I was not really aware of the concept of culture jamming until recently. I have often come across billboards where a company logo has been altered, however I simply viewed this as a humorous joke. I never really considered that by distorting the intended message, these people were actually attempting to expose the truth behind commercial advertisements. Mark Dery (a prominent commentator on new media, unpopular culture, and the digital age) describes culture jamming as “media hacking, information warfare, terror-art, and guerrilla semiotics, all in one.” (Mark Dery, 2004) Forms of culture jamming include adbusting, graffiti art and hacktivism, encouraging an often ignorant public to question the media they consume everyday by showing an alternative perspective.
Global companies constantly shove advertisements in our faces. I think few people would deny that we have become overpowered by consumerism. Exploring sites such as Adbusters has made me recognise just how much influence the media has over our lives, and how we to often blindly accept the messages they throw out at us. Sometimes, even people who question the nature of advertising and consumption still seem to engage in it. For example, I have friends who complain about the high price of designer clothing, however still don’t hesitate to purchase the most expensive brands.
Adbusters is a useful website to view examples of culture jamming. it is a magazine that devotes itself to the subversion of consumer culture. It was founded by Kalle Lasn and Bill Schmalz. They describe themselves as “a global network of culture jammers and creatives working to change the way information flows, the way corporations wield power, and the way meaning is produced in our society.” Adbusters has launched numerous international campaigns and often spoof popular advertisements. Their magazine often features photographs of billboard or advertisement vandalism that has been sent in by people in the community wanting to get involved. Adbusters hope that their website will encourage individuals to move from spectator to participant, and encourage everyone to get involved in jamming. Adbusters also has a large number of successful campaigns such as Buy Nothing Day and Mental Detox Week. These campaigns encourage people to be aware of the cost of consumerism and media in our lives.
The image below is an example of a culture jam.
With the current advancements in technology, it is becoming clear that virtually anyone has an opportunity to voice their opinions. The Internet allows for easy distribution of culture jams. People can post images, videos, and audio messages to a global audience. With all the new technologies that are available to the public, I have no doubt that culture jamming will reach new heights in the future.
references
Mark Dery(2004) Culture Jamming: Hacking, Slashing and Sniping in the Empire of signs
www.adbusters.org/
Global companies constantly shove advertisements in our faces. I think few people would deny that we have become overpowered by consumerism. Exploring sites such as Adbusters has made me recognise just how much influence the media has over our lives, and how we to often blindly accept the messages they throw out at us. Sometimes, even people who question the nature of advertising and consumption still seem to engage in it. For example, I have friends who complain about the high price of designer clothing, however still don’t hesitate to purchase the most expensive brands.
Adbusters is a useful website to view examples of culture jamming. it is a magazine that devotes itself to the subversion of consumer culture. It was founded by Kalle Lasn and Bill Schmalz. They describe themselves as “a global network of culture jammers and creatives working to change the way information flows, the way corporations wield power, and the way meaning is produced in our society.” Adbusters has launched numerous international campaigns and often spoof popular advertisements. Their magazine often features photographs of billboard or advertisement vandalism that has been sent in by people in the community wanting to get involved. Adbusters hope that their website will encourage individuals to move from spectator to participant, and encourage everyone to get involved in jamming. Adbusters also has a large number of successful campaigns such as Buy Nothing Day and Mental Detox Week. These campaigns encourage people to be aware of the cost of consumerism and media in our lives.
The image below is an example of a culture jam.
With the current advancements in technology, it is becoming clear that virtually anyone has an opportunity to voice their opinions. The Internet allows for easy distribution of culture jams. People can post images, videos, and audio messages to a global audience. With all the new technologies that are available to the public, I have no doubt that culture jamming will reach new heights in the future.
references
Mark Dery(2004) Culture Jamming: Hacking, Slashing and Sniping in the Empire of signs
www.adbusters.org/
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