Barack Obama, "Yes We Can"
The election of 2008 is one of the most historic elections in American history. The first black president brought new ideals to the American citizen and inspired "hope" and "change" in people around the world. Barack Obama won the popular vote by fifty three percent, the largest margarine since President Johnson. Obama benefited greatly from the unpopularity of President Bush. Obama had no plans similar to the previous President which also helped in captioning. Obama promised to stop the war in Iraq and free public health care. He spoke strongly and confidently about goals that seemed impossible to reach in earlier years. His popularity grew throughout all types of social classes and groups like veterans and immigrants. But a group that had yet to speak out as strongly as they did during the 2008 election was the youth. Obama targeted younger age citizens by using social media. A tool that had not been utilized before. In the "Yes We Can" music video, which features popular artist like Common and Will.I.Am singing one of Obama's most famous speeches, directly links to the youth in America. This video encouraged younger age groups to get involved in the presidential elections and vote. The problems happening in 2008 directly effect the eighteen to twenty nine year old group, they are the group that will help change this country. The video also clearly emphasizes the joy that President Obama brought to the people of the United States during dire times. He was the change America needed and he brought the hope America wanted.
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Mortgage Crisis
During the mid-summer of 2008 the housing market fell to ashes, and with those ashes came along colossal reprocutions. Many huge and long term investment banking firms feel to the ground like corporate giant, Lehman Brothers. The banks that many American's trusted collapsed and took innocent people's money with them. Leaving America in turmoil and despair. But, was this really the work of the huge corporate companies? Was it the work of the government? Who do we blame for the financial downfall of America? Five hundred- thousand people lost their jobs because of this "once-in-a-centurary type of financial crisis." The downturn in the economy was triggered by many things but especially the mortgage crisis. Finance companies developed new credit tools to make borrowing money easier and cheaper. Thus, people took on large mortgages on very low short-term rates. The amounts that people were taking out were often to large to be considered "safe." When they did take the money out, the mortgages were often more expensive then their home on the housing market. Homeowners panicked, abandoned their homes, and banks who lent the money were done for. This map of foreclosures info 2008 show how this crisis effected everyone, everywhere. It is a frightening map because it depicts that there was no escape from the scary thought of foreclosure. The mortgage crisis was terrifying reality.
Michael Phelps
In the same Summer as the housing crisis, the Beijing Summer Olympics was just beginning. With many events planned and Olympians getting ready for their moment in history there was one participant no one will ever forget, Michael Phelps. Phelps was born in raised in Baltimore, Maryland his father is a state trooper and his mother is a middle school teacher. This small town American boy walked into the Summer Olympics with a dream of winning eight gold medals in swimming and left Beijing with his goal completed. He is now known as the greatest Olympian of all time and the only competitor to win eight gold medals during a single Olympics. The picture of him on the cover of Sports Illustrated shows of his medal and give pride to Americans. His goal was the ultimate achievement, a young, simple, American boy has done the unthinkable. He she's light on small town America and everything it has to offer. This issue of Sports Illustrated was seen all over the nation brining hope to everyone of its readers. Even if you were going through hard times watching Michael Phelps swim his races was an escape, a hopeful escape. Knowing that your family and your country will thrive.
The Dark Knight
Released July 18, 2008 The Dark Knight, the Batman Begins sequel, was the most popular movie of the summer. Despite the budding financial crisis, the movie made $158,411,483 its opening weekend. There are many reasons for it's popularity. One reason is because of its 2005 processor Batman Begins. All Batman fans were sure to return to the theaters for more action packed excitement. The Dark Knight was also one of America's most talented and most missed actors, Heath Ledger's, last movie. But besides those two factors, Batman was scene as a superhero "restoring grace to a city drowning in chaos." This message was relatable to every American during the Summer of 2008. Batman made it seem possible to come out of the rubble strong and without fear. The movie also sheds light on an election for district attorney. Similar to the election happening in America, Harvey Dent the candidate, wished to change the city. The trailer to The Dark Knight shows the good and bad, dark and light of the movie and real life. Mimicking true events happening in American life during 2008.
