See my thoughts about Trini Politics on my YouTube Channel!
Trinis love to talk about politics and will often attempt to make any situation or event political. This channel is not a political avenue but many who watch try to relate a totally unrelated video into politics.
As an example, a recent video about UFO sightings became political banter… UFO sightings? Politics? Noooo.
Anyway, today I wanted to talk about something that is constantly pushed on us during any election in Trinidad and Tobago.
Slanderous and demeaning ads are usually created with a debatable humorous tone targeted at the other political party in what would seem to be a personal attack.
Slandering to make a point?
The idea is to beat down the words and character of the other party to dissuade voters.
The main problem with this tactic is it leaves little room for actually saying what is being offered or has been done by the opponent creating the ads.
Let’s picture it this way. Let’s say we have an unemployed single mom who is trying to make ends meet.
At the end of the day, mom cares only about providing a meal for her child, that rent is paid and she can survive making an income legally.
She does not care about how well you can speak, your color, your degrees or how much you verbally can put down other people.
What she cares about is that she can meet the basic needs of life.
I have spoken about this more in depth in my video called, “Walk the Talk”, make sure to see it if you haven’t.
But, for now, let’s get back to needs.
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
There is a well used theory by right thinking leaders called, “Maslow’s hierarchy of needs”.
Basically, it shows what people need the most before they can venture onto something else… hence my example of the single mom.
She cannot think about other things if she has no food to eat or is afraid that she may be assaulted while walking in her neighborhood.
In fact, that is basic for anyone, single or not, male or female, any race, any age.
Ergo, here in Trinidad and Tobago, I believe everyone should see that people are tired of hearing put downs and slander.
And that is any political party or politician — although some do it way more than others.
People need to know that they can feel safe, that there is transparency, equality and the ability to earn a stable income.
They want to know what you can do for them, to make their lives better.
Better Communication
It is high time that as a people we focus on a new age of communication.
One in which we assume competence, and not like we are all toddlers running around with not enough intelligence or wisdom to see what is happening.
Because believe me, we can see what is happening because we LIVE it everyday, right here at ground zero.
If you don’t know or have forgotten, leave your air condition offices and cars and come check us… the man on the street, we can give you a reality check.
So what do you think about the political banter and ads in Trinidad and Tobago?
Feel free to comment on my YouTube channel and give your points — keeping it clean of course, remember what I just said.
See video on Youtube.