Some Democrats have a problem with “the medium is the massage” in the case of Obama and his use of target-marketing tactics. Tennessee has more, at her place for you to see. This is the first time we have ever seen a candidate for the American Presidency use tactics from political regimes past to create an army for himself. It raises important ethical questions about whether these propaganda tactics should be allowed, or whether they are good for America.
Depending on where you live, you may or may not have seen the “STREET PASTERS.”
As we discussed yesterday, “glittering generalities” like the use of the word “PROGRESS” or “HOPE” linked to “VOTE” like this photo above raises major red flags.
If you’ve read George Orwell’s book “1984″ you can get an understanding of the State under TOTALITARIANISM. It’s not the American Way. Here is a place to read the book for FREE in the web. Sometimes this book has been banned in the past. It’s never been as important to read than right now, because we are seeing what Orwell was talking about come alive in 2008.
HERE IS YOUR FREE COPY OF GEORGE ORWELL’S 1984!
(thanks to these good people who made it for you)
One problem we have is with all the target marketing being done in the web, like for instance, fundraising on a scale like this. It’s interesting that the bracelet has trademarked one of the “glittering generalities” being used. Here is the first link. Apparently the bracelet has been for sale a long time. Here is the second link.
The second link has imagery of the logo being adapted to various target markets. Rather than using just one image to represent himself, the logo now becomes a piece of “propaganda” adaptable to specific portions of the American electorate. Mass identification with a “brand.”
You’ll want to see how that looks, so click the second link above and scroll down. One thing the Obama camp has done is make history by “selling” itself to the American Public. Democratic Presidents have not exploited this aspect in the past. The objects work as part of the propaganda overall, and serve to reinforce the campaigns “brand.”
I’ve got a little part of a video here, it is a classic propaganda film from Hitler’s era, when he was building up his “army” of support. It’s called TRIUMPH OF THE WILL — here is a tiny clip from youtube. One thing about NAZI, FASCIST, or TOTALITARIAN style leaders, they need “armies” of people behind them, and armies of people who will do their bidding. The trouble with a leader like this is that they always have a vision for what a Utopian state would look like. In the book 1984, you can read about life under TOTALITARIANISM. It’s not a good life. Believe me.
Take a look at this short youtube video of the opening credits for the film “1984″ and see if you can see the face of a TOTALITARIAN NATION, coming about under a logo…or a glittering set of generalities and doublespeak.
One Response to “Propaganda, politics, election 2008 and the problem of Obama’s target-marketing tactics. Is this the American Way to attain the Presidency? Or something else?”
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May 4, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Reifenstal was a talented but evil filmmaker.
All of this Obama worship is scary. I came onto WP today and there was just a blasting of pro-Obama propaganda. You couldn’t get to anything else. I guess 7 votes in Guam didn’t give them confidence. And then there were “jokes” over Hillary’s choice of Eight Bells suffering broken legs at the Derby. That is just sick. And these are the “change, hope, unity” people. I am disgusted.