A question asked in my political science 101 class back in the days is "But who watches the watchmen?" The watchmen in this issue being the mainstream news media. Who watches them and holds them accountable? The answer today is a "broad network of self-appointed watchdogs, including organized groups like Media Matters and individuals." These groups and vocal individuals are holding the media accountable for their insinuations, innuendos, and any inaccurate coverage of this year's presidential campaign. In addition, the media's predictable attempt at both reporting on and incorporating a particular cultural and youthful vernacular, which has infused Obama's campaign with a certain energy and vibrancy, has been erroneous at best and offensive at worst.
The Obama campaign, both naturally and by design, has ushered some aspects of African-American culture into the mainstream. On one occasion, Mr. Obama brushed off his shoulder in a gesture signifying dismissal of criticism, silently reminding his audience of a song called "Dirt Off Your Shoulder" by the hip-hop artist Jay-Z. The episode generated big attention in news media.
"This campaign has shown that people are excited to use black language for the first time in presidential politics," says Sarah E. Lewis, a faculty member at Yale University School of Art, and doctoral candidate focusing on representations of African-American culture. "But as they do it, often they're putting their feet in their mouths because they don't fully understand the culture."
Ah, the old white man's burden of trying too hard.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ixVBlA6zFk]
Read more here.
[Thanks N]