The slogan “Yes
We Can” affected millions of Americans in the 2008 Presidential Elections. The
possibilities Barack Obama gave to many American citizens was hope and change
in America. Obama believed that even
when odds were not in everyone’s favour that change is what everyone as nation
can believe in. Back in 2008, I remember watching Obama’s “Yes We Can” speech and
the possibility that the United States would have their first African American
President. Obama’s speech not only spoke to the American audience but to non-Americans
and those watching around the world. As a minority in Canada, Black Canadian, race
is important to me and to many Americans. Racial identities, racial minorities
and the diversity of race are still prominent throughout the world. The
intersection of race and pop culture is an important issue faced by many
non-whites as they are afraid that there voices does not matter. The
significance of the “Yes We Can” speech gave hope to minorities residing in or
out of the country and the proclamation of Martin Luther King’s speech “I Have
a Dream” was still in effect in the 21st century. Obama's campaign focuses on encouragaing the diverse group of Americans to vote and offer unity amongst all races across America.
Now campaigning
for re-election in the 2012 Presidential Elections, Barack Obama has created a
new slogan called “Forward.” The “Forward Movement” like the “Yes We Can
Movement” is believed to unify the nation but at the same time moving forward in
achieving the nation’s goals in creating new jobs, producing more American made
energy, training workers with the job skills, and reducing the deficit.[1] The
media coverage of “Forward” has grabbed the attention of many celebrities in
joining the movement. American Rapper Will.i.am, in the 2008 election, and
musician Neyo, in the 2012 election, collaborated with other musicians and celebrities
in creating a music video that supported Obama and emphasize the importance of
the right to vote. It was not until Obama had stated, “Change will not come if
we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting
for. We are the change that we seek,” that the idea of voting was seen
insignificant to many Americans. However, it was because of the encouragement by
Obama and many celebrities, who are fighting for his re-election, that the importance
of voting is a right and not a privilege. Obama and many Presidential Candidates
and past Presidents believe that a single vote tremendously effect who is
leading the country. Many voters, especially young, do not understand the importance
of voting when they believe the same type of candidate is presumably going to
be elected or re-elected. Yet, speaking on behalf of many young adults, Obama’s
notion for change and moving forward inspires those whose voices are not heard.
He continues to fight in resolving issue from minority groups, decreasing
gender disparity, abolishing racial disputes and unifying the country as a
whole. The idea of change is not for the good but for the bettering of America.
Obama strongly believes, “Our destiny is not written for us but it is written
by us;” is powerful for which the strengths and hope of Americans
can be unified as one.[2]
Jay Z: The Power of Our Voice
The public opinion
by the media has legitimized the importance of voting. News media coverage and social
media via Twitter and Facebook has tremendously encouraged “The Power of Our
Voice.” Jay Z, a proud supporter, and many celebrities, has taken his celebrity
status in reaching out to fans across the world asking for his support. The
power of the media and the power of our voice are seen as a possibility for
change where those who have never voted and those who have not been heard are
able too. It is important to me and to many Obama supporters that the
possibility for voting and the right to be heard plays a tremendous role in
politics. Obama represents a nation of kids were hope is possible and hope of
people all across the country can relate back to someone that they can see themselves
and know that there is a possibility. He strongly believes in America, “where
no matter what you look like, no matter where you come from, you can make it if
you try.”[3] Jay
Z and many supporters, myself included, believed that for so long there was a
voice that was silenced, across America and throughout the rest of the world, in
regards to the right to vote. It was because people had lost hope and didn’t believe
that their voice matter or counted.[4] Obama
re-connects with the American people, previous and first time voters by
emphasizing the power of our voice and the importance of voting. The exercising
of a vote for many Americans is important because everyone has a choice and the
choices we make could not be more important.
Work
Cited
Kenneth,
Janda & et. “The Challenge of
Democracy American Government in Global Politics, Essentials Editions.
Eight Edition. 2012 p.111-85
CNN: Article “Jay Z still has Obama’s back”
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/05/14/jay-z-still-has-obamas-back/
Obama and Biden Campaign Website:
http://www.barackobama.com/about/barack-obama?source=footer-nav
