Viewing the Inauguration
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How did you follow Barack Obama’s Inaugural Address?
- live
- iPhone
- online
- television
- all of the above
Corinne Domingo, a freelance writer, posted on her Facebook page that she, “just listened to the inauguration via radio on her iPhone at HNL airport. Ah, technology!”
In spite of the different platforms one could witness President Obama’s inauguration, many wanted to experience it with others in a group setting. Millions traveled to DC to brave the cold and witness history live. Some attended viewing parties. Others joined the public screenings in their city.
Writer, Jennifer Small-Huynh, posted on her Facebook page that she, “just came back from watching the inauguration in Oakland. Lovely to sit and feel it with a large group of people. Saw people cry, hug their kids, pray, laugh.”
Here at Arts Engine, we crowded into our small conference room and watched the inauguration on the staff’s analog television.
“I felt like I was in a neighborhood setting participating in a part of history. It was wholesome.” said David Wright, Director of Technology and Online Programs.
Why do we often want to view important cultural events in a group setting? What does this say about the relationship between content and the format it is broadcast in?
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| Posted on January 20, 2009
Comments
I think, as a country, we have rarely, if ever, viewed cultural events on tv en masse. Charles and Diana’s wedding two decades ago topped the charts with viewer watching- as did Luke and Laura’s wedding - and teh Dallas episode of “Who Shot JR?”.
We’re a people who enjoy spectacle- but I think this election radically transformed the viewing process for millions of people- throwing us back to the days of radio or the eighties, when people would gather.
The twist here is that although the election was, in part, spectacle- it was deeper- offering the promise of radical social change. This election caused people to stop & re-think their views/beliefs of what is possible.
I have never before seen people gather in pubs and homes to watch Presidential debates. The level of public engagement was unprecedented and truly reminds us that we don’t want to be isolated from our friends & neighbors- we want to connect- we need to connect.
Human instinct isn’t to be a lone wolf- it’s about being part of social groups. But when political systems isolate us- media conglomerates control our viewing patterns- people have become accustomed to living a life tuned out & disenchanted.
I do believe this election is historic for more than the race issue- it reminds us that we WANT to be connected, we WANT to be in touch with what’s happening in the world.
I wanted to watch the Inauguration at work with people yesterday because I wanted that sense of community and connection. My sister, alone in her hotel room in Cairo, watched it. My mother watched it. I believe that the world participated in viewing because we want to be able to hope again. It’s a beautiful feeling to believe that tomorrow can be a better day & that today already is.
Posted on 2009 01 22 by Padmini Narumanchi