Michael Steele Keeps It Real
It continues to be noted (by the media) that Maryland Lt. Governor Michael Steele is using pop-culture rhetoric as he campaigns for the U.S. Senate. For example, according to today's Washington Times:
You can't imagine JFK referring to, "the hood" -- but then again, modern communications (for all candidates) has become more colloquial. Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush all adopted informal speaking styles to attract an audience (Reagan wooed "Reagan Democrats," Clinton wanted to win back the South, etc.) -- and they used inclusive and informal language to do it.
Before you throw your hands up and lament the loss of civility in modern rhetoric, consider this: Reagan used improper grammar, such as, "You ain't seen nothin' yet." Say what you will about Bush's malapropisms, he has won two elections, defeating "intellectuals" like Gore and Kerry. And when it comes to pop-culture references, modern political campaigns have, for example, asked, "Where's the Beef?" -- borrowing from a Wendy's commercial. While it might be a long way from FDR and JFK, it connected with the audience. (click full post for more...)
While what you say is important -- the way you say it matters, too. Sometimes the medium is a message. Every culture has buzz words that let folks know, "you're one of us." For example, in the world of religion, talking about a "culture of life," is an outreach to Catholics. Talking about "fellowship" may imply that you understand Evangelicals, etc. But just as important as using the right words, is using the right inflection. When Bush talks to Evangelicals, for example, they know he's not "fronting." He's the real deal. Likewise, Steele sends a message that he is willing to walk the walk and talk the talk. Perhaps the reason the media (as is evidenced by countless articles) is paying attention to Steele's rhetorical style is that many African-American Republicans have previously eschewed this rhetorical style. Of course, the ultimate test is in November. I'll be watching this one closely.
"The 'hood is going to show up on the Hill," said Mr. Steele, a black Republican. "That is what this campaign is all about, and that scares some people when I say stuff like that -- on both sides of the aisle, God bless them."
You can't imagine JFK referring to, "the hood" -- but then again, modern communications (for all candidates) has become more colloquial. Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush all adopted informal speaking styles to attract an audience (Reagan wooed "Reagan Democrats," Clinton wanted to win back the South, etc.) -- and they used inclusive and informal language to do it.
Before you throw your hands up and lament the loss of civility in modern rhetoric, consider this: Reagan used improper grammar, such as, "You ain't seen nothin' yet." Say what you will about Bush's malapropisms, he has won two elections, defeating "intellectuals" like Gore and Kerry. And when it comes to pop-culture references, modern political campaigns have, for example, asked, "Where's the Beef?" -- borrowing from a Wendy's commercial. While it might be a long way from FDR and JFK, it connected with the audience. (click full post for more...)
While what you say is important -- the way you say it matters, too. Sometimes the medium is a message. Every culture has buzz words that let folks know, "you're one of us." For example, in the world of religion, talking about a "culture of life," is an outreach to Catholics. Talking about "fellowship" may imply that you understand Evangelicals, etc. But just as important as using the right words, is using the right inflection. When Bush talks to Evangelicals, for example, they know he's not "fronting." He's the real deal. Likewise, Steele sends a message that he is willing to walk the walk and talk the talk. Perhaps the reason the media (as is evidenced by countless articles) is paying attention to Steele's rhetorical style is that many African-American Republicans have previously eschewed this rhetorical style. Of course, the ultimate test is in November. I'll be watching this one closely.
posted by Matt Lewis at 7:31 AM
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