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This is just the sort of thing that illustrates what is both great and not so great about this country. Since we have a capitalistic society, it is driven by money. Granted, it’s nice to have money - especially for those of us who have lost our jobs (myself included).
However, I question the intention of these souvenir peddlers - are they only promoting these products to make money, or are they going to donate a portion of the funds to organizations that are in need of funding (which is something Obama would likely appreciate, considering it’s his image being sold for profit)?
The other thing I’m wondering is… where are these Obama souvenirs being manufactured? Are they being made in America, thus helping American workers? Or, are they being made elsewhere and thereby further boosting the economic health of another country? If they are being made here, with American parts, resources, workers, etc., then great; otherwise, I recommend not spending money on one more thing that’s made outside the country - probably for pennies on the dollar, ignoring environmental impacts, and who knows what materials are being used and how safe they really are.
My suggestion is to hold on to your money or invest it something made right here in America. I think Obama would appreciate that act far more than having people buy items with his image on them that are not made here - and the American workers who craft the items would appreciate it, too.
Yes, We Can (for $9.99)!
 I came across an interesting article, entitled "You Barack It, You Buy It" by Stephen A. Crockett, Jr., which provoked a resounding "Yes!" from me. In a nutshell: this Obama merchandise craze has got to stop.
Naturally, in every presidential election people want to show their support for their candidate, and what easier way to do it than through a button or bumper sticker? And with this historic election, there is even more interest in owning a November 5th edition newspaper or Obama 2008 T-shirt. But Barack Obama sneakers? Obama perfume? Obama cereal? Barack Obama is a popular leader who will soon hold the highest elected office in the United States, but he is not a superhero. He is not a rock star. He is not a cartoon character. I realize that there has been as much merchandise produced with President Bush's face. But what bothers me about the Obama merchandise in particular is the cheapening of a historical milestone. Election night was a great moment. Whether you believe race was an issue or not, I cannot imagine what it must have felt like to be Amanda Jones, a 109-year-old daughter of a slave who decades ago had to save her money from picking cotton in order to pay the poll tax to vote. But to have this historic moment reduced to a tacky commemorative coin is disheartening. The power of this achievement cannot afford to be lost through mass production. After Obama is sworn in and the novelty starts to fade, the merchandise will most likely die down, and perhaps end up in bargain bins. Hopefully, though, the enthusiasm that he has helped foster and the hope that he has given to those who have long felt outside the mainstream will continue and be realized through ways that don't come with cheap packaging. Let us know what you think in the comments. Posted by Natasha G on 12.05.08 |
Danie J.
Tuesday December 9, 2008, 1:52 PM
I've seen ads on TV for Obama coins by the Franklin Mint. Isn't there some law against this kind of thing....making money off of a President-Elect, President,etc.?? Isn't it Obama who should decide what his name is used for????
Saturday December 13, 2008, 5:11 AM