Author Archives: DAVID JIANG

Campaign Ad Analysis

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Bernie Sanders addresses the hesitation of those who believe the corrupt political system cannot be fixed. Instead of using visuals of the Wall Street corporation buildings, the ad focuses on a large farmland where it is rushing towards the horizon as the bright sun begins to rise. The visual also corresponds with what Bernie Sanders is saying: “…we need to lift our vision above the obstacles in place and look to the American horizon.” This helps bring the focus to rural communities and those that do not live in an area surrounded by skyscrapers. By focusing on them, it shows that Sanders value them for who they are and what they have contributed to the country.  At the same time, the perspective at this moment is above the field, showing that we can rise above the problem of corruption, and the bright sun helps give hope and inspiration. He follows up with the emphasis on college education opportunities. He includes a variety of races to speak to the minorities and those who do not have as many opportunities as they could have. For the other topics that he focuses on including: health care, job opportunities, glass ceiling, the individuals portrayed in the ad all appear to be satisfied, focused, and relaxed. By displaying these emotions, there is less worrying about the bad things that can happen. Another important part of the ad is discussing life after retirement. He makes a portrayal, engaging in a game of baseball with a young child. By putting himself, a politician, enjoying time with young kids, indicates that he does not side with the corrupt system and rigged economy. He wants to enjoy a simple life like most American citizens. The American flag also makes an appearance when discussing the defending of our people and our values. It gives a sense of nationalism and pride for who we are and what we should stand for as a nation. Although Sanders does not explicitly mention them in his speech, a woman wearing a hijab and veterans sporting U.S.M.C. hats appear. By not speaking about them yet having them appear, it indicates that Bernie Sanders is aware of their situation and also regards them as a high priority. The music also plays an important role in the ad. For example, in the beginning of the video, the music is very fast paced all the way till the sun rises from the horizon. It may reinforce the idea that what he plans to fix can become a reality in the near future. Afterwards, it is sounds much more heartfelt and generates a sense of longing. This works well with what he is saying because many things, such as equal wages and health care are things that our people desire. The rhythm of the music also makes it sound as if it is a very long journey that the person can accomplish. For instance, the slow pace and low sounding part of the music rising  to a quick, high sounding part resonates with the idea of slowly progressing but successfully achieving a goal.

The primary ad compares to the second ad in that they both refer to the rural communities and not just the business people. However, the second ad is narrated by someone that lives on a farm and helps to provide a voice for his people, the working class. The music is also somewhat similar; it is more peaceful but there is also a sense of strength and perseverance. Like the first ad, the music helps to reinforce what the narrator is saying in both ads. The third ad becomes more broad and makes mention of many of the topics that Bernie Sanders expresses concern for in the primary ad. The music is more fast paced here and gives a sense of urgency and the need for action. These ads help show that Bernie Sanders is of the common people and for the people, rather than for the corrupt businessmen and politicians.

Primary Ad: http://politicaladarchive.org/ad/PolAd_BernieSanders_4lv4e/

Secondary Ad: http://politicaladarchive.org/ad/PolAd_BernieSanders_tra1z/

Tertiary Ad: http://politicaladarchive.org/ad/PolAd_BernieSanders_q8l9l/

ad-analysis

Group D Post

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Malcolm X’s speech of 1964 known as “The Ballot or the Bullet” discusses the importance of voting in order to fight racial discrimination. He expresses his desire for an increase in Black nationalism, and an increase in reliance and dependence among the Blacks, rather than depending on the infrastructure and economy set forth by the Whites. However, he makes it clear that he does not hate the Whites, when he says, “It doesn’t mean that we’re anti-white, but it does mean we’re anti-exploitation, we’re anti-degradation, we’re anti-oppression.” Malcolm X thinks that it is ridiculous how the black peoples’ vote helped place an administration in the government, but in return they received nothing and their priority is of the least concern to the government. He urges for the Blacks to use their constitutional privilege of voting, because their votes are essential in this two-party system of Democrats and Republicans. In the beginning of his speech, his rhetoric is to unite the Blacks as one: “Whether you’re educated or you’re illiterate, whether you live on the boulevard or in the alley, you’re going to catch hell just like I am.” He goes on to say each and everyone of them have been in some way abused by the white man. He believes that being able to unite them for the progress of Black nationalism will counter the oppressive ways of the whites and provide more freedom for themselves.

In this 2016 election, Trump has made various comments on the condition of the Blacks living in America. In a recent campaign speech in Dimondale, Michigan, he said “You’re living in poverty, your schools are no good, you have no jobs, 58% of your youth is unemployed — what the hell do you have to lose?” (LoBianco & Killough) He does not mention the oppression, the slavery, or the civil riots of the Blacks throughout America’s long history, instead placing the fault on the African-Americans themselves. His response, however, changed recently in a newer speech, where he assured the African-American community that “I will be your greatest champion. I will never take the African0-American communities for granted. Never, ever.” (Sullivan, O’Keefe, & Zezima) Trump also blames the Democrats for their lack of action in improving the livelihood of the African-American community. His tone and his views have changed greatly within a matter of weeks to receive as many votes as possible. His actions are similar to those warned by Malcolm X in 1964, when he refers to Dixiecrats taking advantage of the Blacks for their votes. A Dixiecrat was a Democrat who did not approve of extending civil rights to minorities. What Trump is doing is similar to the problems that Malcolm X mentions – he seems sincere in improving racial relations even though he had expressed a different opinion not too long ago. He does so as a way to obtain votes even though it is unlikely he has placed the African-American community very high on the priority list. This is why Malcolm X had urged for the Blacks to unite because they face a common problem and by doing so can make a better decision in using the privilege to vote for someone who is more likely to provide a better future for them.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do either of the presidential candidates have any sincerity in improving racial inequality?
  2. Do you agree with Malcolm X’s idea of focusing on Black nationalism as a method in improving the livelihood of the Black people?

Works Cited:

LoBianco, Tom, and Ashley Killough. “Trump Pitches Black Voters: ‘What the Hell Do You Have to Lose?'” CNN. Cable News Network, 19 Aug. 2016. Web. 31 Oct. 2016.

Sullivan, Sean, Ed O’Keefe, and Katie Zezima. “Trump Pledges ‘new Deal for Black America'” Washington Post. The Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2016. Web. 31 Oct. 2016.