I can’t tell if this is simply one of the wittiest lines in “Boys State” or the banner for the upcoming US presidential election – or both. I am entirely sure that “Boys State” has been one of the most riveting documentaries I have ever watched, with insights into American politics and different aspects of life, too.
I solemnly swear it is worth watching.
“Boys State” is a one-week exercise in democracy organised by the American Legion in the United States. + 1,100 teenage boys from across the country are shortlisted to self-govern for a week by being split into two parties (Nationalists and Federalists), legislate, create a platform, run for and elect a suite of offices, the highest ranking being that of Governor at party and finally state level.
The programme goes back to 1935 and counts among its previous attendees William J. Clinton, aka Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States, Dick Cheney, aka VP to President George W. Bush, and Cory Brooker, aka the Democratic Senator for New Jersey, easily recognisable as a teen by his perfect teeth and immaculate smile.
“Boys State”, an Apple Original, narrows in on the state of “Boys State”, Texas, 2018. It starts with the interviewing process zooming in on some of the lead characters. Carries on with each stage of the party-, state- and boy-formation process up to the election of State Governor. It’s sprinkled with cuts from auditions at the “Boys State” talent show, less productive moments at party legislature and some semblance of a haka performance which I assume 17-year-old male teenagers with an interest in politics use. in order to bond.
The mechanics of party, policy and state-making aside, the real attention-grabbers are the human characters and the political personas that emerge on both sides of the metaphorical aisle, Nationalists and Federalists alike. The brilliance of “Boys State” is how easy it is to see these characters and personas on the global political stage and on each and every other stage of life.
Extra points definitely go out for skills such as drafting political legislation at 17, knowing what university you want to apply for when you leave high school (“just 1”) and very smoothly handling an impeachment process raised by party rebels, calmly observing procedure and then gracefully inviting all 12 dissidents “out of about 550 of them to go form a basketball team or something”. I digress, nevertheless I would like to borrow the line.
I would also like to give an honourable mention to the ability of making something out of nothing to the point where you win an election, too, however it does not sit well with my moral compass.
And so the camera and the “Boys State” narrative lock in on Steven, the immigrant of humble beginnings who genuinely believes being a politician is acting for the good of the people and who runs for Governor, with a clear advantage; Rene, the witty and persuasive legislator who whips his party together and disarms opponents (see basketball comment above).
Rob, the cryptocurrency-buying cowboy, brash enough to run for Governor, naive enough to admit morals in politics may be questionable, brave enough to know he is out of his depth, yet cunning enough to lure and betray his trusting competitor (what a Shakespearean moment), on the Nationalist side.
Ben, the feisty strategist who acknowledges his opponents are at a clear advantage and exploits their weaknesses to the point where the highest ranking office in the State goes to Eddie, a candidate whose biggest strength – in his own words – are his abs, on the Federalist side.
“Boys State” has had my full attention this weekend. I have watched these young guys strive for hitting their goals, while dangerously seeing American and all kinds of life politics mirrored at me and wondered how many folks out there, politicos or not, think it is still worth being a Steven and a Rene in the post-truth era of politics.
In what can quite possibly be described as an analogy of the upcoming Presidential elections, I wonder how many folks out there still remember what the purpose of politicians is – at local, national, and international level, and still vote on the basis of the most salient points instead of allowing themselves to be influenced by divisive tactics and subterfuges.
Irina Gheorghe 
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