Hillary Clinton's 'Role Models' Campaign Advert

Hillary Clinton's 'Role Models' Campaign Advert

The Campaign video sets a scene of children watching television within different American neighbourhoods, reflecting differing classes and ethnic backgrounds of the “next generation”. Playing over the scenes is the voice of Donald J Trump, Republican Candidate, with the camera focussing on the supposed reactions of the children listening to their “Commander in Chief”.  

The video seeks to play on parent’s natural instincts of wanting to protect their child. It replays examples of Trump’s reoccurring aggressive and somewhat abusive language such as “I could stand on 5^th Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn’t lose any voters…it’s incredible!”.  It emphasises the impact of who Trump’s extreme words are reaching and how he is potentially influencing what children may then believe is morally right - even leading children to believe that making fun of the disabled, sexualising women or shooting someone is ok because Donald Trump said there would be no repercussions.

The choice of ethnicity of the children is intentional as they reflect communities which have been somewhat directly identified within Trump’s extreme views of that group. The irony that the news is meant to provide information, sends the message to children that this offensive stereotype is accurate. The absence of adults or a parental figure is both a fearful and emotive tool that the children are alone and vulnerable to these harsh views, without someone to tell them that what Trump is stating is morally wrong, or at least questionable.

When reflecting on the usage of a common household television, it raises the underlying debate of if you would not let your child watch a rated film with swearing and offensive language, how can you allow this man who does the same to be your President? Do you want this man in the highest office in America? Is this the role model you want your children to look up to when it comes to their school career day?

Clinton’s emotive language towards the end closes the advert with her poignant views. The inclusive language of wanting ‘our’ children to be proud of ‘us’ is hitting home for American parents. It reminds us that comments or views outside of a heated political rally or informal interview can have lasting impacts on American society and children, and that voting for Clinton is the solution.

Sources:

http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2016/07/14/hillary_clinton_s_role_models_ad_is_extremely_effective.html