While we were wandering the streets of D.C., I unsurprisingly saw the words “change” and “hope” frequently. But these weren’t ads for the upcoming inauguration. Nope, these were ads for Pepsi. Furniture. Television. Clothing.
At the inauguration, there were hundreds, if not thousands, of street merchants. Peddling Obama t-shirts. Hats. Scarves. Gloves. Posters. Calendars. Gift bags. Flags. Buttons.
Welcome to the commodization of democracy.
Half of me is proud that people in this country can always find a way to utilize opportunity to make a quick buck. The other half of me is disgusted that such a monumental moment in American history is just another merchandising opportunity or advertising campaign for a significant portion of the population.
At the same time, though, people are buying this crap. In addition to shirts, hats and signs I encountered people in Obama belts, carrying Obama handbags - using Obama as a fashin statement. I guess it’s cool to be an Obama supporter right now. It’s hip to be political, I guess. And I guess an Obama belt is all it takes to fit in that category.
What do you think? Is using “change” in your marketing campaign acceptable? Is selling calendars with the Obama family on it kosher? Is buying into the merchandisation of the president “cool”?
VMdoug says:
I heard about Ikea and Pepsi on NPR last week, trying to “cash in” on the change message…not sure I agree with their tactics
Jan 21, 2009, 11:11 pm