Kanye, we dare you: "Bro" use your influence to galvanize voters (Opinion)
buzzz worthy. . .#VWA #Votewithauthority #kanye
By Mona Austin
Looking ahead at 2016 election, as a nation, the last thing America needs to do is enter an election year with a capricious attitude toward voting. In 2015, however, there were several outliers contributing to voter apathy that may make people think twice about heading to the polls.
There are enough political distractions already
First, fictitious candidate "Deeznuts" was mockingly listed on the ballot and got 9% of the vote in a North Carolina primary poll. Then, in a mic-dropping moment while accepting the Vangaurd Award Kanye West announced he is running for president in 2020 on the 2015 VMAs. As he stood gazing over the crowd they chanted "Yeezus" as if West is a god. His actions may have been motivated by politically inexperienced business mogul Donald Trump gaining momentum as a Republican candidate or the hit of weed he admitted to smoking before the show (#feelinghimself ). Either way, West's announcement should not be ignored.
These are just a few examples. American politics took a satirical turn in 2015, becoming a source of entertainment and as a result voter apathy may be on the rise. I found what could be West's future campaign poster on Pinterest shortly after the VMA's aired. T-shirts, memes and campaign flier designed to resemble the "Hope" campaign poster from Obama's first run popped up in a Google search for "Kanye for president."
A politics in our nation set the stage for West, whose announcement appears to be nothing more than a bold stunt for more attention, and for Trump, whose political aspirations became a permanent fixture in American political headlines. The electorate stops believing in the process and taking government seriously as the extreme rhetoric of politicians pollutes the election platform. Ultimately, even toying with the idea of placing the leadership of the country in the hands of people who could buy votes or easily win a popularity contest is in the hands of voters and West was talking to a vital segment, young voters.
But, people like can be more helpful than hindering.
I have an idea of how Mr. West can put his influence to good use. If he really wants to be effective in the political realm he should use his infectious candor to galvanize those young voters to get out the vote. Imagine how many of his followers would have signed up if he name dropped National Vote Registration Day or Rock the Vote and followed up with a Tweet. Or, West could dare his devotees to go vote and post photos to urge their friends ad followers to do the same. Anyone can see West is not powerful or qualified enough the lead the nation in 2020, but he has enough clout to lead potentially millions to the polls. His vice has an avalanche effect. Anyone with his level of influence should use it for good--in this case, to get voters to the polls.
As the founder of Vote With Authoirty, non partisan the faith-based, voter advocacy coalition, I challenge Kanye West to become urge his
If you are 18 year or older, register to vote.
By Mona Austin
Looking ahead at 2016 election, as a nation, the last thing America needs to do is enter an election year with a capricious attitude toward voting. In 2015, however, there were several outliers contributing to voter apathy that may make people think twice about heading to the polls.There are enough political distractions already
First, fictitious candidate "Deeznuts" was mockingly listed on the ballot and got 9% of the vote in a North Carolina primary poll. Then, in a mic-dropping moment while accepting the Vangaurd Award Kanye West announced he is running for president in 2020 on the 2015 VMAs. As he stood gazing over the crowd they chanted "Yeezus" as if West is a god. His actions may have been motivated by politically inexperienced business mogul Donald Trump gaining momentum as a Republican candidate or the hit of weed he admitted to smoking before the show (#feelinghimself ). Either way, West's announcement should not be ignored.
These are just a few examples. American politics took a satirical turn in 2015, becoming a source of entertainment and as a result voter apathy may be on the rise. I found what could be West's future campaign poster on Pinterest shortly after the VMA's aired. T-shirts, memes and campaign flier designed to resemble the "Hope" campaign poster from Obama's first run popped up in a Google search for "Kanye for president."
A politics in our nation set the stage for West, whose announcement appears to be nothing more than a bold stunt for more attention, and for Trump, whose political aspirations became a permanent fixture in American political headlines. The electorate stops believing in the process and taking government seriously as the extreme rhetoric of politicians pollutes the election platform. Ultimately, even toying with the idea of placing the leadership of the country in the hands of people who could buy votes or easily win a popularity contest is in the hands of voters and West was talking to a vital segment, young voters.
But, people like can be more helpful than hindering.
I have an idea of how Mr. West can put his influence to good use. If he really wants to be effective in the political realm he should use his infectious candor to galvanize those young voters to get out the vote. Imagine how many of his followers would have signed up if he name dropped National Vote Registration Day or Rock the Vote and followed up with a Tweet. Or, West could dare his devotees to go vote and post photos to urge their friends ad followers to do the same. Anyone can see West is not powerful or qualified enough the lead the nation in 2020, but he has enough clout to lead potentially millions to the polls. His vice has an avalanche effect. Anyone with his level of influence should use it for good--in this case, to get voters to the polls.
As the founder of Vote With Authoirty, non partisan the faith-based, voter advocacy coalition, I challenge Kanye West to become urge his
If you are 18 year or older, register to vote.
