Life's Little Institutionalized Ironies

This week I decided to write something on a lighter note. As some of you may know, I am a huge fan of what I like to call "Life's Little Institutionalized Ironies." Most of them are, in fact, ironic (I try not to Alanis Morissette the word "ironic"); I do admit that I place some items whose irony is in dispute in the category as well. Having said that, here are a few of my favorites (in no particular order):

Andrew Jackson and US Legal Tender

Andrew Jackson (7th president of the United States/Spanish Ouster/British Fighter-offer/Native Relocator/All-around Bad-Ass), in one of his more belligerent moments, vetoed the re-chartering of the Second National Bank of the United States. The Bank was up for re-chartering in 1832 and Congress sent the bill to Jackson for approval. Jackson vetoed the charter and, in 1833, removed federal money from the National Bank. The charter ran out and the Bank was no more. At the end of his presidency, Jackson also warned against the use of paper money (he preferred the use of actual gold over a slip of paper redeemable for gold). However, in 1928, Andrew Jackson was chosen as the new face of the twenty dollar bill. It is as if the Federal Reserve were giving a huge middle finger to Andrew Jackson, and I am convinced that he rolls in his grave every time a twenty dollar bill changes hands.

The Pulitzer Prize

Joseph Pulitzer was a Hungarian-born American known most notably for his work in the newspaper business (and as the antagonist in the beloved musical "Newsies"). Pulitzer is known in historical circles for his contribution (read role as co-founder) of early 20th century Yellow Journalism. In his bid to sell more newspapers, Pulitzer often sensationalized stories, using a variety of techniques regarding paper layout, story selection, etc. It has been said that Pulitzer is partly responsible for US entrance into war with Spain. This is an exaggeration, though more because his papers were not circulated outside of NYC, rather than for lack of trying. Pulitzer's stories often chose emotion over accuracy. Later on in his life, he is said to have become a more reputable editor. His role in Yellow Journalism is still felt today, over a century later. Thus, the irony that journalism's most coveted prize is named after a man who sensationalized the news in order to sell more papers.

The Eighteenth and Twenty-first Amendments

Note: This last one isn't all that ironic, I just find it amusing.

The Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States prohibits the manufacture, sale, and transportation (including importation) of any intoxicating beverages within the borders of the United States. It was passed in 1919 and went into effect in 1920. Several years later, the people of the United States decided that Prohibition was not such a great idea after all. The problem comes with the fact that a Constitutional Amendment cannot be removed. Therefore, in 1933, the Twenty-first Amendment was ratified, which stated that the Eighteenth Amendment was thus repealed and the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol was once again legal. As a result, according to the Constitution of the United States, the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol is both illegal and legal (though its legality supersedes its illegality).

Those are a few of the more memorable institutionalized ironies/oddities. I hope you enjoyed and I hope you find a few of your own!