By Soumitra Banerji
This is a sequel to my last article in Garhwal Post, ‘Frankensteins of the World’, again motivated by the film, ‘Frankenstein’ on OTT, based on Mary Shelley’s famous novel.
When we can create a Frankenstein’s monster because of our own compulsions; and the creation starts to believe in her own existence; then it is befitting to listen to her reasons for her overreach. Her justification would likely mirror the creation’s own lament in Shelley’s novel: “I was born benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend.”
If a ‘Frankenstein Leader’… someone swept into power by a populist surge or a specific coalition of interests, turned on the very electorate that created her, her justification would be a masterclass in political gaslighting mixed with a ‘harsh reality’ check.
She wouldn’t see herself as a traitor; she would see herself as a necessary evolution. Here is how she would justify her shift from ‘creature of the people’ to ‘master of the state’:
The “I am the Only One Who Can See” Argument
She would tell her electorate that while they have the luxury of ideology, she has the burden of statecraft.
- The Justification: ‘You created me to represent your anger and your dreams. But once I entered the halls of power, I saw the true fragility of our nation. To give you what you wanted I would have to destroye what you need – Stability. I haven’t betrayed you; I have protected you from your own short-sightedness.”
The “Purity is a Luxury” Defence
Electorates often create leaders based on rigid, idealistic promises. Once in power, the Frankenstein Leader often compromises with the ‘monsters’ she was supposed to slay (the establishment, foreign powers, or big business).
- The Justification: “You wanted me to burn down the old systems. I realised that if I burned them down, we would all freeze in the winter. I have made deals with your enemies so that you can keep your way of life. My ‘betrayal’ is actually the price of your comfort.”
The “Mirror of Your Desires” Rebuttal
This is the most aggressive stance. She would argue that her most ’monstrous’ or disruptive qualities – authoritarianism, secrecy or ruthlessness – were exactly what the electorate signaled they wanted, during the campaign.
- The Justification: “Why are you shocked? You cheered when I promised to be ‘tough’. You applauded when I said the rules didn’t apply to us. I am simply being the person you asked me to be. If you find my methods ugly now, it is only because you are finally seeing your own reflections in the laws I pass.”
The Anatomy of the Rhetoric
- “You Broke Your Promise” (Electorate) – I evolved to meet the reality you were too sheltered to see (Frankenstein leader).
- “You’re acting like a Dictator” (Electorate) -“I am exercising the power you gave me to silence our shared enemies.” (Frankenstein leader).
- “You have forgotten where you came from” (Electorate) -“I have ascended so that I can pull this nation up with me.” (Frankenstein Leader)
- “We no longer recognise you.” (Electorate) -“That is because I am now a Leader, and you are still just a crowd.” (Frankenstein Leader)
The Ultimate Conclusion
She would likely end her address with a chilling reminder of the Sunk Cost Fallacy:
‘You built me because you didn’t trust the others. If you destroy me now, you admit that your judgement was flawed; and you hand the keys back to the people you hate even more than you hate my progress. I am your creation-to disown me is to disown yourselves.”
Readers, enjoy this Geopolitical Fiction…and find similitudes on your own account.
(Soumitra Banerji is an acclaimed Indian author and writer, best known for his thought
provoking novel “Liminal Tides”.)
