Ford’s decision to turn himself around comes at critical time
On Wednesday, April 30, after a new bout of drug-related drama hit the press, Rob Ford released a statement saying that he was taking a leave from his mayoral duties to attend rehab for his “problem with alcohol,” according to an article in the National Post.
The National Post also reported that another video of Ford partaking in drug use, as well as launching a round of inappropriate racial and sexual comments aimed at election opponent Karen Stintz was publicized a few days before Ford’s announcement.
Ford’s decision to seek help for his addiction is undoubtedly a positive personal step. However, this should not mean automatic political redemption, nor should this translate into a pat on the back in the form of votes and re-election. While addressing personal demons is productive and often admirable, we should not fail to look at the big picture when discussing the upcoming mayoral election.
The fact remains that throughout his “leadership,” Ford has embarrassed and offended the citizens of Toronto with his various forms of homophobia, racism, sexism, and even charges of domestic abuse. Toronto’s mayor has engaged in a pattern of ignorant and hurtful behaviour, most of which he has chalked up to inebriation. Does alcohol have the ability to make someone a homophobe or a racist, or does it simply loosen one’s inhibitions, allowing already existing opinions to be more freely expressed? Anyone who has had a drink or has been in the presence of drinking can agree that the latter idea most clearly reflects reality.
A lot of talk about second chances can be heard around Toronto, but the fact is that Ford has had many chances. He had a chance to apologize for the way he handled the raising of the Pride flag. He had a chance to change his behaviour several times throughout his time in office and to make efforts to become more sensitive towards ethnic and gendered issues. He had a chance to step down when the initial video of his drug use was made known to the public. Ford did not do any of the above.
So why, now, has he decided to attend rehab? It could not be coincidental that it has occurred after another drug scandal during an important time in his campaign – a campaign centered on comebacks and second chances.
Criticism of Ford has been based too heavily on his drug and alcohol use, allowing rehab to be a quick fix for his image. If the public’s main concern with Ford is his substance use, Ford is offered a more simple solution of rehab, as opposed to addressing his offensive behaviour as part of his ignorant personality. When drugs are cast in the limelight of the discussion of Ford’s issues, Ford simply has to change the drug factor without admitting that he is not a qualified mayor – addiction issues notwithstanding.
Rehab and addiction recovery are important steps for Ford in becoming a healthier and more stable person, but these steps will not make him a more suitable mayor. While rehab can help him sober up, it cannot guarantee that the new Ford we are to expect will be free of homophobia, racism, and sexism.