Dr. Ben Carson is known for taking extremely polarizing positions on hot button issues like Obamacare and same-sex marriage, but now he’s waging war on something a little less overtly political: selfies.
In an op-ed for the annual “Spring Cleaning” section of The Washington Post, Carson argues that the creation of the so-called selfie-stick — a hand-held device used for taking photos of oneself — represents a nadir in American taste.
“The selfie stick ushers in a new, even worse and more dangerous era for the form. The stick doesn’t just validate selfies by building a cottage industry around them. It also says, ‘Snap them everywhere!’” Carson wrote.
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Carson, a celebrated neurosurgeon and best-selling author, has become a darling of conservatives because of his far right stands on social issues. He has recently been floated as a potential candidate for the 2016 GOP nomination for president, posting solid numbers against far more experienced candidates.
His decision to rail against the “obvious narcissism” of selfies is yet another example of the confrontational rhetoric his detractors mock and his admirers revere. Carson’s article cites examples of tragic accidents where selfies may have played a role in people’s deaths. Carson makes no mention of his rumored 2016 aspirations in his op-ed, instead encouraging readers to “focus your camera on your surroundings, not on yourself!” Carson has said that he will make his 2016 intentions known publicly by next month. The would-be presidential contender has made headlines recently more for his off-the-cuff remarks than his political agenda. Last month, Carson was widely criticized for calling President Obama a “well-dressed psychopath” and was forced to make a public apology after implying that people can choose to be homosexual, citing sexual activity in prisons.
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