In our readings of chapter 1 and 2 in our book "Entertaining Politics" Jefrey Jones argues how the boundaries between politics and entertainment are increasingly blurred. Popular media outlets discovered that political content could be its hottest commodity. Furthermore popular culture has become one of the more open and free-flowing arenas for communication about politics.
Politics is now packaged in a variety of formats and genres beyond news and documentary, including talk shows, dramas, sitcomes, sketch comedy and as mentioned by Jones as well is fake news. When I read 'fake news' I right away thought of 'theonion.com'. TheOnion lives off of fake news and none of what they report is actually true - yet they are given out messages in different ways. Or such as ComedyCentral slogan says it "same news different take". Politics is drama, and as such has always had entertainment value for individuals, communities, and the nation (Jones 14). Jones further states that politics is increasingly crafted through and for media spectatorship, and hence the desired separation between media and politics is no longer possible. Whether we like it or not whether "theonion" or fake newsmagazines, they all demonstrate the power of "fake" as a way of reflecting upon the real.
Below is a clip from "theonion.com" that discusses how Obama does not like his dog, Bo. As a viewer I wonder, why would people even waste their time showing fake news? After reading Jones chapters it becomes a bit more clear - political issues, whether fake or real (as long as they have some kind of connection to the 'real' world) are entertaining or anyways have become entertaining.
Obama Denies Accusations He Does Not Love His Dog
"Theonion" has a tone of advertisement on its website and it is making a good business for reporting fake news. Plus people are obviously interested in it because "theonion" is making its own political statement by making fake political statements and through mocking possible real life happenings.
Under popular culture we could also include advertisements that make political statements I believe. This is why I also included a video on youtube put together of Benetton ads and other clothing companies that make a political statement to promote their brand.
In this video none of the ads of the clothing companies are merely just focusing on their clothing but are making a statement to get viewers attention. Jones notes that "Citizens often 'discover' their political views in the give-and-take of discussion with others" (29). These ads of clothing companies are very popular and so of course it becomes discussion in our day-to-day lives. Through discussion we come to see our political views on things - and then either agree or disagree with the popular cultures portrayal irrelevant from what 'real news media' might tell us. These ads as well as other popular culture thus is just as capable of shaping and supporting a culture of citizenship as it is of shaping and supporting a culture of consumption (39).
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