Jul
23
2004

jibjab

John Kerry and George W. Bush in an election-year remake of 'This Land is Your Land'Someone took a lot of time putting this election year remake of “This Land Is Your Land” together. It’s hilarous and unsettling all at the same time.

One of my co-workers suggested that it’s catchier and more concise than a Michael Moore flick.

(Thanks to Dari and Rob for the link.)

Posted at 4:37 PM in politics & bureaucracy

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The Boston Globe ran a story on the “apparently becoming a phenomenon” campaign parody last week. (“Candidates for parody” - 07/22/04)

The two-minute video, which Evan and Gregg Spiridellis posted on their website JibJab.com on July 9, has reached Internet phenomenon status and has proved the computer animation clip — long reserved as a forum for raunchy office distractions, baby dances, and obnoxious birthday cards — can serve as a viable forum for political commentary.

(Link found via Interactive Narratives.)

Posted by alykat on July 27, 2004 1:42 AM

Salon today has an interesting analysis of the “This Land” parody, and possible reasons behind its wide appeal. (“Class politics, JibJab-style” - 07/29/04)

One might think that what sells the piece is its balanced appeal to the riven 50-50 political culture of contemporary America; the Spiridellis brothers take no prisoners, portraying both candidates as fakes and fools. Nevertheless, it’s not the equal opportunity character assassination that makes it work. “This Land” has its Warhol moment because it successfully navigates the abiding contradictions of contemporary class populism — the most salient tension in American political culture.
Posted by alykat on July 29, 2004 2:17 PM

The lawsuit over JibJab’s “This Land” parody is turning into a larger case about parody, satire and “fair use” in the digital age. (Wired: “JibJabbing for Artists’ Rights” - 08/05/04)

Posted by alykat on August 10, 2004 5:48 PM

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