Incivility Strikes Again
We have discussed the impact of incivility extensively in class due to its major effects on political campaigns. As the race for the Democratic nomination heats up, the media has once again decided to focus on incivility between candidates. CNN has stated that the people of Pennsylvania have placed the blame for negative attack ads on Hillary Clinton. Polls have shown that two thirds of Pennsylvania Democrats say Hillary has launched unfair attacks against Obama; while only thirty percent of voters say she hasn't.
I think most people maintain that they do not like to hear that incivility is playing a pivotal role in the advertisements that candidates are endorsing, but that is the truth of the matter. As John Geer writes, "There is a widespread belief that incivility – attacks that go beyond facts and differences and move toward name-calling and derision – is a serious threat to our electoral process." I think that this is only true to an extent.
People in America now know what comes along with any election - there is going to be mudslinging and name-calling. I think that most people have come to realize that, even if they don't like it. I am not a fan of hearing candidates insult each other, especially when it is about personal things the would determine the presidential quality of the person.
I don't think that incivility will end any time soon. The more that the media turns politics into something that is more entertainment driven rather than politically driven I believe we will just see an increase in negative and uncivil behavior in political candidates. This is obviously being supported by both Hillary and Obama's actions in Pennsylvania. Although Hillary is being singled out, it is fair to say that all of the candidates are taking turns using incivility to weaken their opponents' positions. As the presidential election draws closer it will be interesting to see how much farther candidates will go to make themselves look better, while making their opponents look worse.
I think most people maintain that they do not like to hear that incivility is playing a pivotal role in the advertisements that candidates are endorsing, but that is the truth of the matter. As John Geer writes, "There is a widespread belief that incivility – attacks that go beyond facts and differences and move toward name-calling and derision – is a serious threat to our electoral process." I think that this is only true to an extent.
People in America now know what comes along with any election - there is going to be mudslinging and name-calling. I think that most people have come to realize that, even if they don't like it. I am not a fan of hearing candidates insult each other, especially when it is about personal things the would determine the presidential quality of the person.
I don't think that incivility will end any time soon. The more that the media turns politics into something that is more entertainment driven rather than politically driven I believe we will just see an increase in negative and uncivil behavior in political candidates. This is obviously being supported by both Hillary and Obama's actions in Pennsylvania. Although Hillary is being singled out, it is fair to say that all of the candidates are taking turns using incivility to weaken their opponents' positions. As the presidential election draws closer it will be interesting to see how much farther candidates will go to make themselves look better, while making their opponents look worse.
posted by Arielle Nelson | 5:15 PM
8 Comments:
I agree with what Arielle said about incivility being irrelevant when making statements about candidates' personal lives. Many of the comments made do not seem to pertain to the campaign. While some of the comments are degrading to one's character some of these comments do not relate to a person's leadership skills. We are all human and have less than perfect characteristics. So instead of picking out at every flaw (example, Obama experimenting with drugs in college) let's just elect the candidate who can best lead us.
I think that incivility will always be a problem in our current political system. I mean, just take this semester alone, how long ago did we address this topic, and then how many times have we discussed this? I mean, come on, this topic is probably the most discussed topic from our class. I agree with both Arielle and Caitlin. However, I do like a tad bit of incivility for it shows creditability, knowledge, and personality.
Remember that we can critque someone and still be civil. The only reason I would like to see more incivility would be so I can note vote for the candidate who leads it. I know it's tough and has rarely been accomplished in the past, but I seriously think that incivility can be taken down if our poilitical leaders take the first step.
In closely watching this election unfold (thank you Prof. Kramer for forcing us to do this by being in this course) I have noticed a few things about negative ads, statements, etc. The most important of which is that negative campaigning has the greatest impact on the other candidate, not on the American people. It's all about psyching the other person out, and in the case of Hil and Obama, HC has taken the lead - the PA primary is evidence of this. So, even though negative campaigning is a turn off and potentially a reason not to vote for a certain candidate, I believe that it is extremely effective in lowering the confidence of one's opponent.
I agree with what Arielle said about incivility becoming more common as politics become more of a form of entertainment. A lot of entertainment includes humor, mocking and making fun of other people. I think politics as a form of entertainment is only going to hurt politicians if anything. I think the media will most likely focus on the negative aspects of each candidate verses the positive and beneficial ones.
I agree with what Arielle said about the political realm becoming way to much about entertaining an audience and fueling the media fire than actually informational. I honestly would like to see the media step back and only show what the candidates do and say and not have any talking heads in order to fuel their mudslinging.
Incivility becomes a problem when it become confused with passion. I think that the less politically engaged and savvy an individual is the more likely they are reached by the appeals to one's emotions over those appeals to one's thoughts. Incivility makes issues where there are none, which is why we need to hold our politicians more accountable in this realm of political communication.
Incivility is fueled by media and entertainment playing large factors and gaining negative attention for the candidate's opponent. This acts as an incentive for politicians to be uncivil. Personal attacks are not only harmful to the candidates, they often extend to their families as well. I do not blame the Clinton's for keeping Chelsea out of the spotlight like they did, no one would want their child or their behavior to be scrutinized by the media. Incivility is going to occur, and that is something I can accept as an ugly part of politics, however I just hope that they keep bystanders out of it.
Post a Comment
<< Home