So much in the day-to-day lives of people is laid bare.
On socials we see their coffee, their dinner, their fancy dress outfit.
On speakerphone we hear about their promotions, families and altercations.
So why is it that we still expect those standing for election to be two-dimensional, squeaky clean and never to have put a toe over lines of acceptability at any time in their lives?
It is hypocritical.
We all have moments in our past we would not repeat today.
Different times, different contexts.
Surely we are allowed to grow and have our minds changed by life experience.
This is arguably the most free and honest time in our culture.
Shame has been banished and often great pride is taken in declaring ourselves to be who we deeply are.
Sexuality, neurodiversity, physical and mental states, moods and political views are laid on public table.
Just take a 50c bus or train ride and you will see that people take the public in ‘public transport’ as an invitation to share.
But bizarrely, despite almost every opinion poll ever taken showing people deem politicians to be lower than a snake’s belly and declaring they care nought about politics, we could hardly be harsher judges of our elected or want-to-be elected representatives.
We don’t like them taking holidays nor having days off, and seeing them doing everyday activities on weekends irks us.
We don’t like it if they have ever held a grubby job, made a reckless social media post or, heaven forbid, experimented with illicit substances.
But growing up is lifelong and hard to do, surely.
I once wrote a column about how annoying cyclists were and now I am one.
I judged all young mums as irresponsible until I had my own son at age 21.
And let’s not mention the dubious choice of hairstyles or fashion in my youth.
Pollies are different: they must not have mis-stepped and they must certainly not have a bad day or mis-speak.
What we expect of them is impossible and unrealistic.
Most of us agree, our elected representatives can have their jobs.
Few of us would want the constant scrutiny of every breath and daily acrimony that is a hallmark of political workplaces.
So, after state election day, let’s try to be a little kinder and less judgy.
After all, we are choosing people we feel best reflect ourselves and our views.
Dr Jane Stephens is a UniSC journalism lecturer, media commentator and writer.
