The Donkey jibe & Media

The Donkey jibe & Media​

By: Amit Bhushan Date: 25th Feb. 2017

The Netas do not seem to have much clue about the voter behavior and the commercial news media behavior, the subtle differences that is. The point of confusion can be that only a small fraction of public attend rallies while most of the people formulate opinion based on how the commercial news media would present it to them. This is quite evident from the electoral speeches and its coverage. In the battle for the largest states, a flurry of tough questions are being rattled, no answers of course. However the media’s love for ‘Smart bites’ would lead it to focus on a selection of comments. This is true about its coverage from whichever angle (political side) one may choose. What it has failed to do is to get answers of course, for its audience. This is even as the track record of both center and the state government, are being questioned by people and seeking answers to some of the questions with the backing of data & ground delivery, may have allowed some of the journos to stand out. But that is perhaps not desired by the commercial news media, which has not questioned the legislative session washout and not seeking response to questions being raised and is rather focused on Jumlas in electoral hustling. It would then also raise issue of it being branded commercial...

Instead, what we have is a slew of crashed imageries of the political Godfather, with some retired politicians rising up to cool temperatures. Why I call them so, is that the same Netas would almost never ever rise to underline some of these questions that may be of importance to public to seek answers, but would only rise to protect some of the warring Netas. This is taken as little interest of public on the Neta’s mind and so the voters can/should rightfully considered them as retired. The commercial news media would of course draw some other conclusions like possibility of ‘change of sides’ or ‘Bheetarghat’ or even worse 'that they know their masters' etc. In this sense, the voters may be much more sympathetic by only christening such Netas as retired. What outcome of such Jibes based polity is that fractured images which have lost credibility are being replaced with ‘interesting’ Jumlas, which now seem much more credible as a canvassing tool to get votes.The journos somehow have wrongly concluded that the politics is all about song and dance around 'Mann ki Baat' and '"Maun" ki Baat' with allusions to victory and celebrations, and no replies to people.

However, instead of ‘personality or identity politics’ which has been thoroughly defeated in the largest state, we now have ‘Jumla politics’ being promoted by the media. It works the same way as personality politics, with the only difference is that instead of a personality focus, the commercial news media coverage has Jumla in focus alongside the one Neta who may have tossed it up. The pressure is then mounted on the ‘virodhi’ side to come up with an equally or more crisp Jumla, that may forward their party’s interest. The contesting Netas are supposed to repeat to give it a flair and forget about the issues or responding to tough questions. The tools of social media are invoked to make these Jumlas ‘trend’ on the net. What is lost is the questions and this benefits to ‘all’ who may be supposed to respond to these questions. The newer campaigns then get designed around floating Jumlas rather than to raise a new set of questions of the local issues with flamboyant Netas on all sides raring to go for the kill rather than think over the ‘real issues’. Let’s see the ‘Game’ evolve….

 

[Swaswati Borpuzari]

The Donkey Jibe: A Political Symbol in the Media​

In the world of politics, symbolism plays a critical role in shaping public perception and media narratives. One of the most enduring and recognizable symbols in American politics is the donkey, which has been associated with the Democratic Party for over a century. The origins of this symbol can be traced back to the 1828 presidential campaign of Andrew Jackson, who was affectionately called "Old Hickory" and whose supporters used the donkey to represent his stubbornness and resilience. Over time, the donkey has evolved into a multifaceted symbol, often used by both supporters and critics to convey various messages about the Democratic Party.

The Donkey in Political History​

The use of the donkey as a political emblem gained prominence during the 1828 election, when Jackson's opponents tried to label him as a "jackass" to portray him as stubborn and unrefined. However, Jackson's supporters turned the insult into a badge of honor, adopting the donkey as a symbol of their candidate's tenacity and down-to-earth nature. The symbol was further popularized by political cartoonist Thomas Nast in the 1870s, who used the donkey to represent the Democratic Party in his widely circulated cartoons.

Media Representation of the Donkey​

The media has played a significant role in how the donkey symbol is perceived and used in political discourse. During election seasons, the donkey is often featured in news articles, opinion pieces, and political cartoons. Journalists and commentators use the donkey to highlight various aspects of Democratic policies, candidates, and party dynamics. For instance, during periods when the Democratic Party is seen as being out of touch or overly cautious, the donkey might be depicted as slow-moving or stubborn. Conversely, when the party is viewed as innovative or progressive, the donkey might be portrayed as strong and resilient.

The Donkey Jibe: A Tool for Criticism​

The term "donkey jibe" refers to the use of the donkey symbol as a means of criticism or mockery. Opponents of the Democratic Party often employ the donkey jibe to suggest that the party is stubborn, unresponsive, or out of touch with the American people. This can be seen in political rallies, social media posts, and opinion pieces where the donkey is used to illustrate perceived flaws in Democratic leadership or policy.

However, the donkey jibe is not always negative. In some contexts, it can be used by Democrats themselves to reclaim the symbol and demonstrate their party's commitment to the values of resilience and determination. For example, during the 2020 presidential campaign, Joe Biden's campaign often used the donkey in a positive light to emphasize his message of unity and perseverance.

