In chapter 3 of our text book we discussed functions of political language. These included information dissemination, agenda setting, interpretation and linkage, reflecting on the past and projecting the future, and action stimulation. This article published on golf.com is a good example of a few of these, however I will only focus on reflecting on the past and projecting the future.
The article is very simple in that it introduces the new EA Sports video game, however the flagship namesake for the game has changed. The game that was at one time only known as “Tiger Woods”, will now be called EA Sports Rory McIlroy PGA Tour. The author of the Article reflects on the great success that the game has had bearing the “Tiger Woods” name for nearly 2 decades, and how EA hopes that Rory McIlroy can keep the tide rolling. One of the reasons why the Tiger Woods game was so successful, was that Tiger crossed boundaries far beyond that of the golf course. Taking the place of someone who has been arguably the best of all time in his sport is no small task. It appears that EA is putting all their eggs in the Rory McIlroy basket. Hoping that he can carry on his success on the course, which they hope will carry over to a successful video game franchise.
I agree that the article goes along with reflecting the past and projecting the future, but its also very interesting that they would change the name of a franchise game much like Madden’s name remained on EA’s NFL franchise. McIlroy just doesn’t carry the same weight even if he is a huge protege in golf. I think EA has made a mistake changing the name of there successful franchise game, but only time will tell. I think that they might be Agenda Setting a tad bit more than looking into the future. Tiger deciding to drop out of the Masters really was the most news about him in months, in the last few years Tiger Woods name has been poorly represented with the events with his home life and how he has preformed after returning to golf. I would say that this has led EA into wanting to drop him for the poor publicity he has been surrounded in.