Social Utilitarianism

Millions of people are now connected via the powerful social utility platforms like Myspace and Facebook.  I was reluctant to embrace this contemporary form of networking at first.  Mood: Pissed off; Status:  Huh?  Friends?  The concept seemed a little superficial to me.  Reluctantly, I started out with a Facebook page, since most of my "friends" said it was a more "mature" crowd. I thought to myself, "wasn't Facebook set-up to connect college students?" I'm a little removed from that demographic.  Anyways, I spent the requisite time laying out my page, uploading photos and putting together a brief bio.  

Then, like a freckled-faced teenager, I set out to get me some friends!  Much like the freckled-faced teenager, I got off to a slow start.  Now, this is where they get you.  It becomes competitive. How come so and so has more friends than me?  You begin clicking the profiles of others to snatch up some of their friends.  There's no way so and so can have more friends than me!  By then, it's too late......you're hooked-in.  A couple of weeks later, you set-up a Myspace page to see if you can get more friends there........

Aside from the shameless friend connections, social utilities have become powerful tools in the worlds of marketing, politics and advocacy.  The ability to mobilize thousands with the click of a button has revolutionized the way campaigns are run; the way we fundraise for the causes that are important to us; and the way we mobilize people to vote and support issues.  Sen. Barack Obama's campaign has fully embraced social utilities to spread their message and mobilize voters.  You can find all kinds of "groups" on Facebook that seek to rally people around candidates of both parties. 

In terms of social consciousness and philanthropy, Facebook has launched a "Causes" application that allows you to advocate and raise money for the social issues that are important to you.  Organizations, like the Red Cross, Keva Loans, Stand Up Against Cancer are now using this powerful platform to raise awareness and garner monetary support for critical social/wellness issues around the world.  

While these social utilities increase our ability to connect, they also decrease our ability to be focused and productive at work.  Inbox:  President George W. Bush wants to be your friend.  Yikes!  Better delete that one!  Hmm, I think I need to change my profile picture.  I wonder what Gov. Sarah Palin's "mood" is right now........You get the picture.          

 

Vote 18-24

The presidential pendulum can swing in either direction depending on youth turnout at the polls.  According to a story on KOB TV 4 in Albuquerque, youth voted at only a 42% rate in the 2004 presidential election.  

Vote 18, a national nonprofit was in Albuquerque on Monday to persuade the 18-24 demographic to get out and vote.  So, exactly how do you get youth out to vote?  First, I think you need to get them fired up about the issues in their community.  No young person likes siphoning the ATM machines to pay for gas.  Furthermore, young people don't need the added stress of wondering how they are gonna pay for medical bills when they see the Doctor.   Several nonprofit groups in New Mexico focus on mobilizing youth around issues that most affect them and their communities.  Groups like Young Women United, who champion comprehensive sex education. The New Mexico Youth Alliance, who partner with the Lt. Governor's Office and the Children's Cabinet to promote positive youth development throughout the state. New Mexico Civic Engagement who organize to develop engaged citizens and future community leaders.  Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP) who work diligently to bring social justice issues affecting youth to the forefront.  SAGE Council who work on water rights and issues affecting Native American communities.  

The youth vote will likely navigate the course for our country in the next four years, while local youth organizing groups will continue to shape statewide policy and have an impact on our most treasured resources--our communities and our people.   

Music Without Message

As I was reading an article about Rage Against the Machine and what they were doing to protest partisan politics.  I had to rewind back the proverbial 8-track mind to think about the protest music of the late 60's and early 70's.  Edwin Starr was singing; "War, what is it good for?"  Marvin Gaye released his groundbreaking What's Going On album that raised awareness about the environment (Mercy, Mercy Me), poverty (Make Me Wanna Holla) and other important social issues of the day.  Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and even the Godfather of Soul James Brown all used the most powerful media platform--music--to elevate the mind and move the soul towards action.  

Unfortunately, Rage Against the Machine is an anomaly in a music scene entrenched in shallow content and little substance.  I ask friends about this, and the most common answer I get is: "My life is hard as it is.  I don't need to be thinking about anything when I listen to music.  Its my release."  Or, "I like the beat.  I don't really listen to the lyrics."

