The Nature of Politicans Anonymous

NUDE PHOTOS FOUND ON MAYOR MEGAN BARRY’S BODYGUARD'S PHONE. THE DECLINE AND FALL OF NASHVILLE MAYOR MEGAN BARRY. HOT POLITICIAN SCANDAL.

So read the bold headlines of national newspapers, claiming a cinema-worthy political mishap in hopes of clicks and shares. Some mocked and teased Nashville’s first female mayor—opposing parties blaming her political affiliation, misogynists blaming her gender. Others, including myself, continued down the black and white print with tears welling in our eyes.

When I was sixteen, I was selected to work for the former mayor as a representative of Nashville youth in private schools, and later as the president of the Mayor’s Youth Council. But beyond those titles, I had built a relationship with Mayor Barry, who soon became my paragon of leadership and mentor. My admiration of Mayor Barry began when she was first elected in my city. My young brain fluttered with excitement of a woman being elected the mayor of a major city. With her example of female leadership, I began to prioritize political awareness and community involvement. My civic engagement began as afternoons of cooking for the homeless and attending city hall forums, and I eventually rose to acting as Mayor Barry’s right-hand woman and...