Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Should the candidate use “Born in the U.S.A.” as his campaign song?

Pros and Cons of having "Born in the U.S.A." as a campaign song:










































































































C Catchy song title


D Old songs can mean old ways; people want new and fresh


C Most people are familiar with the song


D A rock song for a President could be deemed too aggressive


C It is a title people can relate to and rally around


D Could alienate the many Americans not born in the U.S.A.


C The title elicits emotion


D Brice Springsteen may not agree to allow its use


C American sentiment, heartland and patriotic


D In 1984 he turned down offers by the Chrysler Corporation to use the song in a car commercial


C Relates to the struggles of everyday life


D He supported John Kerrys 2004 and Barack Obamas 2008 presidential campaigns… he is a Democrat


C Bruce Springsteen is a cult hero representing the working-class


D Requested Reagan stop using this same song in 1984


C The title fits well with the Republican platform policy of immigration and securing the national border


D Other than the title, the lyrics do not match the candidate’s desired intent


D Going to “kill the yellow man” is not a lyric he needs to have is his campaign song


D It’s more of a protest song



D The lyrics ring of the Vietnam War, coming home to disillusionment, and not having anywhere to go (no hope)



D Does not support Republican ideals, in general



Dear Mr. Candidate,

I sincerely urge you to choose another song for your campaign slogan! Although it is a catchy title and well loved, the lyrics and what the songs represents are far removed from securing national borders, containing illegal immigration, and other Republican social policies (e.g. “Sent me off to Vietnam, to go and kill the Yellow man.” and “I had a buddy at Khe Sahn, they’re still there, he’s all gone.”). The United States desperately needs a candidate who will tackle domestic issues and problems at home that are greatly affecting each citizens and this wonderful country as a whole, and so your campaign song should reflect this. The Vietnam War is over… let it go; now is time to turn towards the financial wars that are being waged in the streets of New York, Chicago and other major urban centers, and are surely not likely to recess any time soon. Move the people to something more upbeat and hopeful like Black Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling”… God knows they need it!

Sincerely,
Brent Johnson

2 comments:

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  2. Brent -

    Very through chart! I can see you did further research on the song itself to inform your conclusion in the email. It's really apparent that you spent a lot of time analyzing and considering the lyrical content. Your recommended campaign song is interesting - especially considering your critique of "Born in the USA" is somewhat outdated in its themes for modern Americans. I am curious how "I Got a Feeling" reflects modern Americans' issues and concerns. Excellent work!

    -Mr. Chang

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