Hip-hop artist/mogul  Diddy--I think that's what his name is this week--makes matters worse by dumbing down the issues to try to connect with young voters.  Anyone see his YouTube videos?  I respect the effort to mobilize youth to vote.  What I don't respect is the message or lack there of.  I think he should stick to "Shaking his Tailfeather."

My younger friends get on my case by saying that there are artists in hip-hop that do have a message in their music.  They're just "underground."  My question then becomes;  "How can we get this music to see the light of day?"  I'm a child of the 80's and remember the groundbreaking work of Public Enemy.  I contrast their work against what I hear on the airwaves these days and there is no comparison.  But, I also wonder if there would be a market today for their music?  Probably pretty small I would imagine.  

Anyways, you can find me thumbing through old crates of 12" singles and boxes of 8-track tapes until we figure this one out.         

Pitbull with Lipstick

Governor Sarah Palin answered any questions about her ability to connect with her base last night.  Her introduction to the American public was a quick glance at her family album and a glaring stare back at the Democratic presidential ticket.  The direct hits to Sen. Obama's resume, particularly his community organizing experience is sure to get a response.  Having worked the majority of my life in community-based organizations, the role of an organizer is pivotal in connecting community resources to those most in need.  I'm sure there were plenty of others aside from Sen. Obama that found this offensive.  

Amidst all the attacks and cynicism, there was little to be found by way of substance.  What is your plan to improve the economy?  What are you going to do to improve health care for the uninsured and underinsured?  What is your plan to withdraw troops from an unpopular war?  I'm pretty sure Sen. John McCain will cover these points in his acceptance speech tonight.  However, Gov. Palin is the one who continues to tout all of her executive experience, so what would she do to bring about change if she was the Commander in Chief?

One thing is for sure, if this campaign turns into a brawl--which, invariably it will--the self-proclaimed pitbull with lipstick will be ready to fight.     

Country First?

The John McCain sales pitch was loud and clear last night as the Republicans opened their National Convention .  The predictable McCain "the war hero" characterization was repeated over and over again throughout the speeches by Sen. Joe Lieberman and former presidential candidate Fred Thompson.  I must admit, Thompson did a very good job of telling McCain's story.  However, he also underscored one very important point--being a war hero doesn't particularly mean you are ready to run a country.  

Now, let's turn to the convention's rallying cry--"Country First."  If the Republicans had put "Country First" 8 years ago, we wouldn't be in this mess in the first place.  Country First-foreign only dependency.  We continue to jones for foreign oil, while the Republicans fail to prioritize cleaner energy solutions, like wind, geothermal and solar.  Country First-national security.  We continue to exhaust much needed resources to support a war in Iraq that we should have never engaged in.  Billions go to Iraq each day to support the war, putting our country further and further in debt, while Iraq reports approximately 90 billion in surplus.   Country First-health care.  We have record numbers during the Bush Administration of children and families that are uninsured or underinsured in our country.  Country First--Poverty.  The economic prosperity for Americans, not in the upper 5% percentile is at an all-time low.  What is the Republican Party's plan--more tax breaks for large corporations. 

Sounds an awful lot like "Country First" to me.  The question is:  "What Country Are They Talking About?"      

Hockey Mom Named McCain Running Mate

Gun toting, maverick Governor Sarah Palin has been named John McCain's running mate leading into the Republican National Convention.  Controversial?  Absolutely.  Ms. Palin has been in office as Governor of Alaska for 2 years.  Hasn't John McCain been attacking Baracka Obama for his lack of experience?  Seems like a contradiction to me.

On a second front, this seems like a strategic move to bring Hillary Clinton supporters over to the GOP.  A risky move at best.  Media outlets, such as CNN have been getting bombarded by emails from women that the move seems patronizing.  I've even heard Gov. Palin using Hillary Clinton's now infamous "glass ceiling reference."  The parallels between the two are minimal:  Hillary is a former First lady and current Senator in one of the most populated states in the U.S. Palin is Governor of Alaska, a state that has about half the people of Coney Island.  Hillary has been on the international stage when it comes to diplomacy and policy.  Palin has played tiny hoops with the townies at the County Fair.  

A bold move to say the least.  Let's see if the GOP's "Change Agent" resonates with independent and undecided voters in November.