UK Politics
[SUMMARY—New media vs old politicans.]
(GBR) Your guess will be as good as mine as to why DK wanted me to write an unbiased report on the launch of UK Politics YouTube channel, and more specifically Gordon Brown's less than enthusiastic statement that politics and new media should mix. Not too long ago, I wrote an article on younger generations and new ways of communicating politics from fear of being ridiculed by their politician peers, however, this new venture using YouTube to promote awareness and opinion on politics seems pretty good. The question now is two-fold.
Firstly, will the quality of the content be provocative or propaganda? Gordon Brown's robotic voice churns out a spiel of jargon that he's been told to say and probably has no idea what he's talking about, however the concept is actually very encouraging. It's supporting free speech and pushes people to mould their own views and develop a standard of how they want their country to be run. It is getting rid of the "not now, I'll do it later, I can't be bothered" stigma that is attached to a lot of things that need to be fulfilled in life (washing dishes, cleaning bedrooms, election voting…) and getting young people to take an active interest in wider issues than just Facebook notifications. Political parties should not use UKYouChoose as a platform to push their policies onto unsuspecting, easily influenced young people, but to open their minds to an important aspect of society.
Secondly, will young people know that this platform exists? The concept is great, but unless people know that it's out there, ready and waiting for them to manipulate and connect with others around the world, it's a wasted entity. Marketing and advertising is needed. It's great that they've got YouTube on board, so the branding is already there. I'm sure if people have the equipment, the motivation, the know-how and the judgement, they will exercise their right to express their opinions.
DK asked me, "Why can't Gordon Brown look into the camera?"—does he want to fuel my dislike for GB even more? Here, Brown is attempting to 'engage' with the youth of today, he is addressing US (hence personal pronouns) yet is not looking at us. Fair enough, he could have been asked to look at the interviewer, however I believe this is unlikely—GB wants to include and encourage us. Is DK trying to goad me into saying Brown has a heart of stone, no charisma, no warmth and should have stayed Chancellor? That he is an economist and not a politician? Why, I would never make such slanderous a statement.
Posted by Jess
Filed by DK on February 14 2008
Viewing 'UK Politics', you may also explore current and other entries, search or get our newsreader feed.
