01-27-2008, 09:00 AM | #1 (permalink) |
Junkie
Location: Chicago
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Culture-jamming
Let’s discuss culture-jamming – the practice of using mass media as a tool against itself. It is a form of activism which most consider to be the antithesis of commercialism.
The Who’s The Who Sell Out is considered an early venture in culture-jamming. Other bands like Negativland, and the Gorillaz are some of the more recent music groups to engage in culture-jamming. In print, publications like Ad-busters – a magazine which publishes without advertising but prints altered print ads, and Naomi Klein’s book No Logo bring the message of culture jamming to light. Some have even argued that Borat is/was an exercise in culture-jamming. Personally, I enjoy it. I like the idea of ordinary people going up against large conglomerates by defacing their advertising and altering their messages. I’ve never engaged in it myself, but I could imagine that if the opportunity presented itself, I probably would. Have you ever engaged in culture-jamming? If you did, what did you do? If you haven’t, would you?
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01-27-2008, 01:14 PM | #2 (permalink) |
Upright
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Excellent topic. I, too, love culture-jamming. It's radicalism against what some consider oppressive institutions, such as corporations and so forth.
I'm a Human Rights/Civil Rights activist myself, and am completely turned-off by the disgusting notion of "pop. culture" which is directed by commercialism, political agenda, and so forth. Culture-jamming, I do it in my own way, part of my cynical aspect of my sense of humor. Using religious dogma in my everyday sarcasm, and using corporate mottos for profanity lol. "'I had my break today' and gained like 5lbs" to "Did you Just Do It and break your leg? Maybe you should have Just Thought About It first" lol. Ironically, I'm a business major with a concentration in Marketing Management. Marketers and advertisers, ourselves, have actually caught on to culture-jamming after the success of groups like the Gorillaz, Rage Aginst the Machine, Truth, Negativland, and so forth. We call it "Anti-Marketing" or "Ugly Marketing". Marketing that isn't the gimic-y and expensive pretty designs that older people are impressed. Instead, using the cynicism, radicalism, choatic and "un-pretty" styles that modern teens and young adults are attracted to, for our advertising and Brand management designs. MySpace.com, is mentionably something we consider anti-marketing. Allowing our young users to do whatever the Hell they want to do to their pages to keep them active and interested on MySpace.com, while marketers and programmers collect information on them and their computers to use to generate advertising, sales leads, and strong market research for corporations. Which is the ironic twist. I have a saying, "beware the investor, because you have no idea how he invests, and what he invests in...could be the very ass you sit on." Myspace.com is the corporate adaptation of culture-jamming for profit. There are still Big Brother groups that do get on the nerves of the institutions they are after by using culture-jamming. Truth.com is a popular example. |
01-27-2008, 02:56 PM | #3 (permalink) | |
More Than You Expect
Location: Queens
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I've read and enjoyed Kalle Lasn's "Culture Jam", I own a stack of Adbusters magazines and various other publications under the Adbusters banner. I even took part in Buy Nothing Day for a few years.
But I no longer subscribe to their publications nor to their ways of thinking. The ideas of fighting against corporate ownership of everything, public access to television/radio networks, protecting our minds from 24/7 advert brainwashing...all of these are important topics but there really is but so much that you can say about these issues without acquiring a sort of Us Vs. Them attitude. My breaking point came shortly after Adbusters released an issue of their magazine that was comprised solely of first person accounts of daily life after the the collapse of the stock market. Every character romanticized the death of money, tedious jobs, drug laws, worldwide communication... It's one thing to fight for change and another entirely to alienate everyone you'd hope to convert by getting so caught up in your ideas that your message comes across as nothing but a convoluted and pompous mess. Quote:
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"Porn is a zoo of exotic animals that becomes boring upon ownership." -Nersesian |
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01-27-2008, 02:59 PM | #4 (permalink) |
Eponymous
Location: Central Central Florida
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Like this?
