The Polar Explorer, and Scammer, Who Should Be an American Hero
An article about Frederick Cook, an explorer and scammer, who deserves recognition as an American icon.
Frederick Cook: The Heroic Scammer
In today's age, our public figures are not always revered for their honor and bravery. Scammers and criminals can become icons in our society. Frederick A. Cook, an explorer, inventor, liar, and felon, is a man who fell through the cracks of history but deserves recognition as an American hero.
Cook embodies the spirit of our current American age where scammers like Anna Delvey and con men-cum-congressmen like George Santos are idolized. His obfuscations and sly dodges, schemes and scams make him an intriguing figure. In his own time, he gained fame through infamy and condemnation, but today, with our post-ironic posture, he could be beloved.
Cook's Controversial Claim of Reaching the North Pole
When Cook announced in 1909 that he was the first man to reach the North Pole, he was celebrated with lectures, medals, and fancy dinners. However, it was later revealed that he almost certainly hadn't reached the pole. Cook, a native New Yorker and natural showman, let his imagination and storytelling skills run wild. Despite falling short of the pole, he spun a tale so inspiring that he convinced himself of his accomplishment.
Headlines soon appeared about Robert Peary, who claimed to have reached the pole and accused Cook of being a liar. Peary, with powerful supporters and an institutional backing, overshadowed Cook. Cook's popularity with the public couldn't match Peary's influence, and he was sent into a permanent disgrace. However, it's worth noting that Peary's claim to reaching the pole was also largely debunked in later years.
Cook: The Adventurous Scammer
Despite being discredited as an explorer, Cook continued his adventures. He embarked on a Texan oil scheme in the 1920s, convincing investors to fund his failed oil companies. Cook's charisma and audacity allowed him to manipulate struggling investors, although his intentions may have been genuine. Eventually, his scheme collapsed, and he was convicted of mail fraud and sentenced to prison.
Cook didn't conform to the moral standards of his time, where respectability and establishment connections mattered. His popularity faltered under the relentless media campaign led by Peary. However, in our contemporary era, where delusion and disregard for the rules can be seen as admirable, Cook's unconventional character and audacious exploits could make him a beloved figure.
