Branding and design can play a big role in increasing political participation.
City Lab’s Sarah Holder says that the most “politically potent image of 2016” was Trump’s MAGA hat, which she says “initiate[d] strangers across state lines into a club governed by a shared (albeit amorphous) dream.” She notes, “As the country prepares for a midterm election, Republican and Democratic candidates running for positions up and down the ballot are trying to find their own Red Hat—a symbol and a style that sets them apart and sells their message.”
This is an important article. It highlights some of the new brand thinkers who are bringing their insight to the political landscape, and it explains why no brand, non-profit or for-profit, can afford to hide on the sidelines:
“There are three reasons brands ‘may be forced to take sides’ now:
“First, brands target emotions and, at this point in history, the strongest emotions are around politics and social change.
“Second, thanks to the Internet, corporate donations are more transparent, subject to scrutiny, and incite strong feelings.
“Third, the cost of being on “the wrong side” is higher. It includes boycotts and reputation harm.”
Article: Political Branding? There’s No Outside