I comprehend the words, but I'm not sure I quite grasp the concept. Is it the selling out that you're speaking of, or when the media becomes the news? Or am I lost in space?
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We are always more anxious to be distinguished for a talent which we do not possess, than to be praised for the fifteen which we do possess. Mark Twain |
01-27-2008, 05:23 PM | #5 (permalink) |
I Confess a Shiver
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I wonder if this is anything like what the lower ranks of the military do by integrating pop culture and policy together into goofy, bitter sarcasm?
Biggest and most popular example. Other examples are "Army of nOne" and the "Kilroy was here!" thing from WW2. |
01-27-2008, 06:15 PM | #6 (permalink) | |
Upright
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Quote:
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01-27-2008, 07:06 PM | #9 (permalink) |
Junkie
Location: Chicago
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Ah, but crompsin, photoshopping is not culture-jamming. Someone needs to tell those poor, suburban, pasty-skinned, misguided misanthropes to get out there with a can of spray paint and actually do it.
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"I can normally tell how intelligent a man is by how stupid he thinks I am" - Cormac McCarthy, All The Pretty Horses |
01-27-2008, 07:09 PM | #11 (permalink) |
has all her shots.
Location: Florida
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I've never culture-jammed overtly, but I do it in my head all fucking day long.
Anybody know how I can get it to stop?
__________________
Most people go through life dreading they'll have a traumatic experience. Freaks were born with their trauma. They've already passed their test in life. They're aristocrats. - Diane Arbus PESSIMISM, n. A philosophy forced upon the convictions of the observer by the disheartening prevalence of the optimist with his scarecrow hope and his unsightly smile. - Ambrose Bierce |
01-27-2008, 07:09 PM | #12 (permalink) | |
More Than You Expect
Location: Queens
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Quote:
Fighting the good fight against gentrification.
__________________
"Porn is a zoo of exotic animals that becomes boring upon ownership." -Nersesian |
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01-27-2008, 07:11 PM | #13 (permalink) | |
has all her shots.
Location: Florida
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Quote:
__________________
Most people go through life dreading they'll have a traumatic experience. Freaks were born with their trauma. They've already passed their test in life. They're aristocrats. - Diane Arbus PESSIMISM, n. A philosophy forced upon the convictions of the observer by the disheartening prevalence of the optimist with his scarecrow hope and his unsightly smile. - Ambrose Bierce |
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01-27-2008, 07:33 PM | #16 (permalink) |
Pissing in the cornflakes
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Do people really take this seriously?
I can't imagine anyone over 25 doing something like this. I'm sure the sign industry thanks you for your support.
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Agents of the enemies who hold office in our own government, who attempt to eliminate our "freedoms" and our "right to know" are posting among us, I fear.....on this very forum. - host Obama - Know a Man by the friends he keeps. |
01-27-2008, 07:35 PM | #17 (permalink) | |
I Confess a Shiver
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*slams bedroom door plastered with Coal Chamber and Tupac posters* |
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01-28-2008, 05:13 AM | #21 (permalink) |
I Confess a Shiver
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Oh, come on. It isn't that hard to understand.
You take a corporate symbol and modify it to express the opposite. Sony makes TVs. TVs kinda enslave everybody. Use that angle. McDonalds makes "food." Food that makes people fat. Use that angle. This is about using graffiti to stick it to the man with his own symbols. Last edited by Plan9; 01-28-2008 at 05:17 AM.. |
01-28-2008, 05:15 AM | #22 (permalink) | ||
More Than You Expect
Location: Queens
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Quote:
Quote:
__________________
"Porn is a zoo of exotic animals that becomes boring upon ownership." -Nersesian |
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01-28-2008, 05:30 AM | #23 (permalink) |
Eponymous
Location: Central Central Florida
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My anti-consumerism is evident in my actions. I won't wear anyone's name plastered across my chest, on my ass or shoes. Wouldn't that be the ultimate pop culture buster?
