When I was a kid, and televised entertainment consisted of three networks and something we referred to as the "weird channel", I used to watch a fair amount of professional wrestling. Unsurprisingly, this found its home on the weird channel. The characters were all preposterous, the costumes outlandish and the commentary wildly over the top, all of which was absolutely appropriate for the goals of the enterprise.
Unfortunately, US political campaigns have become disturbingly reminiscent of this circus-like relic of my childhood. Take, for example, the first Republican presidential debate last month. The broadcast blasted open with wall-to-wall red, white and blue pyrotechnics and patriotic music. The moderator opened with, "Tonight, the race for the White House takes flight", as if the candidates were blasting off on a mission to Mars. If only. The eight hopefuls were introduced under a Jumbotron video display to disturbingly wild applause from a studio audience that seemed seriously overcaffeinated.
Denne historien er fra September 16 - 22 2023-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
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Denne historien er fra September 16 - 22 2023-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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First-world problem
Harrowing tales of migrants attempting to enter the US highlight the political failure to fully tackle the problem.
Applying intelligence to AI
I call it the 'Terminator Effect', based on the premise that thinking machines took over the world.
Nazism rears its head
Smirky Höcke, with his penchant for waving with a suspiciously straight elbow and an open palm, won't get to be boss of either state.
Staying ahead of the game
Will the brave new world of bipartisanship that seems to be on offer with an Infrastructure Commission come to fruition?
Grasping the nettle
Broccoli is horrible. It smells, when being cooked, like cat pee.
Hangry? Eat breakfast
People who don't break their fast first thing in the morning report the least life satisfaction.
Chemical reaction
Nitrates in processed meats are well known to cause harm, but consumed from plant sources, their effect is quite different.
Me and my guitar
Australian guitarist Karin Schaupp sticks to the familiar for her Dunedin concerts.
Time is on my side
Age does not weary some of our much-loved musicians but what keeps them on the road?
The kids are not alright
Nuanced account details how China's blessed generation has been replaced by one consumed by fear and hopelessness.