The Game of Politics

Disclaimer: The political bug bit me. I didn't see it coming.

For discussion purposes only.

Standing Out in the Crowd

A few weeks ago, I attended a discussion on race in the current presidential election. The official title was “Narratives of Race and Gender in the 2008 Election”, however much of the discussion focused on race. It was led by NYU Professor Charlton Mcllwain, who is currently conducting intensive research on the race and gender elements of the current presidential election. As a member of the Department of Media, Culture, and Communication, it fits in perfectly.

Mcllwain opened by showing a number of campaign commercials done by past black candidates running for office. These commercials sparked a brief discussion on terms consistent in each commercial, “hard work” and “play by the rules.” We then were shown a few presidential campaign commercials for Barack Obama. We picked out how Obama’s commercials combine the elements consistent in earlier commercials for black candidates. We discussed how as oppose to only saying “hard work” or only saying “play by the rules”, his commercials displayed a combination of the two resulting in his popular themes of hope and change. This then led us to a highly probable theory.

Professor Mcllwain theorizes that Barack Obama is attempting to portray himself as the black candidate without portraying himself as the black candidate. At first glance, this may sound confusing. However, it is quite true. In comparison to commercials done by previous black candidates, Barack Obama avoids sticking to one side. He does not solely make statements that combat specific stereotypes applied to African Americans. Instead, he incorporates stereotypes and attacks them accordingly. His commercials will discuss one element and then discuss another element within the 30 second time frame. His commercials will display him with black supporters and then display praise from white intellectuals. In doing this, Barack Obama is stepping outside of a general stereotype applied to black candidates campaigning for office. He attacks all elements of stereotypes and produces a perfectly sculpted 30 second feature. The concept of his commercials evokes change and the actual filmed elements induce hope. He is portraying himself as the black candidate without portraying himself as the black candidate because he is a different kind of black candidate.

This theory then leaves us in a pondering place. What does it mean? How is it that this candidate is able to separate himself so tactfully from the rest? A simple answer could be marketing. His campaign could have hired the most sought-after marketing firm to put together these 30 second spots of genius. A more probable answer, however, may easily lie in the idea that Barack Obama is in the right place at the right time. It is a fact that if Obama had attempted to run in previous presidential elections, he would have had a more difficult time gaining support. America’s current state calls for a man of Obama’s specific breed. From his mixed heritage to his opposition to the war in Iraq, he encompasses the type of leader this country is yearning for. That is not to say that other candidates in the race are not qualified, but it is to say that Obama may just be the man for the job. At least for right now.

Any responses?

Talk to me.

-Jonna