Blog Stage Two

"Austin Grocer Unhappy Her Story is in Perry Ad"

On September 15th, 2010 The American-Stateman published an article by Brian Gaar titled"Austin Grocer Unhappy Her Story is in Perry Ad." The article revolved around citizen Peg McCoy who was displeased to find that her store, Farm to Market Grocery Store, was featured in an ad by Rick Perry who is currently running for re-election for governor of the state of Texas. The issue lies within the fact her store logo was used within the ad without permission. The citizen requested her store be removed from future advertisements which the campaign committee for Rick Perry has failed to do. They stand by the use that the use of the logo was due to public domain; video was shot from a public sidewalk therefore it is allowed for public use.

This argument and the use of the logo because it is seen in public domain disturbs me greatly. I work for several non-profit groups and prior to any published media or documentation we search out and receive permission (or are denied) by all individuals involved including business and locations. This store, used in the Rick Perry ad, now looks to the observer as if they are endorsing the candidate or were recipients of the policies put into effect by the governor. The use of “public domain” is disturbing. What if I am just walking along a sidewalk and a camera crew films me then slaps me in a commercial talking about how common men support Rick Perry? It now will look, to the observer that I support Rick Perry due to the ad.

I feel this article is deserving of the attention of other readers as it provides an insight into how a political campaign works. It reminds the readers that, in the world of politics, do not take everything for face value and tat there might be another side to each story presented.

Participation Topic #1 - Discussion Board

Exceptionalism- the state of being special, exceptional or unique; the belief that a particular nation does not conform to an established norm

The question is raised “Do Texans exhibit Texas Exceptionalism” and I believe that the answer is a resounding yes based on the definition listed by Wikipedia. Why do Texans believe that their state is an exceptional place though?

Texas is very unique from other states that form the United States of America. To begin with, Texas has a very unique historical background that differs greatly from most of the rest of the United States. Texas was part of, originally, several other foreign countries prior to its admission into the Union. Also, at the time of its acceptance into the United States, Texas was its own independent country, a distinction that only Texas can lay claim to. With the multiple changing of hands, Texas has a very unique and differentiating cultural and demographic make up then the rest of the country. It belongs in a league of only a few states that have a major “minority” make-up of its citizens. Its size dwarfs not only the other states that make up the United States but is also larger then many other countries in the world with a GNP that also rivals theirs as well. Within the United States, three of the top ten cities by population are located within the boundaries of the state of Texas. The state is vastly rich in resources and is self sufficient unlike many other states where if they were cut off from the rest of the United States would suffer greatly.

With all of these facts, Texans display a sense of pride within themselves that is not exhibited in other parts of the country. This is a positive factor as it promotes involvement within their state and their communities. With citizens that take pride in their communities, are positive & more involved produce citizens that are more well informed of the decisions that they make politically as well as promotes civic & government involvement. [Link]