In reading the beginning of Culture Jam I was interested in many of the ideas Lasn presented because they are very relevant to our society's troubling issues. Many of the ideas such as media viruses and manchurian consumers I can see in my own life. I often recently have been muting commercials or completely shutting off the TV to look outside while eating my meals by myself. As strange as it might sound it is more comforting than being bombarded by advertisers and networks that try to implant false ideals just for their own benefit(money). I was most interested when Lasn wrote about the social and physiological affects that media and a secure economic society can present. An example being the loss of empathy through attrition to violent material and the media using sex and violence to market things because thy know it will draw audiences. In this first reading it seems her solution to this is getting back to nature and focusing on solving both are natural environment and mental environment issues.
For starters Culture Jam is making me feel a little uncomfortable. Lasn jumps right into his point from the introduction. There is no soft voice welcoming readers to learn. He has a sort of rude, cutting tone. Right away he calls for a sort of revolution. This idea can scare away readers on the border between activism and being couch potatoes; however, the mentally weak could also be easily persuaded by his provocative tone.
Lasn is making the point that capitalism and the power of corporations have grown so strong that they have changed the American lifestyle. He even went as far as calling America a product we sell and that when people come from over seas they are shocked by how different American citizens are in reality than how they are portrayed in the media. I found this point extremely interesting, but aren’t all countries like that? Mark Kate and Ashley Olsen movies taught me that if I go to England a cute poor leader singer of a band with a smokin’ accent is going to whisk me away to a castle, illegally sneak me onto the roof and snuggle as we look at stars. This is not real life. Maybe it is citizens of other nations fault for being naïve and getting their hopes up. Every country has problems. Just because we have dollar menus does not make us the land of opportunity.
I did not completely understand the American “cool” because other countries have a “cool” also. I think Lasn is throwing American under the bus by itself when all the rich nations, especially those in Europe, should be right there with us. So far the book has called me less to action to stop capitalism and more to protect and defend my country. I am interested to see if my stance will change after reading more. For now, the book is not making me very happy. Consumerism is not some sort of massive take over transformer, we need to look to the bad guys controlling it, not continue to personify that which can not be personally overthrown.
I am really enjoying Culture Jam so far. I got into Adbusters a few years ago after a friend (who now happens to live in Vancouver, where it is published), recommended it. I appreciate the minimalist and grassroots style of the magazine, and think it’s great that there is a movement out there willing to fight against societal norms and media culture. Given my interest in Adbusters, I was excited to read a book by its creator, Kalle Lasn. So far, in the introduction and the “Autumn” section, I have not been disappointed. Sometimes Adbusters shares opinions that are a bit too ultra-liberal for my taste, but in his book Lasn seems to present views that I can identify with. Here are some pieces that I found interesting:
In the introduction, Lasn expounds on some of his insights about the current cultural situation in the world. One of these is “American cool is a global pandemic.” This one immediately piqued my interested because just yesterday I was talking on Skype with my friend, who is studying abroad in Prague this semester, about the same thing. (Now that I think about it, Skype is a factor in cultural globalization, too). He shared an interesting observation with me about Prague and the other European cities he has visited on his trip so far: although they appear culturally unique in their architecture and vernacular, they actually share an alarming amount of qualities with America. In his opinion, this reality has increased over the years as European citizens have been exposed to American media, fashions, and advertisements. It saddened him to come to the realization that through its role as a global power, the United States is slowly but surely destroying the distinct cultures of other nations.
Another thing that caught my interest was the section in “The Ecology of Mind” about Noise. I have given much thought to the presence of electronic noise in my own life: from my ipod, which I listen to during most of my walks to and from class, to my computer, which provides me with hours of musical entertainment each day, to the whistling of my teapot, to the beeping of my microwave, to the ringing of my cell phone, electronic noises are constantly making up the soundscape of my day. The sounds that I don’t pay as much attention to, but are just as important, are the natural ones: the wind blowing through the screen in my open window, the rustle of leaves in the trees outside, even the noises from my own body: footsteps, swallowing, knuckles cracking, stomach grumbling, etc. Since we did a unit on Sound in our TMP III class, I have become much more aware of the sounds around me and how we are affected by them or have learned to tune them out. Thus I found Lasn’s discussion of noise and the importance of silence in our lives to be quite interesting.
