Why Jesus never needed handlers, and today’s leaders do

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Why Jesus never needed handlers, and today’s leaders do

Jesus led without handlers, listening directly to the people. Today’s leaders can bridge divides by doing the same instead of hiding behind gatekeepers. 

By Julie A. Ferraro | FāVS News Columnist

The views expressed in this opinion column are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of FāVS News.

For centuries — millennia, even — a “class” system has existed among humans.

While this system may be described by various terms, depending on the culture and the era, it comes down to the privileged, the working class and the poor.

In a way, this system is the original source of division in the world.

The privileged were taught to see themselves as superior to others, whether because of their “royal” blood, wealth or other attributes. They tended to assert this superiority by treating the “lower classes” as chattel, taking unfair advantage of their living conditions, their jobs, their traditions.

Even in this 21st century, quite a number of those who are labeled “celebrities” treat their fans with disdain and place a barrier of “handlers” between themselves and the masses.

And, that’s a big part of the problem.

The rise of the handler class

The handlers.

Other words to define their function: roadies, a posse, an entourage, managers, agents, etc. 

Queens throughout history had “ladies in waiting” — attendants who fawned over the rulers to keep them contented.

The thing is: these handlers, from whatever country or date on the calendar, often became experts in manipulating their “employers” into believing certain things were true that weren’t.

If an unpleasant situation arose, for instance, involving scandal or gossip, the handlers would shield their employers from the details, whether it involved intercepting mail or official communications, hiding newspapers, preventing them from watching television or listening to the radio. 

They became adept at shaping or omitting the truth from conversations when asked pointed questions, claiming to be “keeping the peace” or using similar excuses.

These handlers created a barrier between the privileged and the “ordinary” folk, whether the constituents of an elected official or autograph seekers outside a Broadway theater.

As if those who paid them were super-humans, and the rest of the people unworthy to come within arm’s length.

Even today, it’s necessary to request an “audience” with certain personalities, those requests often buried or discarded by the handlers, the individual never informed of the petition for his or her own “safety” or “convenience.”

Worse, still, when those wishing to exchange a few words with these personalities are charged exorbitant amounts to stand in line at a “Fan Con” or other event for an autograph or photo, hustled along by handlers when their time expires, while organizers stuff wads of cash in their pockets.

It cannot be denied that some eager sorts, in the case of public figures or royalty, go to extremes and possibly endanger the lives of those they idolize, but those are the exceptions, and the majority of people should not be shoved aside just so someone deemed “privileged” can have the sidewalk to themselves.

In a more religious context, while Pope Francis and, now, Pope Leo, advise priests and bishops to “smell like the sheep” and walk among the ordinary Catholics and marginalized, many still gather a ring of handlers around them to prevent contact with those whose voices need to be heard. They ignore the fact that the Holy Spirit speaks to the meek and lowly just as much as the prominent and educated, which does a disservice to all.

Jesus, who was considered a “celebrity” in his day, had no handlers. His Apostles traveled with him, but when they tried to manipulate him into certain actions, he put them firmly in their place — as with the story of the loaves and fishes. The Apostles advised Jesus to send the people away to find food, and he turned the tables on the Twelve, insisting they feed the people themselves.

Jesus modeled something different

The Jewish elders and the Roman leaders had handlers, sent to gather “dirt” on Jesus and report back to their superiors. These minions twisted Jesus’ words to their own ends, so the animosity between what were viewed as “legitimate” authorities and this “upstart” would fester and grow.

We all know the results of those tactics: Jesus persecuted, prosecuted and hung on a cross.

Hopefully — recognizing all human beings are equals — more of today’s “privileged” class will dispense with such distinctions, dump their handlers and find honesty and kindness in the hearts of those who seek it each day.

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