The Crowned Citizen

Welcome to ‘The Crowned Citizen’! I recently changed the name and graphics of my publication, and I figured I owe you an explanation!

I was between calls and started scribbling in my notebook. There has been a lot on my mind beyond work these days, mostly connected to the articles I publish here and the currently rather dire state of our democracies. I got up to get lunch after the call had ended, and once I returned to my workplace, there was a first sketch of ‘The Crowned Citizen.’

After the title popped into my head, I immediately questioned if it already held a meaning, so I investigated and found out that the term had been used in different contexts before:

• King Louis Philippe I of France was described as the ‘Crowned Citizen’ or ‘Citizen King’ during his short reign (1830 to 1848). He was seen as the embodiment of "the best possible republic" and played a significant role in shaping French society.
• American judge and orator Samuel Furman Hunt was described with the same term because he "filled the whole measure of good citizenship." This usage highlights exemplary civic virtue and contributions to society.
• In modern gaming contexts, 'The Crowned Citizen' is a title or goal within certain games. Players compete to earn this honor, representing their tribe or people in the process.

Generally, we can conclude that ‘The Crowned Citizen’ represents an individual who embodies the highest ideals of citizenship for exceptional civic engagement.

But what happens if the current governance system doesn’t fulfill its duties anymore towards us, the citizens? We have fulfilled our responsibilities of living in a democracy by engaging in governance, being productive, and paying taxes. Yet, we are being ignored, ostracized, and even erased from the system.

The Crowned Citizen is no longer pleased; their face is in absolute disarray. From a state of frustration to fear and disgust, almost anything has taken place by now in the face of how their democracy has regressed.

My painted version of ‘The Crowned Citizen’ is about that current state. It represents a confused, disappointed, and embarrassed state of disbelief at what is happening in the world. I know many of us are still in denial or think that the ‘me exception’ is still valid, but deep in your soul, you know it is not. If you feel the way I do, I ask you to get yourself a free graphic of ‘The Crowned Citizen’ here and put it up on your public profiles as a symbol of silent protest against all that is currently happening. Hammer it on your Facebook profile, plaster it on Instagram and Twitter and demonstrate with me and many other Crowned Citizens!