political visual identity

Several months from this article are written, Indonesia is about to have its big “party”, the election day. Indonesia has had 12^th legislative election from the 1955 and it would be the 6^th presidential election since the Reform era in 1998. Some parties have declared their presidential candidate, to be announced and introduced as Indonesia’s future leader. It is part of almost all Indonesian citizen hope, that tomorrow election will be held in safe and peaceful manner as with the perspective leader who appear according to the common will. Fingers cross.

It's hard for me to start writing about this theme, not to be tendentious, blaming, taking sides, not to be offending and not stating a choice, will become challenging from this part. Finger cross again

Talking about election and future leaders, is an inseparable part from talking about politics. I’m not intended to cross into the discussion of practical politics, the dynamics and drama that may be presented therein. Here I would like to express my opinion about the strategy to be issued that should be clearly visible by everyone and why they choose to take that path. The keywords are politics, and visual identity.

Political identity can be simply defined as a person sense of self in relation to the politics and government of a country. It shaped by numerous of factors such as ethnic, religion, gender, class, ideology, nationality or even age. Something that people usually avoid in a discussion. When tend to be avoided in the discussion, it will usually transfer in the form of symbols. This what we called political visual identity.

Political identity can be a powerful force, shaping people’s political beliefs and behaviours. It can run people to participate in political activities. It can also measure people to support or oppose certain policies and candidates. Identify race, nationality, religion, gender, orientation, background and class, and others, is crucial in order to make a visual symbols and strategy in politics. And it’s a sure-fire strategy for now. Political identity usually is connected with the idea that some groups in society are “oppressed” then the candidates offer ideas to settle the issue.

Playing political identity strategy in visual, generating potential benefits and drawbacks. In one hand it can be powerful tool to mobilize and empowering marginalized groups. By appealing to voters’ sense, candidate can motivate them to support their campaign. But in other hand, it can also be divisive and exclusionary, leading people to feel like they are not part of the mainstream and making difficulties finding common ground people who have different identities.

Identifying symbols can be effective in political identity strategies. Symbols help to create sense of unity and belonging among members of a group. They also help to communicate group values and beliefs to others. But again, it can be delusive.

In a country that visual look and community sentiment are matter, sharing ideas and awareness in a symbol is something that everyone expressing among voters. When creating visual identity, it is important to consider the target audience. The visual identity should be consistent with the message and help to reinforce it.

Turn out its hard to discuss about political visual identity that not to be tendentious, blaming, taking sides, not to be offending and not stating a choice. It is a big challenge. Hopefully the best for all of us.