The Sensation That Took the Nation

 In the short film the Waldo Moment a cartoon bear gained popularity and power by playing on individual's inclination for a spectacle. Waldo, the bear became powerful in a political world because he acted like many politicians but behaved like the exact opposite of a politician. Unfortunately this film about a cartoon rocking the nation rung a little too true with the latest presidential election here in the States. 

When we hear the word politician or think about politics in general, we rarely have a warm and fuzzy feeling. Most people groan out of weariness in thinking about all the things politics hasn't done for them. Politics has gained a negative connotation for the majority of Americans and the voters in The Waldo Moment. Therefore, when a candidate comes along that not only makes you laugh by jabbing at the politicians and displaying a dislike of the political status quo like the citizens, he or she appeals to many people.  Waldo acted like a politician in that he became what the voters wanted and said things that pleased them to get their votes but under a face that was the opposite of the one typical politicians wear.

Waldo was an extreme metaphor exemplifying the possibilities when a spectacle can sway people to ignore basic facts, such as how unqualified a cartoon character is for politics, and vote simply on the radical emotions they feel. The voters in the Waldo Moment felt that Waldo was the only one speaking the truth about politicians and voicing their own thoughts. Speaking the truth is a good thing in and of itself but the blue bear never gave any solutions to the problem with the political system. Despite his lack of solutions he still managed to pull in thousands of votes and followers. 

The presidential candidates of the latest election also used methods similar to Waldo. They created a spectacle that pleased voters. Each of the primaries spoke mostly on their individual values and beliefs over their plans should they become president. Donald Trump built his entire campaign on the spectacle of his character that he has created. The radical conservative intent on making America great again through extreme measures that will abolish the corrupt political system. However, I think the Nation is holding its breath to see who the man behind the character is for our new president. I feel that most Americans are hoping it is not the same type of people behind Waldo.