By defacing ads that are paid for, what's accomplished? More publicity for what you're proclaiming to be against? Maybe I'm missing something.
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We are always more anxious to be distinguished for a talent which we do not possess, than to be praised for the fifteen which we do possess. Mark Twain |
01-28-2008, 06:09 AM | #24 (permalink) |
Super Moderator
Location: essex ma
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détournement.
it's more than reworking adverts. it's a way of life. look it up--that way you have to find out about the situationist international. i'd help, but it's monkey reset time and i gotta go.
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a gramophone its corrugated trumpet silver handle spinning dog. such faithfulness it hear it make you sick. -kamau brathwaite |
01-28-2008, 06:16 AM | #25 (permalink) | |
Eponymous
Location: Central Central Florida
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I did read quite a bit after the first post.
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Although I can understand it from an artistic viewpoint, I guess I don't get it as "jamming" since it gives "those symbols undue publicity".
__________________
We are always more anxious to be distinguished for a talent which we do not possess, than to be praised for the fifteen which we do possess. Mark Twain |
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01-28-2008, 06:30 AM | #26 (permalink) | |
More Than You Expect
Location: Queens
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The intent is to take those symbols and utilize their power (which lies is making subliminal their true message) and force those that watch their commercials and view their adverts to actually consider not only what they're being sold but what sort of effect all of these messages have impressed upon them. While these "culture jammers" are often too concerned with "freeing minds" from "corporate slavery" - I think it's important, especially in these times, for people and especially children to realize the true intent and meaning of all these messages that are forced upon us.
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"Porn is a zoo of exotic animals that becomes boring upon ownership." -Nersesian Last edited by Manic_Skafe; 01-28-2008 at 06:37 AM.. |
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01-28-2008, 07:20 AM | #28 (permalink) | |
has all her shots.
Location: Florida
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But in saying that, I don't to leave the impression that I don't think culture-jamming is worthwhile and valuable. Like I said, I do it all the time in my own little world and I'm one of the most cynical anti-marketing, anti-consumerism bitches you'll ever meet.
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Most people go through life dreading they'll have a traumatic experience. Freaks were born with their trauma. They've already passed their test in life. They're aristocrats. - Diane Arbus PESSIMISM, n. A philosophy forced upon the convictions of the observer by the disheartening prevalence of the optimist with his scarecrow hope and his unsightly smile. - Ambrose Bierce Last edited by mixedmedia; 01-28-2008 at 07:23 AM.. |
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01-28-2008, 07:43 AM | #30 (permalink) |
Tilted
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So can culture-jamming be considered a form of sub-culture in itself? While I get what they're doing, and in some of the more creative versions find it amusing, it reminds me of people who dress "goth" to be different from everyone else. They're different from everyone else, except the people who are just like them.
Perhaps I don't get what they're doing as much as I think I do. |
01-28-2008, 08:13 AM | #31 (permalink) | |
Eponymous
Location: Central Central Florida
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For those of you that are into culture jamming, I truly want to understand how and why you think it's effective. The Sony pic that JJ posted (#7), for example. "There's nothing good on TV." Cute. Clever. Funny. But do you really think that anyone's not going to buy a Sony or not watch TV because of that?
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We are always more anxious to be distinguished for a talent which we do not possess, than to be praised for the fifteen which we do possess. Mark Twain |
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01-28-2008, 08:20 AM | #32 (permalink) |
Wise-ass Latino
Location: Pretoria (Tshwane), RSA
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Seems rather stupid. I always get chafed at the idea that I'm thought of as some corporate slave. It's an insult to my intelligence for somebody to assume that I'm buying any product based on a billboard or some corporate logo.
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Cameron originally envisioned the Terminator as a small, unremarkable man, giving it the ability to blend in more easily. As a result, his first choice for the part was Lance Henriksen. O. J. Simpson was on the shortlist but Cameron did not think that such a nice guy could be a ruthless killer. -From the Collector's Edition DVD of The Terminator |
01-28-2008, 08:27 AM | #33 (permalink) |
░
Location: ❤
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I wish I could form my thoughts as well as Miss Media does..
