Week Seven: Minnesota on YouTube

Other than its entertainment value, I think this video highlights an important point about both Sarah Palin's campaign and media representations of Minnesota. This video highlights a connection between Margie from "Fargo" and Sarah Palin: their accent or way of speaking. The creator of the video hear the connection in their voices, as do the viewers and that is what makes this video funny. But the connection in the video reveals two things. First, an association is being made all over the country between Minnesota and Sarah Palin, even though none necessarily exists. Second, because many Minnesotans might hear Sarah Palin's speech patterns as familiar and comforting, it might be easier to feel an affinity with her and, therefore, cast their votes for her. I had not deeply considered before I watched this video how accents might have an effect on people's political decisions.