Speaker-hunt: Image-based politics.
November 2, 2007 4:53 AM Subscribe
I'm looking for a (UK based) knowledgable speaker on advertising and its relationship to the aesthetics based politics.
I've been thinking about organising a talk at my university about how politics has moved from being about "issues" to being about how aesthetically pleasing the leader is.
I would appreciate suggestions of interesting speakers (they could be academics, work in marketing/PR or even be a politician) who could potentially give an informative talk on the subject and would be willing to answer questions about it after their talk.
Any ideas?
I've been thinking about organising a talk at my university about how politics has moved from being about "issues" to being about how aesthetically pleasing the leader is.
I would appreciate suggestions of interesting speakers (they could be academics, work in marketing/PR or even be a politician) who could potentially give an informative talk on the subject and would be willing to answer questions about it after their talk.
Any ideas?
I’d contact Trevor Beattie via BMB. As you probably know, he handled the Labour Party’s account when he was at TBWA, as well as the famous WonderBra and FCUK campaigns. Although he’s very high profile, he might come if you wrote a good letter. (I’ve come into contact with him professionally very briefly twice; he was kind, helpful and generous. You’d need to do your homework though, and make a strong pitch.) He'd have a lot to say about politics and image, but I would not expect him to endorse your argument necessarily.
Also Ann Widdecombe MP could be fascinating: what prompted her very noticeable makeover?
posted by boudicca at 7:21 AM on November 2, 2007
Also Ann Widdecombe MP could be fascinating: what prompted her very noticeable makeover?
posted by boudicca at 7:21 AM on November 2, 2007
Seconding Beattie. One of the Saatchi brothers might also have an interesting advertising- led perspective. I think that this however is the least interesting aspect of the phenomenon you’re considering.
Personally I think that Sir Bernard Ingham (Thatcher’s press sec) would me more appropriate. His book, The Wages of Spin, speaks to what you’re considering and he’s got the critical edge that you implicitly seem to want / need.
From an academic standpoint Prof Anthony Giddens (LSE) would have the appropriate sociological/political interface that this question would need to get a full answer. He is however probably a bit too compromised from a New Labour point of view.
Can I suggest that you turn this question on its head and consider this from a marketing point of view – that’s what ‘New’ Labour was about; selling a lifestyle choice as much as an empty ideology. If you’re prepared to make this leap of faith Prof Tim Abler (London Business School) is probably the right person to talk to.
Finally, I’d give a think to think tank types who might have the insight that you’re looking for. Off the top of my head only Phil Collins (no, really!) of the Social Market Foundation springs to mind as a good fit for this but as always Google is your friend.
Also, listen to boudicca. Before you even think about contacting any of these people make sure you know you stuff inside out and back to front and have a compelling pitch. At best you’ll get 3 minutes on the phone probably to an assistant/agent. Make them count.
posted by dmt at 9:53 AM on November 2, 2007
Personally I think that Sir Bernard Ingham (Thatcher’s press sec) would me more appropriate. His book, The Wages of Spin, speaks to what you’re considering and he’s got the critical edge that you implicitly seem to want / need.
From an academic standpoint Prof Anthony Giddens (LSE) would have the appropriate sociological/political interface that this question would need to get a full answer. He is however probably a bit too compromised from a New Labour point of view.
Can I suggest that you turn this question on its head and consider this from a marketing point of view – that’s what ‘New’ Labour was about; selling a lifestyle choice as much as an empty ideology. If you’re prepared to make this leap of faith Prof Tim Abler (London Business School) is probably the right person to talk to.
Finally, I’d give a think to think tank types who might have the insight that you’re looking for. Off the top of my head only Phil Collins (no, really!) of the Social Market Foundation springs to mind as a good fit for this but as always Google is your friend.
Also, listen to boudicca. Before you even think about contacting any of these people make sure you know you stuff inside out and back to front and have a compelling pitch. At best you’ll get 3 minutes on the phone probably to an assistant/agent. Make them count.
posted by dmt at 9:53 AM on November 2, 2007
Also, see Michael Gove (Con: Surrey heath) in the Times today.
posted by dmt at 11:13 AM on November 2, 2007
posted by dmt at 11:13 AM on November 2, 2007
Response by poster: Thanks everyone, the help is much appreciated.
posted by knapah at 6:34 AM on November 3, 2007
posted by knapah at 6:34 AM on November 3, 2007
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Leon at 6:39 AM on November 2, 2007