Political Parodies and Recuts (Obama sings Hotline Bling)

Original Poster: baracksdubs

Published: 14th December 2015

Original song: Hotline Bling by Drake



With nearly 6 million views in just over a month, clearly many people are enjoying the end product of remixing/re-mashing Obama's speeches with popular songs. What's interesting about these forms of remix, particularly in the case of political mash-ups, is the overwhelming response to political jargon in a not-so-traditional manner. It might be a stretch to call these remixes another form of participating in current political climates, but it may be defensible to claim that these recuts allow for gentle reminders to pay attention to what the political climate is stating. 



The above video is made for comedic purposes, but there are plenty more recuts and political parodies out there which nudge it's audience to realize what is at stake in an election year. Making parodies and mash ups is a way to highlight some really critical issues politicians are facing, along with what courses of action they intend to pursue. What better way is there to communicate what we believe politicians and presidential candidates are saying than to literally change the words coming out of their mouth?



I appreciate these forms of remixing because I believe they also add to a crucial and necessary conversation. They serve a purpose larger than it's original intent of the remix phenomenon.



Do you agree? If the remix/recut adds to a larger conversation that affects greater social outcomes (i.e. the Presidential election), is it valid in it's dissemination? Does it legitimize the process?