This Man Is My Hero

I’ve known about Emperor Norton I for a few years. Before today; I hadn’t delved too deeply into the sublime lunacy of the self-proclaimed monarch. The man was a genius. Stark-raving crazy (or just incredibly eccentric), but a genius all the same.

You’re walking down the streets of San Francisco in the latter half of the 19th Century. You wear a faded, likely smelly uniform, escorted by two mongrels and carry a rusty saber at your side or a walking stick or umbrella. The police salute you as you march by. If one of your esteemed canines passes away, Mark Twain pens the eulogy.

You’re accepted at the finest restaurants, whose business increases or wanes based on your approval. No theatrical show dares open without reserving balcony seats for you and your dogs. You have your own currency, accepted most anywhere in San Francisco.

***
Joshua A. Norton, aka Emperor Norton I, roamed the streets of San Francisco for decades in the 1800’s. He posted decrees for his nation, showed affection and concern for his city, and proclaimed himself monarch. Everyone went along with it. His Highness walked with the sort of madness that just swept you along up with it. He said he was Emperor, and he was treated as such. When his uniform had grown old and tattered, the city paid for a new one.

Not afraid of civil service, he stopped a riot in its tracks by kneeling between the mob and its target (a group of Chinese immigrants) and started reciting the Lord’s Prayer, over and over again. The would-be-rioters dissipated like a shamed fog.

I get him. I totally get him. Emperor Norton did something that no-one had ever done before him, nor can anyone do again. Not only would they be pale reflections; it’s doubtful they’d be embraced so patriotically in this day and age. People don’t seem to have the sense of humor for frivolity that they once did.

Norton was arrested once, to be committed. The public outcry against the arrest, in addition to the metaphorical SANE stamp he received from the Commissioner of Lunacy, ensured his speedy release. He was gracious enough to issue an “Imperial Pardon” to the arresting officer! Talk about class.

I think his lordship may actually be my new hero. He didn’t like the way things were done, and just… switched. He went crazy enough to allow for his own brand of rule, yet sane enough to be a benevolent, amiable fellow who seemed to genuinely care about his subjects.

Long live Emperor Norton!