Saturday, September 25, 2010

Designing Politics; Designing Progress

Current United States President Barack Obama created a unique identity for himself throughout his 2008 presidential campaign. Though his main message was of 'hope', he distinguished himself from his Republican competitor John McCain with the promise of bringing 'progress' to the populace. The meaning behind his use of the term 'progress' was twofold. Firstly, the fact that he, an African-American person, was in the running and showing high support was 'progress' in terms of American political history. Secondly, and likely more important to his campaign, was the promise of 'progress' in the way in which the country is governed. The poster above, designed by Scott Hansen, adequately defines Barack's political vision through its simple and uniting imagery. In the centre of the image, a sun is depicted using the Obama campaign logo, a seemingly unifying force bringing together two separate, potentially opposing sides.

Obviously, Barack Obama won his campaign for presidency. It is clear, though, that design had a leading role in that performance; the statements of hope, progress and change were what the American public wanted to see, and gave them something to strive for. Even though, in the end, it was all just a façade - as are most political campaigns -, the politically-charged designs helped give some definition to that era in American politics. It was a time for change, a time for hope, and certainly a time for progress. Out with the old, in with the new, and let the rising sun that is Obama unite our divided sides.

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