Rob Ford needs self-awareness.

I am ambivalent towards Rob Ford. I constantly flip-flop between love and hate for his repugnant caricature. We all know of his widely publicized exploits; the rampant alcoholism and drug use, the misogynistic remarks, and halting the gravy train (apparently, the train stopped and dumped it’s load on  his mashed potatoes).

But one aspect of his persona the media has not touched on is his never-ending supply of white privilege and self-entitlement. His IS entitled to be the Mayor of Toronto, according to him anyways*. Every misstep and gaff he commits can always be remedied by apologizing, and pointing out that he IS human after all*. Now the world watches as he enrolls himself in an overpriced attempt to get clean. A recent article in the Toronto Sun, quotes Ford as saying after a week in rehab, “Rehab is amazing!” and that it, “reminds him of football” when he was younger. To me, these statements mean that Rob Ford does not get it. He misses the point. Rehab is not supposed to be a jubilant time akin to a child’s sports camp. It is almost as if he is asking to be declared a hero for getting himself clean. No Mr. Ford.  You’re not a hero for doing the most basic things everyone expects you do to do.  Rehab is not grown-up camp for drug users. And to simply throw down the money does not entitle you to bask in the glory of “getting on the right track”. And besides, what legitimate rehab centre allows its patrons to give media interviews one week into the program?

This all begs the question: What difference will it make to the city of Toronto with him away from city council, secluded in group therapy sessions, and discussing how badly he f*’d up with other affluent people? What difference will it make to the day-to-day running of Toronto?
            None. The mere fact that the city of Toronto continues to function, albeit without being interrupted with mention of scandal and drug use, just goes to show that the city is better off without him. At some point, even his supporters have to stop loving the oaf, and realize what he actually is: A bad human being. We wouldn’t tolerate his behavior if he was a guest at the neighborhood BBQ, so why do we tolerate it as the top dog of Canada’s largest city. Wake up Toronto!

*sarcasm