On Feb. 12, Buzzfeed uploaded a video called “Things Everyone Does but Doesn’t Talk About,” in which President Barack Obama demonstrated his personal quirks, such as mispronunciation and taking selfies with a selfie stick, while indirectly promoting ObamaCare at the same time. The 2-minute clip directly demonstrates day-to-day struggles in a quintessential way that captures the essence of citizen life, and serves as a great way for the president to connect with the people, especially youth.
Buzzfeed draws a lot of attention from young adults. According to the Huffington Post, 28.7 percent of BuzzFeed’s audience are adults ages 25-34, the highest percentage out of seven age groups. Obama has strategically used Buzzfeed’s audience to promote Obamacare, effectively reaching millions of young adults who may not watch or read the news.
Buzzfeed isn’t the only way Obama is trying to connect with the younger generation. In fact, on Dec. 8, Obama appeared on “The Colbert Report” in order to advocate for ObamaCare. The fact that Obama put himself out there and embarrassed himself to connect with a younger audience illustrates how determined he is to ensure that they understand the options available to them in regards to health insurance.
In addition to being on “The Colbert Report,” he has advocated for ObamaCare on shows such as “Between Two Ferns,” an internet comedy series hosted by Zach Galifianakis, and several other vlogging sites.
Many have slammed the commander-in-chief for participating in such self-degrading advertisements, condemning him for wasting precious time that should be spent dealing with pressing domestic and international matters. Many people criticize the act of using a selfie stick as beneath the dignity of the presidential office. Despite these allegations, the video encapsulates Obama’s ability to relate with citizens, especially the nation’s youth, whose interest in politics is gradually increasing as they near voting age. Moreover, with falling voter turnout rates for young adults, Obama’s attempts to reach out to them is something to be both admired and followed.
Another reason people are criticizing Obama for taking part in the video is that the video was filmed the same day the White House was dealing with the death of ISIS hostage Kayla Mueller.
Mueller’s death is a tragic incident, and the government should place further attention on the issue stewing in Syria. However, it is easy to forget that the president is faced with hard-hitting news and dismal occurrences every day.
At the end of the video, he questions, “Can I live?” The leader of our country is not a divine being, he is simply one man. His words implied that he couldn’t do basic daily activities without someone criticizing his every move. While he is able to multi-task at a terrific level, his secretary, assistances, cabinet members and many other employees help him in every aspect of the presidency. The president deals with an unprecedented number of large-scale problems, and to expect him to be a master of everything is absolutely ridiculous.
In the video, a BuzzFeed staff member judges Obama for pretending to shoot basketball hoops in a White House office room. The president simply replies, “You do you.”
Though the reply was meant to be funny, harsher critics have turned on him, claiming that this statement applies to his attitude toward other foreign leaders and dictators, justifying their actions as a reflection of their desires. Nevertheless, critics forget this is a saying that is commonly heard in basic communication. Obama uses this phrase in order to encourage youngsters to feel comfortable with their personality and background. If motivational speakers are not disparaged when they say, “You do you,” then why should Obama be denounced?
It is human nature to be critical of those in power; however, Obama is doing something impactful with the exposure he was given on Buzzfeed, and his words should not be twisted by those who disapprove of his political agenda.
