Obama Art
August 18, 2008 5 Comments
This weekend we attended the Kentucky State Fair (expect lots of pictures in the next couple of days). As we strolled through the art entries I was struck by an interesting phenomenon. Among the paintings I counted eight of Barack Obama. None of John McCain and none of any other living politicians. (There was one photo of Bill Clinton at the end).
I’m not sure what this says other than that my suspicions of a ‘cult of personality’ were somewhat reaffirmed.
Weird.
You know those booths in the middle of shopping mall corridors where you can get your photo put on a t-shirt or mug? I’ve seen a few of those where they’ve made up products with photos of Obama for sale.
I found it a little weird, but mostly because of some copyright concerns. Mostly, I think it’s exciting to see people that personally involved in a political campaign. Remember, before you could pick up pre-made lawn signs and bumper stickers from the local office, people paraded down the street singing campaign songs. I think people are looking for a way to make politics personal, when they feel like they have something finally worth getting excited about.
I guess I just found the art a bit creepy. But you’re right about the reference to the old campaign songs and such. I wonder though if those jingles weren’t just a really effective advertising ploy. We all know how hard it is to get a jingle out of our heads. And some of those slogans were brilliant. ‘I like Ike’ or ‘Tippacanoe and Tyler Too’.
I like the level of engagement and on that point I agree with you completely. I think my skepticism lies primarily with the Hollywood component of the DNC. That Will I Am song was just too much. I keep thinking how young Hollywood gets so involved every four years and then you find out most of them didn’t actually vote.
Never mind young Hollywood not voting. Primarily it’s a matter of young Hollywood not thinking.
I’m sure you’ve heard the old saying, “If you’re not a liberal when you’re young then you have no heart. If you’re not a conservative when you’re old, then you have no brain.”
Hey, he’s inspiring. Maybe John McCain should be inspiring. Get over it.