I believe that this term, and subsequently action, 'culture- jamming' can, and will be as varied, subtle,or down your throat 'not so subtle' as the advertisements themselves are. Sometimes my humor is so dry I end up taking myself seriously... It can be effective in the short term to help people to question what they are seeing...and I believe it can take something quite shocking to garner some peoples attention than others... I have a headache now..from thinking....'Apply Directly To The Forehead' indeed. |
01-28-2008, 08:40 AM | #34 (permalink) | |||
Psycho: By Choice
Location: dd.land
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I'm happy I said I was lost. Thanks to everyone who has explained. As it turns out, I have "culture jammed" a number of times, usually in the car, some radio ad will be "heard" and the jamming begins.
I think it does have it's place, but (as already stated) it's among those who already don't agree with the way corporate business, marketing, and media go about their business. Quote:
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Thanks for starting the OP. I love it when I learn cool shit without trying.
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[Technically, I'm not possible, I'm made of exceptions. ] |
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01-28-2008, 10:09 AM | #35 (permalink) | |
Tilted
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*edit* Remember boys & girls to proof read :smacks forehead: |
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01-28-2008, 11:18 AM | #36 (permalink) | |
Pissing in the cornflakes
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For me the issue is, so what? We live in a time of insane prosperity by any past standards. I recall reading that an 'average' middle class lifestyle today would have required 125 slaves to maintain in ancient Rome. How they came to this figure I do not recall but its an interesting thought that for all our whining, even the poor are fat, healthier (despite their greater problems), and better educated than almost anyone up until this century. A big part of that are these corporations which people like to malign, but they have done FAR more good for people than harm. Its a system that overwhelmingly works. So I'll raise my glass of Miller Lite, while watching the Superbowl on my Sony HD TV, and give thanks to the corporations that made it possible. They don't have to love me, they don't do it to be nice to me, but it all works out in the end.
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Agents of the enemies who hold office in our own government, who attempt to eliminate our "freedoms" and our "right to know" are posting among us, I fear.....on this very forum. - host Obama - Know a Man by the friends he keeps. |
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01-28-2008, 11:54 AM | #37 (permalink) |
Devoted
Donor
Location: New England
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I think there are two levels of culture-jamming. There's the serious, and there's the just for fun. I prefer the second, as I doubt the first will ever have any effect.
For some great examples of the second version, try Improv Everywhere (they were just in the news for No Pants 2K8), as well as the audio-only Free Speech For Sale (part of the Snuggles collective, inspired by Negativland).
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I can't read your signature. Sorry. |
01-28-2008, 01:56 PM | #38 (permalink) | |
Psycho: By Choice
Location: dd.land
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So there may be are two level in production, but that would be very limiting in perception.
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[Technically, I'm not possible, I'm made of exceptions. ] Last edited by dd3953; 01-29-2008 at 05:04 PM.. |
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01-28-2008, 02:29 PM | #39 (permalink) |
Getting it.
Super Moderator
Location: Lion City
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I am short on time now so I can't spend time on this but I will say that Culture Jammers, like most counter cultural efforts to bring down "consumer culture" miss their mark completely. I believe they fundamentally don't understand how capitalism and pop culture works.
Capitalism thrives on alternative culture, coolness and rebelliousness. If you truly want to bring down capitalism, the key is to radically conform. Buy nothing? feh. Earn nothing. This will truly bring down the "system".
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01-28-2008, 04:24 PM | #40 (permalink) | |
Pissing in the cornflakes
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Stupid kids.
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Agents of the enemies who hold office in our own government, who attempt to eliminate our "freedoms" and our "right to know" are posting among us, I fear.....on this very forum. - host Obama - Know a Man by the friends he keeps. |
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