After Tuesday's unexpected election results and Wednesday's "Black Mirror" film, it is clear to see that much of what politics and media is about is deception. I believe that we do not have much control over what goes on throughout the government and politics as we have been taught. I believe that this 2016 Presidential Election was one big joke. Why? Because we were given the "choice" between two people that everyone disliked equally, and we were expected to be content with the outcome. How can voting be fair when no one really wanted either?
I thought it was amazing how just last year everyone was pretty much against both candidates, but because of the media and trolling from Trump, many people thought that voting for Clinton would be okay because she is considered the "lesser evil." I'm not sure that I can agree with the "lesser evil" concept. In my opinion, choosing the "lesser evil" in this instance would be choosing the best friend who talks about you behind your back (Clinton) instead of the honest enemy (Trump). Neither is good, but with Trump at least you know (for the most part) what you're getting. It's interesting what humans will do to make themselves feel better about scary situations.
Needless to say, I did not vote. I did not vote because I feel that Clinton and Trump are just as equally evil. Although, if I would have voted, my vote would have gone to a third party candidate - maybe even Harambe. What's even more interesting to me is the logic behind everyone's vote. Most people that I know are upset with the non-voters, but what if all non-voters would have voted for Trump (to the pro-Hillary people)? They would've still been unsatisfied. Another classmate of mine even said, "why would you vote for a third party? They never win anyway." Can you spot my dilemma here? If my calculations are correct, many people wanted others to exercise their right to vote, but only if it were for Hillary.
So, I can understand why in "Black Mirror" people voted for Waldo. Waldo was a voice for the people, for the frustrated and confused. Waldo for me would be Harambe. When both of the main candidates are out of the question for you and you have no real knowledge, or hope about any third parties. It's only right. However, this too can be just as deceiving. In "Black Mirror," the Waldo character could have been anyone because it was really no one. Sure, the person behind the cartoon had real feelings and beliefs, but the cartoon itself could represent anything. Meaning, it originally started out as a jab at traditional politics to ease the tension of the people, but eventually that outlet got tainted too.
When the black man from "The Agency" came to speak to Jamie and his boss, we can see that they wanted to use the character of Waldo for bad reasons. That scene should have shown viewers that public figures are sometimes used for other motives that usually aren't good, and it's easy to be deceived. How? Because we get hooked on their act, and even when they clearly change for the worse, everyone is so deep in that they cannot see the truth. That is why when Jamie tried to speak out against Waldo and his tactics, no one believed him and they followed "Waldo's" orders to beat Jamie.
When you think about it, no one person can advocate for a nation of diverse people. When it comes to a democracy, someone is always going to be left out, and with this election, it's clear to see who was left out. I think it's important for people to realize that the media can be very powerful, especially, when it comes to dividing us. People should realize that ultimately, we have all the power. There are strength in numbers. We should try to understand one another and work together to be peaceful, because as we can see, the media has left our nation is an outrage.
2 comments:
Your interpretation of this year's presidential election is very intriguing Erica. I haven't thought of your points before now. It's refreshing to see something from a new point of view. The point that you make about voting for a third party and in this case, Harambe, makes sense in the way that you felt that your vote wouldn't be a genuine and confident one if you voted for either of the two main candidates. I like your conclusion because it references the real power there is when people come together for a common cause, in this case peace and understanding, than can be used to change the world for the better.
Erica,
Great post!! Very good read. I also did not vote because I believe the same way you did. I could not justify voting for either candidate and my vote for the third party would have been a waste.
In contrary to nobody liking either candidates, America put these two to represent the Democrat and Republican party. Sure, they are both far from ideal and very much disliked but both are also very much liked for their own reasons.
Both candidates are evil like you said, definitely evil in their own way. You brought up media and I agree that also plays a huge role. No publicity is bad publicity.
As a nation full of diverse people, it is crazy to think one person will ever solve all of the fuss. We hold the power not the media! Wish everyone looked at it this way.
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