You know the world is changing when website names are casually dropped in coversation and everyone understands what it means… classic example - google and youtube. Perhaps it’s just my generation, but I literally hear people using these brands casually at least once a day, and as verbs!
How will these multimedia sites impact the political arena? The real question is: How won’t they?? Avenues like youtube allow political candidates to cast their speeches, events and other promotional materials nationwide. The growing popularity of websites like youtube are helping our nation become more educated about the 2008 election. By simply searching for Obama, Clinton or McCain, anyone can access these candidate’s videos and quickly and conveniently hear their stance on hot topics.
Youtube, in my opinion is the audio-visual form of a blog. Practically anyone can post videos on this site, much like blogs. Youtube also seems to be performing much like a video-soapbox, in which people can post videos of themselves sharing opinions, talents, creativity for everyone else to view. We’re seeing blogs grow just as much as multimedia sites are, and this will definitely bring change.
One political video on youtube that immediately pops into my head is entitled, “Yes We Can“, created by various music artists and actors endorsing Obama for president. It’s no lie that people are impressionable and celebrities are opinion leaders- which is why this video is so powerful. The simple statement of “Yes We Can” and the artistic way this video is presented makes this video montage impactful. Because the actors and music artists are all very popular with the yonger generation helps as well. The younger generation is receiving their ideas of the presidential candidates through multimedia sites such as youtube and blogging sites.
Can multimedia sites leave a remarkable impression on this years election? Yes, Youtube Can.
1.) How have you or your social network’s political views been influenced by multimedia sites? Please use examples specific to the 2008 election.
2.) Compare and contrast multimedia sites, such as youtube with blogs. In what ways are they similar? Also, what predictions can you make about the growth potential of sites like youtube and the blogsphere?
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