Andy Borowitz

Andy Borowitz

Andy Borowitz was born on January 4th, 1958 and is currently 67 years old. Andy Borowitz was born in Shaker Heights, Ohio, USA. Borowitz attended Harvard University where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree (magna cum laude).

Andy Borowitz is an American comedian, actor, satirist, and author. His books have been New York Times bestsellers and he was the first to win the National Press Club award for humor. He is famously known for his satirical column The Borowitz Report and creating The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air sitcom aired on NBC.

Borowitz was selected to host the National Book Awards by the National Book Foundation in 2009. His performance was well received and hence was invited to host again in 2010.

Borowitz’s book Profiles in Ignorance explores how ignorance has affected American politics for more than 75 years. The author known for his humor in the New Yorker utilizes jokes to lighten the weight of this tough subject: the rising trend of unqualified people in leadership roles.

The book asks a simple yet tough question: Why are leaders who wouldn’t meet the qualifications for most jobs elected into office? He traces a change in leadership qualities and showcases how we moved from valuing intelligence and curiosity to prioritizing emotional appeal.

The book breaks this decline into three distinct stages. The first stage is the ridicule stage where politicians try hard not to look ignorant. Mistakes, like Dan Quayle’s gaffes or Gerald Ford’s clumsy moments, hurt their careers. But things changed with Ronald Reagan. His Hollywood charm and likable image protected him despite knowing little about policies.

The second stage is the acceptance stage. In the long run, Americans got used to the less informed leaders just because they seemed relatable. George. W. Bush is a perfect example. He won the people with his “regular guy” image even though he lacked knowledge and curiosity. The author points out how Bush relied on his advisors rather than doing the hard work himself.

The last stage is the celebration stage. Borowitz argues that ignorance isn’t just accepted- it's admired. He describes how influential figures like Donald Trump and Sarah Palin transformed their lack of knowledge into a selling point. He explains that they are just like us and Palin’s avoidance of expertise and Trump’s support of “alternative facts” showcase a growing rejection of expertise.

Even though Borowitz emphasizes Republican leaders, he also critiques Democrats. Intellectual politicians the likes of Jimmy Carter, Adlai Stevenson, and Hillary Clinton often seemed out of touch and struggled to connect emotionally with the citizens. Barack Obama too faced backlash for being “too smart” and this fueled populist anger.

Borowitz uses humor as a stylistic device which makes this book both entertaining and thought-provoking. However, his message is clear: America’s rejection of expertise put democracy at risk.

In the last chapter, “Democracy’s Braking System” Borowitz offers hope and advocates for the need for accountability, grassroots efforts, and valuing knowledge. He explains that leaders like Stacy Abrams are a perfect example of how determination can bring change.

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Andy Borowitz: F.A.Q