Definitely NOT a Republican...
Freeze. The bolded sentence made some of you laugh
(hopefully). Because you understood the sarcasm behind that statement. But
where did the sarcasm come from? It stems from a mutual understanding on a key
concept (Cowboy Hat + Gun + Southern Accent= Republican). That mental connection is an example of
a political stereotype. Stereotyping is an effect of repetitive mass
communication that creates the relationship between certain traits and an idea, person, or thing.. This is becoming a big
issue in our over saturated society which is compounded by the democratic
nature of American society. Writer Andrew Norman explains more in his blog;
"In the US, issue ownership
analysis is part of broader theories about voter ignorance. We know from many
surveys that the general public has very limited knowledge of political
institutions and policies. They tend not to know very much about broader social trends either. This means that
electors draw on various informational short-cuts to make political decisions."
One of these informational
shortcuts is the stereotyping of political parties. Candidates can now run for
office with less to fear about the issues, their voting record, or their moral turpitude;
it all has to do with whether or not there is an "R" or "D."
The use of stereotyping in politics is readily apparent in social commentary about politics. Look at SNL and there use of Tina Fey as Sarah Palin. It was a phenomena which shaked the political landscape. An image was created by the media, and that very stereotype came to define her and the presidential election.
While it could be argued that this is image branding and not stereotyping, the amount of political coverage which revolves around similar themes is unprecedented. Majors news stations, FOX, CNN, MSNBC etc. will present their stories on politicians through "stereotypical Republican" or "stereotypical Democrat" lenses.
While it could be argued that this is image branding and not stereotyping, the amount of political coverage which revolves around similar themes is unprecedented. Majors news stations, FOX, CNN, MSNBC etc. will present their stories on politicians through "stereotypical Republican" or "stereotypical Democrat" lenses.
Sources
1. Inskeep, S. & Roberts, C. (2012, April)
2. Norman, Andrew. http://andrewnorton.info/2008/01/28/what-does-it-mean-for-a-political-party-to-own-an-issue/
4. Endicott, W. (2012, Febuary 16) http://www.sacbee.com/2012/02/16/4267438/viewpoints-political-stereotypes.html
