Using the phrase, “Photoshop for Democracy,” as a participatory slogan for the public’s newfound freedom of speech, Jenkins shines light on how the new age of technology is manipulating politics.
Beginning with John Kerry’s involvement with expanding his supporter’s use of the e-mail, Jenkins highlights what sparked the new internet age of political satire. Briefly mentioning the slogan in the reading, Jenkins says, “It is easy to make fun of the concept of "Photoshop for democracy," especially given the persistence with which lowbrow and popular culture references are read over the more serious issues of the campaign. Some might well argue that circulating these images is a poor substitute for more traditional forms of political activism...” In agreement with Jenkins, I too think the introduction of Photoshop and countless other programs introduce a new angle to politics. Political comedy sketches, once only found in newspaper sketches, are now almost on any website you browse with the common domestic use of Photoshop. Also in agreement, was co-creator of Photoshop, John Kroll, who says, “the software program had democratized media in two ways: by allowing smaller groups to have professional
quality graphics at low cost, and by allowing the public to manipulate and recirculate powerful images to make political statements.”
Eventually crossing my own path, one of the most memorable forms of “Photoshop for Democracy” would have to be a t-shirt done following the election of our current president, Barack Obama. Arguably one of the most controversial elections of our time, nearly every form of “Photoshop for Democracy” was used. But being a huge fan of the clothing brand, Undercrown, and sports, this particular item was over the top for me. Resembling the monumental fight between Mohammed Ali and Sonny Liston. The fight marked a milestone in boxing; and likewise, the drawing captured the same.
No comments:
Post a Comment