Politics, pirates and Papadofragakis, or: How I learned to stop worrying and love union elections
Student Politics is a serious business. Students want commitment, experience and innovativeness from their student presidents – failing that, they’ll settle for eye patches and cutlasses. This is why last year the position of Student Union President for the University of York was won by a pirate; he was called Mad Cap’n Scott, donned a ponytail, an eye patch, a flared white shirt and a fluffy yellow chick as a substitute parrot.
He maintained his buccaneer character – ‘’ahoy’s’ and all – throughout his campaign. The Cap’n secured the position – and it’s £10,000+ salary – to a great uproar of anti-Cap’n petitions and talk of no-confidence votes. So this year YUSU elections will be reported in a purely straight-faced, factual manner in an attempt to instil a sense of proper decorum amongst the candidates. The student newspaper is as dour faced as ever, with a special supplement packed with all those serious student politics facts. This is student politics damn it, not a sketch show. Serious stuff.
So what can be learned about the serious candidates from their extensive (read a poster on nearly every window on campus) serious marketing campaigning? With fliers, leaflets, posters, t-shirts, Facebook pages, billboard, sandwich boards and…plain boards, what do the serious candidates’ serious campaigns have to say?
The political paradigm that one sinks by levity and rises by gravity has been turned on its head
Paradigm seems to be all the rage this year. Rhianna Kinchin has used the Kellogg’s Special K font and trademark K to suggest a candidate that is handy with Photoshop and/or is obsessed with low fat breakfasts cereal. Whether Rhianna is edible is undisclosed. Rory Shanksis another potentially edible candidate, opting for plagiarising the packaging for Kellogg’s pop tarts. Are we to believe Rory has a warm, gooey centre of strawberry paste or that he will be popped into a giant toaster prior to every YUSU meeting? Again, this is undisclosed.
However the nutritional pie chart on his flyers tells voters he is high in policies, low in salt. Rory’s arithmetic seems as lacking as his salt content; his flyer outlines 5 policy plans but advertises “8 SOUND POLICIES”. Could the unexplained three policies be cereal/breakfast bar/Kellogg’s/strawberry based? Is a Kellogg’s collation to be formed between Rory and Rhianna? Even more worrying is the flyers declaration that Rory’s net weight is 400g – how can a man the size of a Borrower work a toaster? It is even possible for him to hold one of his own flyers? Time will tell.
George Papadofragakis (so glad this isn’t a podcast) has chosen to create a Wikipedia page to print off as his poster. Campaigning with a website know for its factual inaccuracies and heavy handed opinions (I was once told Chaos is “Your Mum!!!”) is a daring move, especially when the poster declares “The neutrality of this article is disputed” and says “citation needed” after certain facts. George’s Wikipedia page has been now deleted, so any changes made to the article will have to be made with marker pen.
Ed Durkin has decided nothing says perfect candidate for the Democracy and Services position like…erm, Monopoly. Ed’s flyer and poster campaign sees Ed’s face representing the whole of Islington, with the tactical choice of leaving the Jail tile off the board – which begs the question as to whether Mr Durkin has something to hide. Worryingly, one of his policies takes up a “Chance Card” tile; will Ed be relying on a dice and card set up to make executive decisions? Again, time will tell.
Other plagiarisms include Dave Sharp’s ingenious “Fix Up, Vote Sharp!” tagline (Dizzie will turn in his grave when he dies) and Mandi and James ‘I heart NY/MJ’ logo. These raise just as many questions as the other candidates campaigns, but one thing is obvious from the campaigns; the best candidates have learnt from the Mad Cap’n’s madcap success.
The political paradigm that one sinks by levity and rises by gravity has been turned on its head; student politics doesn’t have to be dryer than a digestive biscuit holidaying in the Sahara. Politics is too important to let politico’s bore people into disinterest. Take advantage of student’s love of pop tarts. Monopoly themed flyers is barely pushing the boat out. It’s OK to break the suit-and-tie dress code. Cry a-vast once in while. Student politics may be serious, but students sure as hell aren’t.
Related posts:
Heya im for the first time here. I found this board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out much. I hope to give something back and aid others like you aided me.
Hello, you have an awesome way of writing. I’ll bookmark it and come back in the future. Thank you..
Great – I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your web site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs as well as related info ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, web site theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Nice task..
Bless you for trying to describe the terminlogy for the starters!
Magnificent site. A lot of helpful info here. I am sending it to a few buddies ans additionally sharing in delicious. And of course, thank you for your sweat!
Undeniably consider that which you stated. Your favorite reason seemed to be at the web the easiest thing to have in mind of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while other folks think about worries that they just don’t know about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the highest and also outlined out the whole thing with no need side effect , other folks could take a signal. Will likely be again to get more. Thanks
Ganz toller Artikel! Ich bin ganz gespannt auf mehr Artikel dieser Art.
I’d should verify with you here. Which isn’t one thing I normally do! I get pleasure from studying a submit that will make individuals think. Also, thanks for permitting me to comment!
When I initially commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get 4 emails with the identical comment. Is there any manner you can remove me from that service? Thanks!
whoah this weblog is great i really like reading your articles. Keep up the good work! You recognize, a lot of people are searching round for this information, you could help them greatly.
A blog like yours should be earning much money from adsense.?~::- 183352
Bless you for making the effort to explain the terminlogy for the inexperienced persons!
