The latest phenomenon to hit Los Angeles’ long string of fashion trends is Obama-mania merchandise.
Last week, the Los Angeles Times reported that president-elect Barack Obama has been able to market not only his political capabilities, but his value as a brand name via book deals, television contracts and any Obama-related paraphernalia.
And while it’s encouraging to see that political fodder has become so mainstream within our age demographic (exactly how many celebrities have been decked out in “Obama Is My Homeboy” T-shirts?), one has to wonder if this newfound material hope is anything substantial.
Sure, I am an Obama supporter. And I will admit that at one point during the election, I was extremely tempted to cash in on a gray American Apparel T-shirt with a silk screen print of Obama’s face on the front.
Because let’s admit it “”mdash; whether you are a Democrat, Republican or politically apathetic, it’s hard to deny the hype surrounding our soon-to-be president.
Perhaps it’s the pure history surrounding the 2008 campaign and election. Obama was not only the first black man to receive the Democratic Party’s official nomination, but he managed to sweep in as our future 44th president with impressive gains.
There were tall tales of massive voter turnouts, feelings and sentiments of hope and progress on the South Side of Chicago ““ stories that Americans, who had lived through the civil rights movement, were in complete awe to witness.
But how does any of this translate into buying an Obama-themed bobblehead, coffee mug or wine bottle?
Perhaps it’s the pure necessity of having some physical proof to illustrate to our grandchildren (or great-grandchildren) that we lived through this experience. We were there ““ and here is a dated, sealed and stamped official Obama campaign poster to prove it.
If anything, we should be wary of the hype.
Let us not ignore the current conditions that exist in our country: We are still very much entrenched in a violent struggle in Iraq, and we are still involved in a flailing economy ““ one that could be dubbed the future Great Depression of 2009.
Despite Obama’s qualifications for office and the vast amount of faith he arouses in Americans, we must face reality and ask, “Just how much can really be done in four short years?”
Economists estimate that the country’s financial woes will continue well into 2009. As for our current involvement in the Iraq War, even if we were to completely abandon the mission, history shows us that it would take at least a few more years until we receive complete (or partial) separation ““ President Richard Nixon pulled United States troops out of the Vietnam War in two years, ending a long process started by his predecessors.
High hopes may be effective for campaigning, but what type of precedent do they set for an actual presidency?
The current cultural sensation surrounding Obama currently seems like a positive reinforcement of his political legitimacy, but our country has witnessed the negative aspects of media hype.
President George W. Bush is a perfect example of pop-culture fodder gone terribly wrong.
Sure, I will admit that Bush’s personal characteristics have served as small outlets of entertainment at times ““ book of “Bushisms,” anyone? ““ but the harsh reality is that the cartoon-like image of “Dubya” has completely overshadowed his role as a politician.
This serves as a grave and heartbreaking warning for Obama ““ pop-culture hype can be your best friend when hopes are high for a successful presidency, but one small mistake can have your country ““ and MTV and everyday street vendors ““ turn on you in the blink of an eye.
So, let’s maintain a sober level of realistic support for Obama as he embarks upon his presidency, and please put away the T-shirts, posters, pins and paraphernalia before it starts to seem satirical.
E-mail Chung at lchung@media.ucla.edu. Send general comments to viewpoint@media.ucla.edu.