The Donkey in the Digital Age​

In the age of social media, the donkey symbol has taken on new dimensions. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are filled with memes, GIFs, and other digital content that uses the donkey to comment on current political events. These platforms allow for a more immediate and diverse representation of the donkey jibe, with users from all sides of the political spectrum contributing to the narrative.

The digital age has also made it easier for political satire to spread widely and quickly. Political cartoons and satirical videos featuring the donkey can go viral, influencing public opinion and media coverage. This has both positive and negative implications, as it can either deepen partisan divides or foster a more nuanced understanding of political issues.

The Donkey Beyond the U.S.​

The donkey as a political symbol is not confined to the United States. In other countries, the donkey has been adopted in various forms to represent different political movements or parties. For instance, in some European countries, the donkey is used to symbolize the left-wing or labor movements, drawing on the animal's association with hard work and endurance.

However, the specific connotations of the donkey symbol can vary widely depending on cultural and historical contexts. In some cultures, the donkey is seen as a symbol of wisdom and patience, while in others, it might be associated with laziness or stubbornness. These varying interpretations can influence how the donkey jibe is received and understood in different parts of the world.

Conclusion​

The donkey jibe is a powerful tool in the realm of political communication, often used to convey complex messages about the Democratic Party. Whether used positively or negatively, the symbol has a rich history and continues to be a significant part of political discourse in the media. As the digital age reshapes how political symbols are used and perceived, the donkey jibe remains a versatile and enduring element of American political culture, reflecting the ongoing dynamics of public opinion and media influence.

 

[Dhruv Bindhani]

The Donkey jibe & Media​

By: Amit Bhushan Date: 25th Feb. 2017

The Netas do not seem to have much clue about the voter behavior and the commercial news media behavior, the subtle differences that is. The point of confusion can be that only a small fraction of public attend rallies while most of the people formulate opinion based on how the commercial news media would present it to them. This is quite evident from the electoral speeches and its coverage. In the battle for the largest states, a flurry of tough questions are being rattled, no answers of course. However the media’s love for ‘Smart bites’ would lead it to focus on a selection of comments. This is true about its coverage from whichever angle (political side) one may choose. What it has failed to do is to get answers of course, for its audience. This is even as the track record of both center and the state government, are being questioned by people and seeking answers to some of the questions with the backing of data & ground delivery, may have allowed some of the journos to stand out. But that is perhaps not desired by the commercial news media, which has not questioned the legislative session washout and not seeking response to questions being raised and is rather focused on Jumlas in electoral hustling. It would then also raise issue of it being branded commercial...

Instead, what we have is a slew of crashed imageries of the political Godfather, with some retired politicians rising up to cool temperatures. Why I call them so, is that the same Netas would almost never ever rise to underline some of these questions that may be of importance to public to seek answers, but would only rise to protect some of the warring Netas. This is taken as little interest of public on the Neta’s mind and so the voters can/should rightfully considered them as retired. The commercial news media would of course draw some other conclusions like possibility of ‘change of sides’ or ‘Bheetarghat’ or even worse 'that they know their masters' etc. In this sense, the voters may be much more sympathetic by only christening such Netas as retired. What outcome of such Jibes based polity is that fractured images which have lost credibility are being replaced with ‘interesting’ Jumlas, which now seem much more credible as a canvassing tool to get votes.The journos somehow have wrongly concluded that the politics is all about song and dance around 'Mann ki Baat' and '"Maun" ki Baat' with allusions to victory and celebrations, and no replies to people.

However, instead of ‘personality or identity politics’ which has been thoroughly defeated in the largest state, we now have ‘Jumla politics’ being promoted by the media. It works the same way as personality politics, with the only difference is that instead of a personality focus, the commercial news media coverage has Jumla in focus alongside the one Neta who may have tossed it up. The pressure is then mounted on the ‘virodhi’ side to come up with an equally or more crisp Jumla, that may forward their party’s interest. The contesting Netas are supposed to repeat to give it a flair and forget about the issues or responding to tough questions. The tools of social media are invoked to make these Jumlas ‘trend’ on the net. What is lost is the questions and this benefits to ‘all’ who may be supposed to respond to these questions. The newer campaigns then get designed around floating Jumlas rather than to raise a new set of questions of the local issues with flamboyant Netas on all sides raring to go for the kill rather than think over the ‘real issues’. Let’s see the ‘Game’ evolve….

This article offers an exceptional deep dive into the complexities of political policy. The writer's writing style is both analytical and accessible, making intricate policy discussions understandable and engaging for a broad audience. Their ability to translate dense political mechanics into relatable prose is a significant asset, demonstrating a profound understanding paired with strong communication skills. The structure is meticulously organized, systematically breaking down the policy in question and exploring its various facets with a methodical yet engaging approach. This allows readers to grasp the nuances and implications thoroughly. Furthermore, the outstanding clarity of the policy analysis is a defining feature. The arguments are presented with such precision, and the potential outcomes so plainly articulated, that the article becomes an invaluable guide for anyone seeking to understand the real-world impact of political decisions.