Does your website have a contact page? I’m having trouble locating it but, I’d like to send you an e-mail. I’ve got some ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great blog and I look forward to seeing it grow over time.
hi there, excellent site, and a good understand! just one for my favorites.
Great remarkable things here. I am very glad to look your article. Thank you so much and i am having a look forward to contact you. Will you please drop me a e-mail?
of course like your web-site however you need to check the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very troublesome to inform the truth however I¡¦ll definitely come again again.
Sorry for the big evaluation, but I’m truly loving the new Zune, and hope this, in addition to the fantastic critiques some other many people have written, will assist you to decide if it’s the best option for you.
Brilliant blog , I really wish how to make my website this good looking !
Bless you for making the effort to describe the terminlogy towards the starters!
Greetings I am so excited I found your website, I really found you by mistake, while I was searching on Bing for something else, Anyhow I am here now and would just like to say thanks a lot for a remarkable post and a all round exciting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read through it all at the moment but I have book-marked it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read much more, Please do keep up the excellent work.
Came to your web blog through Google. You know I will be subscribing to your rss feed.
Superb knowledge! I have been browsing for anything similar to this for some time currently. With thanks!
hello!,I really like your writing very a lot! percentage we communicate extra about your post on AOL? I need an expert in this space to solve my problemMay be that is you! Taking a look forward to peer you
I was reading through some of your content on this internet site and I conceive this website is real instructive! Retain posting.
I needed to put you one little bit of remark just to give thanks the moment again just for the amazing views you have featured on this site. It is really incredibly open-handed with people like you to make unreservedly all that many individuals would have sold for an e-book to earn some cash on their own, and in particular now that you might well have tried it if you wanted. These secrets as well acted as the good way to be aware that other people have similar keenness much like my own to learn more with regard to this condition. I’m certain there are millions of more pleasant occasions up front for people who find out your website.
A well made logo can make or break a company. We take pride in making your company the perfect logo design. You will not regret chooising our logo designers. We can assure you that!
What i do not realize is in reality how you’re no longer really a lot more well-liked than you may be now. You are very intelligent. You realize therefore significantly relating to this matter, made me in my view imagine it from so many various angles. Its like men and women are not fascinated until it is something to accomplish with Girl gaga! Your personal stuffs great. All the time maintain it up!
Today, while I was at work, my sister stole my apple ipad and tested to see if it can survive a 40 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is totally off topic but I had to share it with someone!
Very efficiently written information. It will be beneficial to everyone who usess it, including me. Keep up the good work – i will definitely read more posts.
What i don’t understood is actually how you’re no longer actually a lot more smartly-appreciated than you may be now. You’re very intelligent. You understand therefore considerably in the case of this subject, made me in my view believe it from a lot of various angles. Its like men and women aren’t fascinated unless it is one thing to accomplish with Lady gaga! Your personal stuffs outstanding. All the time handle it up!
As I web site owner I believe the content material here is extremely superb, thanks for your efforts. 527640
queda de cabelo tratamento
I basically could not go away your internet site prior to suggesting that I in fact enjoyed the normal data an individual supply to your visitors? Is gonna be once again continuously as a way to look at new posts 671417
I precisely had to say thanks again. I’m not certain what I would have made to happen in the absence of the type of hints discussed by you over my question. It had been a difficult situation in my opinion, but looking at the skilled strategy you dealt with it made me to leap with happiness. I will be grateful for the service as well as expect you are aware of a powerful job you were undertaking training some other people through a blog. I am certain you’ve never met all of us.
I have not checked in here for some time because I thought it was getting boring, but the last several posts are good quality so I guess I’ll add you back to my everyday bloglist. You deserve it my friend
I am compelled to comment that this is really is a great post, by the wayI would like to write guest blog for you if that is alright for you and if you really wish to, do pay a visit and check out my site to check out for yourself the writing quality.
I like this post, enjoyed this one thanks for posting. “We seldom attribute common sense except to those who agree with us.” by La Rochefoucauld.
his is so magnificent that I had to comment. I’m usually just a lurker, taking in expertise and nodding my head in quiet approval at the excellent stuff…..this necessary written props. Theory rocks…thanks.
I am compelled to say that this is really is a great post, btwI would love to write guest blog for your blog if this is alright for you and if you really hope to, do check out my website to check out the writing quality.
Excellent beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your website, how can i subscribe for a blog web site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear concept
Thanks for these pointers. One thing I should also believe is that often credit cards featuring a 0% monthly interest often attract consumers in zero monthly interest, instant acceptance and easy over-the-internet balance transfers, however beware of the most recognized factor that will void that 0% easy road annual percentage rate and to throw one out into the poor house rapid.
It’s really a great and helpful piece of info. I’m satisfied that you just shared this useful information with us. Please stay us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.
Do you mind if I quote a few of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your blog? My blog is in the very same niche as yours and my users would definitely benefit from some of the information you provide here. Please let me know if this ok with you. Thanks!
I’ve been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this blog. Thank you, I¡¦ll try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your site?
Only wanna remark on few general things, The website design is perfect, the subject material is rattling great : D.
You are my breathing in, I own few web logs and infrequently run out from to post .
I wish I had developed your talent and capability to research and write. I am going to only crave write articles just. You have my attention using this content. Say thanks.
Individuals who will be parents are not only found responsible for our personal physical wellbeing, as well as the wellness and fitness individuals children. Environmental safety and health tips are important for your health too which of your family — for example placing toxic cleaning chemicals where your young kids can’t reach them.