During this time of year, the world watches blue and red battle for their candidate to be elected for Presidency. Like the Hunger Games, America views as both sides of the spectrum do everything to gain voters. Unfortunately, this political election won’t be any different from 2017. If you thought deciding who to elect our President back then, imagine the tough decision today. The world is well versed in the collective behaviors of President Trump. The actions we do have to be aware of are the ones we least expect to be manipulative.
While both campaigns are doing everything in their power to sway voters, particular things are being done that makes voting for either deemed difficult. Many citizens even find voting pointless because their votes not being indeed accounted for. The people already doubt the government and that untrustworthiness has developed over the centuries.
Political manipulation is a management of the people’s consciousness and behavior to persuade them to act in the m
anipulator’s interest. This manipulation can happen in the form of promises, involving celebrities and displaying advertisements discrediting other presidential candidates.
Many promises will be made, but the real trick will be proving how those promises will be fulfilled. There is always talk of “making America great again”, but in all reality, when has America ever been great?
When have we not been at war with ourselves? We call ourselves United, but it doesn’t seem that way when we are always against each other.
President Trump has been criticized continuously for his behavior. While that behavior shouldn’t be condoned, he has been able to back up his words by providing explicit ways to accomplish his policies. Many individuals will claim that he hasn’t done anything for the country, but while his behavior is unacceptable, the way he manages the country from a business perspective is suitable. We all know it takes more than business skills to run a country. A leader is more than a degree. A leader is someone capable of keeping their word and compassion towards the American people. President Obama is an excellent example of honesty, and there have been times where the former President didn’t keep promises, but he was always honest about it. A President shouldn’t be expected to make miracles happen, but if you’re going to promise the mountain tops, you better follow through.
You would think that Joe Biden is the perfect man to be the President, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Biden is a classic case off, “I promise” but probably won’t keep it. During his speech at DNC, he spoke a lot about togetherness and light out of the darkness.
The current circumstances aren’t the darkness that seeped into America. America has been dark since the beginning, and none of the President so far has shifted the image. Biden’s DNC speech was close to being extraordinarily heartfelt and compelling until he compared George Floyd’s death with the black community. Biden knows he is losing black voters, so his one last attempt to win them over is to say, “winning it for those communities who have known the injustice of a knee on the neck”. His last attempt to relate to the black community is by bringing up the tragic murder of George Floyd. This kind of manipulation easily wins democratic voters because they know their party wants to believe in change but has Biden presented any aspects of how he plans on accomplishing these changes? No.
Celebrities have been involved in political campaigns since the 1920s. It’s common for stars to have opinions about everything and openly express their global concerns with their audience during this day and age. The issue with this being that while celebrities are entitled to use their voices to raise awareness, they’re unknowingly or knowingly influencing their audience to vote for a particular candidate. Stars are worth having apart of political campaigns because realistically, they sell. Advertisements are where most celebrities gain income from, and the political campaign is a live one. Stars are also utilized to increase young voters because they are more challenging to reach than the older generation.
Imagine your favorite marvel hero was interested in a political candidate, and you were unknowing of politics or how it generally works. Would you feel more compelled to vote for the candidate your favorite hero is going to? Maybe. You could probably watch an advertisement and think nothing of it but suddenly feel more acceptant of that same candidate later on.
Presidential campaigns are primarily known for their infamous advertisement discrediting the other candidate. This technique never goes unused, and the way this is manipulating is by getting citizens to turn against each other based on who you’re voting for. Therefore you will feel guilty about your decision. Both parties are guilty of using this option as they both currently slander each other for their behavior, actions, and false promises. President Trump went as far as buying the most expensive banner on YouTube to where it’s now impossible not to have to watch. Manipulation is no longer an option in America, it’s forced upon us. It’s everywhere we turn without an escape.
How can you prevent yourself from being a victim of this political manipulation? Vote based on their actions, not words. Vote based on their effective plans of not trying to “change” America but instead help it grow. When you vote in November, be wise in your decision and choose a candidate that you believe will benefit you based on their policies.
