The Rise Against Celebrity Politicians: Challenge the “Norm” to Build Your Brand

Jessica Tran
RTA902 (Social Media)
5 min readFeb 1, 2018
Norm Kelly, Toronto’s City Councillor turned the “6Dad”

You could conceivably have known about the world’s most savage city councillor, a street-savvy legend capturing the heart of millennials across The 6ix. A few may shout out to the “6Dad,” the city’s “hip-hip hero,” or “Toronto’s most powerful politician.” But we simply call him Norm Kelly.

Even if you don’t breathe “We the North,” or “North over Everything,” Norm Kelly has taken the social media world by storm, gaining mass recognition by his association with Toronto’s Very Own, Drake, throws shots at those who disrespects his city, and his comical tweets.

Nobody would predict for such behaviour to be led by a 76-year old city councillor, but for as long as we are existing in a reality where Donald Trump is the President of the United States, anything is possible.

With the hope to restore the fate of America comes Kamala Harris. An American politician of the Democratic Party serving as the junior United States Senator from California since 2017. She has been the feature of two recent national profiles, both of which reveal how voters are thrilled by the possibility of her presidential candidacy.

6 Times We Caught Feelings for the “6 Dad” on Twitter:

  1. He Keeps Us Prioritized and Focused
Tweeted from Norm Kelly’s Twitter @norm on 04/12/17

2. He Stands Up for His People and His City

Tweeted from Norm Kelly’s Twitter @norm on 22/07/15

3. He Promotes and Addresses Safety Awareness

Tweeted from Norm Kelly’s Twitter @norm

4. He Keeps Us Informed

Tweeted from Norm Kelly’s Twitter @norm

5. He Fosters a Safe Environment

Tweeted from Norm Kelly’s Twitter @norm on 23/11/16

6. And… He’s One of a Kind

Tweeted from Norm Kelly’s Twitter @norm on 10/11/14

Fast forward to the 2020 Presidential Election where we have American rapper/songwriter Kayne West, media proprietor Oprah Winfrey, and actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as shoo-in candidates in the race to win over America. These are merely a few to list, but they are not the first celebrities to be proposed as presidential candidates. And certainly not last. The rise of celebrity politicians is a sign of our political decline. If this trend continues to prosper, being a politician will no longer require politics.

Which generates a bigger question: Do career politicians stand a chance against celebrity politicians?

With over 700 000 Twitter followers and praises from “Drizzy Drake” himself, Kelly managed to capture the hearts of millennials worldwide through using creative processes to successfully build himself an admirable brand.

And with every moment that the “6Dad” shares himself with the world, he turns heads and creates discussions across multiple platforms. The power lays in the hands of those behind the screen. In today’s day and age, social media users are active agents with the power and influence to determine “what’s hot or not”, “hit or miss,” or “yay or nay.”

Norm “6Dad” Kelly featured sporting Ryerson apparel with “6God” Drake

If Kamala Harris dares to stand a chance against potential rival Kayne West in the 2020 election showdown, she must take a few pointers from Kelly’s Twitter page (@norm) to start building a reputable brand. When someone speaks of Norm Kelly’s name, instantly we recognize him as our “6Dad.” That is what he is known for. He has embraced this persona, tackling on multiple “Dad” moments on social media, which many find quite hysterical and admirable. He “Takes Care” (shout out to Drake) of his audience by keeping us updated with the latest trends and staying relevant to his “hip-hip” hero title. Often done through countless memes and Drake references. He also takes the time to leverage his power by educating his fans with the reality of situations. Often addressing issues such as homelessness in Toronto, road safety, and public health concerns. Career politicians who are able to create admirable brands for themselves can easily swoop the election votes, as they hold the competitive advantage of having a politic background. When did politicians stop having politic experience anyways?!

Kelly’s relationship with Toronto’s rapper Drake is what we consider #relationship goals. A fan of Drake is a fan of Norm. It’s simple as that. As a relatable, knowledgeable, and charming man, Norm Kelly seals the deal for having the whole package.

In today’s day and age, social media plays an active role in millennial’s lives. It is the primary source of communication. It educates them. It influences their likes and dislikes. It shapes us to be who we are. Whether you are a celebrity or a politician, your social media brand will either make or break you. Luckily, YOU hold the power to create this brand for yourself.

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