The weirdest combo

Last week I attended a seminar and networking session organized by the ESADE New York Chapter. The seminar was on the changes in communication methods brought about by the digital age. Pretty interesting stuff but what I somehow honed in on was this topic about how messages travel. 

Another alumni mentioned how certain messages are somewhat nebulous in nature and how Obama's political slogan of "Hope" was a perfect example of how such a  message is quite strong. 

We live in a day where we are constantly force-fed messages and slogans. The constant input of messages from corporations and public figures are designed so that the message is ingrained into our brains. McDonalds: I'm Loving it. George Bush. No New Taxes. But, these aren't powerful, lasting messages. They are catchy phrases that cater towards the lowest common denominator.  

What happens with these generic, mass produced messages is that it creates a lack of attachment to the message. People do not identify themselves with the message. They identify the message with the person or business, but that's it. 

What is great about messages like Obama's Hope slogan is that a simple message like that can be analyzed and individualized for a person. I will hear the message of Hope and immediately create imagery and scenario that will match what Obama's Hope is supposed to entail. You will do the same. Every person who has hope for the future, unless you're a stone-cold robot, will craft a story about how Hope fits into their lives. You now believe that Obama will bring Hope, whatever that is. A simple message has transcended into a powerful, meaningful, personal story for each and every person who hears those words. 

The SO is gonna once again think that I'm a closet Twilight fan, but Stephanie Meyer does the same thing with the Twilight series. The Oatmeal did a brilliant analysis of Twilight stating how Edward Cullen is painstakingly described while Bella is a shell of a character, which is exactly what makes Twilight so popular with girls. Because Bella is such a shell, girls can live vicariously through her and be with Edward. They live the romance, they live the angst, they live the godawful vampire-werewolf-Volturi-human crap story. 

The danger with these types of messages/stories is the lack of cohesiveness. What one message/story means to one person will not be consistent with another person's interpretation. A weak link amongst the message receivers. But, as the message grows and spreads, people identify with the other people who have heard the message or read the story. Hey, you've read the book. Hey, you're an Obama supporter. What brought you together was the original message. What strengthened the bond was that you had your own identification with that message and are now believers of the message. A collective. 

I can't believe I just connected Obama to Twilight. I'll never be a respected writer.