By Cole Buergi, Senior Account Executive, Leonard & Finco Public Relations, Inc.
Not sure about the rest of you, but I’m tired of hearing the negative political ads running 24/7 on TV and radio. It’s starting to make me wish there was a box to check, “None of the above.” Yes, I know there’s a place for write-in candidates, but honestly, the way people are treating politicians today, who would really want to be one.
Now I’m one for good debate or enthusiastic discussion on any topic. That’s the spirit of our country and what makes us a democracy, free to express our opinions. However, in recent years, I’ve witnessed people really change from debate or even heated discussion, to something that borders on outright anger and hostility. I agree, people have the right to be angry when they’re upset, but we need to remember that civil discourse is something that has set us apart from other countries.
We could get upset, debate something and then move on. Now, that anger is carried over into ongoing battles thanks to the Internet and social media. In some cases, it’s even elevated to death threats and physical violence.
I can’t help but wonder if these political attack ads are one reason why we’ve seen an escalation in violence. Are they desensitizing our sensibilities? Does social media play a role in how we behave? In today’s world of immediate news, the social media sites or videos with the most outlandish depictions tend to get the most attention and notoriety. Is this leading to us to more outlandish activities just to get noticed?
I will be glad come November. I will be voting and, yes, who I vote for will be weighed partly on how I feel they campaigned as well as partly on the actions of those supporting that candidate.
Do you agree or disagree? Will these negative ads or hostile supporters impact your vote? Write back and let me know.
3 comments:
I'll be the first to admit, when I see these ads on TV, I get angry! Now, I don't get so angry that I get violent, but I'm not extremely passionate about politics either.
I really do think these ads have gotten worse and it needs to stop.
It kind of sounds like the "I'm mad as he-- and not going to take it anymore" speech from Broadcast News. But...I agree!
I think in many cases, the negative ads just confuse people. They say this person isn't telling the truth, this person did this or didn't do that. With all the garbage they say about each other, it's hard to tell what they actually support. I don't understand why someone would want to bash someone instead of just telling the public what changes they woudl make if elected!
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