After a really insightful discussion in class on the public projection of image and persona within the candidates, it does make sense how figures like Romney and Palin could easily be parodied and critiqued in contrast to a national figure of leadership like Obama. But here, I decided to share with everyone something pretty ridiculous and entertaining harboring not critique of an unpopular candidate, but one that's always been seen in the good light of the general masses.
The President is now an acclaimed rapper in this Youtube viral hit "Head of the State" where "Baracka Flacka Flames" parodies rapper Waka Flocka Flame's "Hard in the Paint" song and music video.
As this music video is purely comical, it's significant no less for tackling that issue of public image, especially in Obama. Whereas "Night Walk" portrays the president as a conflicted, human figure surrounded in mystery, here we see heavy stereotyping of race and exaggerating the "cool" look of Obama. First, someone actually poured in funds and production to put this song and video together, and second, how could this really be taken? Is it a negative portrayal in taking down the good and god-like image of Obama, or does the music video embellish on the idea that for the first time an American president is hip and less concerned about an uptight and professional image than past heads of state?
