Media & Culture

WHIG

Based on the same design of Obama's 2008 "Hope" campaign poster, I digitally designed a poster for our 10th president, John Tyler (1841-1842). His political party was the Whigs and Tyler was the first Vice President to become President as his predecessor, William Harrison, died one month into his term. I chose Tyler because his campaign with Harrison was the first to create a persona or brand. Their selling point was being a layman or "log cabin". It was a huge shift as they were the first to actively campaign and even created paraphernalia, like plates. The unofficial campaign slogan, "Tippecanoe and Tyler Too," is one of the most famous presidential campaign slogan in American history.While certain historians scrutinize Harrison's campaign due to the emotional aspects, others highlight its contribution to the development of strategies employed in future presidential races. This branding and marketing is very reminiscent of the "spectacle" campaigns have become in modern day politics. Obama's "Hope" poster has become an iconic piece of his branding, much like Harrison and Tyler's Log Cabin Campaign.

Bodily Autonomy

For this piece, I crocheted and needlefelted a 3-D sculpture to represent how bodily autonomy has become a prominent topic in modern day politics. The most recent and most prevalent have been Roe v. Wade and Mask Mandates for COVID-19. Both issues have been associated with the common slogan "my body, my choice", even though they typically align with opposing political perspectives However, both matters beg the question: How much regulation should the government put on what we do with our bodies?

Media & Culture

24/7 News Cycle and Digital Media

The rise of digital media and the 24/7 news cycle have led to an increased immediacy in reporting political events.
Social media platforms have become powerful tools for disseminating political information, influencing public opinion, and facilitating political discourse.

Polarization and Echo Chambers

The political landscape has become more polarized, and media outlets often cater to specific ideological viewpoints, leading to the creation of echo chambers.
Consumers may choose media that aligns with their existing beliefs, contributing to a fragmented and polarized information environment.
Feedback loops/are they legitimate?

Further Reading: https://sites.google.com/view/sources-why-we-hate-each-other/

Digital Campaigning and Microtargeting

Political campaigns increasingly rely on digital platforms for outreach, using targeted advertising and personalized messaging.
Social media platforms are essential tools for candidates to connect directly with voters and mobilize support.

Social Movements and Activism

Social and political movements, such as the #MeToo movement and Black Lives Matter have gained prominence, influencing media narratives and cultural conversations.
Activism is often amplified and organized through social media platforms.