(please ignore the poll - unfortunately I'm new to this) Politics has come under criticism in recent years, with cultural theorists recognizing the event of politicians associating themselves with music and film icons such as Bono, Geldof, and Angelina jolie as symbol of decline in political standards, or a reflection of politicians inability to raise awareness for their own agendas. In consideration of this and the decline of voting in the general election, I want to establish whether this development is inextricably linked, to a pubic cynicism of politics an politicians in general. What do you think? What is the significance of politican's willingness to engage with pop culture? Cheers
La Revolución is all about overthrowing the crooked government politicians (hence my name). I have no faith in them what so ever. They will break u and if need be, kill you. I encourage everyone to get a law book, the latest edition possible. It should be in every household throughout the US. I don't believe that people know as much about the law as they should. A law book should be on your shelf just like a dictionary, encylopedia, and/or phone book. Educate the masses!
They have a place in the scheme of things if they are held accountable and are not granted lifetime positions of power. They should have to earn public respect and continually be held answerable for the positions they take. The voting public has some responsibility also for maintaining the balance of power. Complacency isn't going to cut it.
To answer this question. Politicians are people too, and they have a right to live and be engaged, whether it be on Letterman, or playing sax with a band. I am sure many try to use it as a marketing tool. But the public is actually smarter than that I think. Who cares if they wear boxers or briefs except maybe someone like Monica. Like, how many of us have ever tried to picture Bush in his undies....he'd probably have to use a sock. Gore tried to appear cool during his campaign, it didn't come off any better than Dukakis and his little trip in the tank, or Bush in his teletubby outfit (Although that was cute moment.). Actually Gore has bought cool through his Global Warming stance. I wonder if he has the chutzpah to push Hillary out of the way.
Being here in California we are notorious for a combination of the two (politician and pop culture). We now have a Governator. We had Reagan as governor, Bono, Murphy and Eastwood as mayors and senators. And there's that guy from Law and Order, don't think he's from California though. And what of the wrestling governor? Hey pop culture and politics have been mixing for years. I imagine Lincoln was sort of a pop star in his day. He grew a beard because a little girl wrote him a letter saying he'd look better with one.
I've yet to see a politician support anything that didnt result in "him and his" getting more money and control....
Good argument Gardener - John Street states "Politicians are not immune to popular culture" even technological changes have influenced how politics is presented, such as the microphone. Though whilst politics has been involved with stars for sometime, do you feel the level of this association is now unprecedented?
Oh yeah, if anyone wants to participate in the poll I have now posted one on the hip poll section. Unfortunately I messed this one up (soz guys, it was my first attempt) It would be great for my analysis if you could take part. Cheers
