Sportstalk contributes to culture today via Nascar/Obama reference

Short phrases in media can be manipulated and taken to the moon. Dissecting unscripted comments made on radio is a multi-million dollar tax exempt business today. That isn't the case with this blog. I only mention what I heard today as a cultural event.

• A sportstalker on 1010AM in Tampa this afternoon (sometime between 3:32-3:38pm) was making timely chatter with his co-host and meant no harm. It was just an example of a reference that repeated often enough takes on a life of its own. Such as having a journalism elite use it as proof that special "hate" beats must now be created.

The 2 guy talkers mentioned Nascar figures visiting the Obama White House today. One noted during Obama's 2008 campaign it was said the candidate might sponsor a car in a Nascar race. But, the talker said, the campaign canceled the idea because they were afraid Obama might be killed.

• This may be completely true, perhaps they canceled due to security concerns. I only mention it because the idea of Obama being a target-in particular on the part of those traditionally considered Nascar fans-is one that will be latched onto by some people.

At this moment in our culture, many are trying to create an atmosphere of hate, guns, and killing in the context of politics. Although it's a false one, some people stand to gain by selling the idea.

• Not to say the sportstalker was right or wrong, just an example of how unfortunate images are sometimes woven by brief mentions in mass media.

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