isn’t a superhero. Cleaning up the 9th Ward is one thing. Cleaning up Louisiana politics, on the other hand … well, that’s an entirely different disaster.Scott Burns is a 20-year-old history and business junior from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter@TDR_sburns.—-Contact Scott Burns at [email protected]