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Recently, Chris Jackson ignited an online firestorm with his remarks on choices, passion for serving the military, and stark contrasts between political actors. Jackson had spoken at Ohio State on the necessity to love what one does, especially when it comes to matters of life or death such as military service. The real furor was set off when many people thought that his comments presented an indictment of current political actors in relation to historical ones, thereby setting off a roller-coaster of reactions, some supporting Jackson, while others went into outright venomous attacks.
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The speech, Jackson explained, was about success attained through complete passion for an activity or cause. “You have to do what you love. If you don’t love it, you’ll never be successful at it,” he said to an audience largely comprised of military affiliates. He spoke highly of those who devote their lives to service because their passion can be heard in their conversations, whether at dinner tables, meetings, or other public forums. The moment Jackson’s quoted statements entered social media, the attention shifted from military careers to attacks on the political sphere.
One commenter addressed the irony in Jackson’s position: “Chris Jackson says Trump slurs and rambles but calls Biden brilliant. How does he keep a straight face?” This comment highlights the polarized reactions to Jackson’s views: some accused him of hypocrisy. Another response came in dismissive of Jackson: “though Biden hid for four years, gave fewer interviews than any president in decades-pretend Trump is the one with communication issues.”
Several sarcastic conclusions went forth: “The Trump family hasn’t served in 175 years. Bone spurs kept him out of Vietnam. Some commander-in-chief.” Meanwhile, other servants of the king rushed to Trump’s defense, arguing that leadership is not defined by military service altogether: “At least he can speak coherently,” said another, a jab towards Biden’s occasional verbal stumbles.
Jackson’s detractors were not just interested in politics. Some mocked his speaking style: “You sound like a 14-year-old schoolgirl,” went one jibe. Another gagged at the entire discussion refusing to take it seriously: “These journalists don’t care. They’re a disgrace.” Meanwhile, in the midst of the bedlam, some had already tried to return to Jackson’s original point: passion for careers. “Love what you do, or you’ll fail. That’s the real takeaway,” one user said, but the comment was drowned in political squabbling.
The timing of Jackson’s speech was suspiciously weird. With the 2024 election looming, every statement made in public has got to be dissected for partisan undertones. What could have been a neutral, uplifting statement on military dedication instead became yet another installment of the online Megillah of left-right battles.
Jackson’s words, clearly, struck a nerve, though perhaps not quite the one he intended. Whether he was intending to inspire future service members or perform a bit of quiet critique of political figures, the internet had other plans. And in those true internet fashions, the conversation spiraled out of control from far beyond his original intent.
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At the end of all this is a statement on today’s political climate rather than one made on Jackson’s speech by the reactions. Passionate careers? Sure, that’s a nice thought. But even the most innocuous comments can turn into a referendum on which side you’re on in today’s hyper-polarized world. Jackson might have been talking about military service, but the internet heard a political dog whistle—and responded accordingly.
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