|
What do you think of when you hear the word Miller? Could it be the word 'mayor'?
What do you think of when you hear the word Pitfield? Could it be the phrase 'flip flop'?
For the past few weeks, the media has trained the minds of Torontonians. This training has affected our perceptions and beliefs, and ultimately it will affect our votes. On November 13, many people will vote based on how they have been trained to vote.
The process of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is used to imprint thoughts. By using certain words, and by suggesting word pairings, belief systems can be influenced. The techniques are used extensively in advertising, and most of us can name products, identify logos, and sing along with jingles. Neuro-Linguistic Programming is also an element of hypnotherapy, a holistic treatment technique that alters behavior through suggestion.
The media has shaped our perceptions during this mayoral race. In a recent example, a headline in the Toronto Star declared 'Miller Only Candidate at Debate for Muslims'. This headline is sure to influence opinions, and the article portrays Jane Pitfield as a bumbling fool who missed another appointment. What the Toronto Star failed to cover was the debate two nights earlier at the Islamic Foundation of Toronto, where Glenn Coles, Jane Pitfield, Stephen Ledrew, Scott Yee and Joseph Young spoke to an audience of more than 250. The seat for David Miller remained empty all night. Apparently David had confirmed his attendance, but the event started late after we gave up waiting for him.
A prime example of media manipulation occurred in the Toronto Star, when the three candidates were asked to identify their favorite Maple Leaf. While Miller's answer was concise and spoke of leadership, Pitfied's long response was printed verbatim (?). She tried to duck the question, then gave an answer based on which Leafs lived in her home ward, and later called back to name the team captain. It is very apparent which picture was painted for each candidate in this article. I am curious to know how long Miller and his team had to make up his answer.
Stephen Ledrew attempted NLP at the Leaside Community Centre debate. A member of the audience had asked why an old couch had sat on the corner for three weeks, until 'Mr. Fixit' from the Toronto Star had dealt with it. Shortly after, Ledrew inserted the phrase 'I can fix it' into one of his speeches. For many in the audience, the association paired Ladrew as Mr. Fixit. Unfortunately for him, the moniker did not catch on.
What was the purpose of Mr. Ladrew in this election? He entered the race at the last minute, and received extreme media coverage despite never having held office. His platform was substantially vacant, and his strategy was primarily to attack Miller for lack of success. Stephen Ladrew was necessary to give David an advantage over Jane. The image of big hulking David intimidating petite Lady Jane would make the audience uncomfortable. They needed an extreme contrast, a cartoon character that would swoop in and rescue the lady when the words got tough. However, what he did most in this election was to balance the position of Miller, providing contrast for the audiences, and allowing Miller to list his successes.
If it was just David and Jane on stage, Mr. Miller would be perceived as a politician. Jane had already positioned herself as not a politician, and suddenly Ladrew shows up as super-politician. Now David looks balanced. In contrast, the character of Jane Pitfield has been painted as uncertain and forgetful. How can she be mayor when she can't keep her appointments? How can she be mayor when she can't vote properly? As the recent Muslim debate situation suggests, perhaps some of Jane's errors were set up.
The media has primarily ignored myself and the 34 other candidates registered in this electoral race. From the initial all-candidates meeting, 35 individuals were grouped together as 'fringe' and 'oddballs'. Legitimate coverage was limited to youth candidate Shaun Bruce and waste reduction expert Rod Muir, both with good messages but neither expected to compete for the key position. Extreme coverage was given to Kevin Clarke, who we know as homeless and mentally ill, and Peter Styrsky, whose marijuana church was busted during the campaign. You have probably all heard about the woman who wears tiara and fairy wings, but some of you think it is Jane. In general, the public was unaware of any but the big three.
Though we live in a democratic society where every person has choice, it is important to recognize how those choices are influenced. Throughout each day we receive thousands of messages, and many become part of our belief systems. Though we may be unaware that we have been influenced, we base our actions on our beliefs. When we have a belief, we will find evidence to support the belief, and it becomes stronger.
The key factor in this election is for voters to look past their surface beliefs and really investigate the candidates. The internet provides a quick and easy way to look through most candidate platforms. Choose the candidates who impress you the most with their platforms and beliefs. Choose the candidates who are motivated to make Toronto a better city. Choose the candidates with heart and vision. Toronto is ready to change, and this election is special.
© Copyright 2006 Glenn Stewart Coles
|
|