Culture Jam is definitely more interesting than Sand County Almanac to me because my responsibility gets dragged into the issues in the book, and Lasn doesn’t neglect my involvement in the issues. Culture Jam tries to attract my interest by providing some connections and sympathy to what it talks about. The book tells about medias that they don’t stop seducing consumers who are already ready to consume more stuff. Critic touch on capitalism offended me and made me feel that the way I have lived my life is not right. Whenever criticizing on political thought is happened, it is really hard to be accepted especially when it is about capitalism. The book also talked about the power of big corporations. The thing I can’t contradict to the idea is that big corporations don’t even have to advertise in any media much nowadays. McDonalds, Nike, Coca Cola, Benz and other big corporations don’t really have many Ads on the medias, but they are so merged within the society already. What those corporations are famous of and what they represent (i.e. Benz & Beemers represent some kind of social class to a certain people) can’t be erased from people’s brain easily. It nearly became a norm for people to wait for a new BMW M series model, to eat McDonald whenever they get hungry in the middle of night, or to expect Coca Cola or Pepsi whenever they order a “coke” in a restaurant. Those corporations’ power is strong that they are rooted in our daily basis. I don’t know if Lasn is trying to inspire me to “change the world”, and I don’t know if I could. But I think it is a good book to get a sense of what is going on in this world.
I was very interested in how he started the book in that most of the books that I have read contained author’s words, explanation of the book or other things that bored me even before I actually start the book. By going straight to the point, it drew my attention to keep my focus on the book.
In the book he talks about how media of modern time affects the social and psychological side of the people. Lasn talks about how people are always exposed to advertisements that puts violent and sexual side as topics. Almost all the magazines include images that contain models with almost no clothes on it. Advertisements that advertise nature are scarcely found. Thinking back to the time when I wrote my second observation paper, I was able to agree to the fact that peoples’ attention were caught toward human made stuff.
Lasn than continues to talk about how media has created false image of United States. When I read about this, the false thing that came to my mind was the OC. As an international student, my friends in Korea had false image in that all the people living in Orange County would be living a lifestyle that the drama had shown. When I moved to Orange County at the age of 17, I was shocked at how the living style is very different from what I have seen in the Television. This book have really caught my attention in that it points out the things that I have been always thinking in the past.
Culture Jam has reminded me and made me realize the effect media and its components have on me. I, along with the rest of the population, am exposed to many different forms of propaganda everyday. Lasn effectively engages his readers in presenting interesting and surprising ideas that are subtle but obviously present in our nation and world today. His style of writing leaves little room for doubt in the ideas he presents to us, especially in establishing the fact that the American population as a group has fallen under complete influence of the capitalist powers.
As Lasn seems to have intended, he made me as a reader and part of the consumer population feel helpless. Using provocative subject matter or whatever it takes to draw in our attention, we as a population seem to be under the media's full control. As I watch advertisements or shows on TV that portray certain things as good and bad, I find myself agreeing with them. This "culture jam" that we are living in seems a fabricated and artificial one, and not of a individual and creative initiative.
As an international student, this led me to think more of how American media and culture influences Americans and how it influences me. Though living here for quite a few years has given me some sort of equal perspective on the issue, as I view the American population as a whole I feel that they have indeed fallen to become a slave of the ideas it is being spoon-fed. I feel glad that Lasn, among others, has been able to figure out what is happening in the nation and is spreading what he has realized to the rest of us. Though I know that the media will continue to influence everyone in ways that they may or may not want to be affected by, keeping in mind that the powers that exist within the Capitalist society have the dominating hand will help me to live on without losing my individuality.
Culture Jam is a refreshingly combative sort of book. The author has this sort of argumentative, confrontational, in your face attitude and it serves a crucial purpose for the flow of the book. It is relatively easy to read and easy to digest because it is written like this man is giving a sort of motivational speech rather than a self-absorbed academic lecture. With that said, or typed actually, that reminds me of when Jared Diamond spoke at my community college two years ago. He discussed his books Guns, Germs, and Steel and Collapse. He must have sensed that he did not capture the audiences’ (a mixture of apathetic/attentive students with a dash of enthralled professors) full attention, so he nearly dove right into discussing his book Why is Sex Fun. On that note, I was more than sure I witnessed the three rows of people ahead of me snap back into reality with a sort of “Sex!? Where!?” body language. Even in institutions of educational pursuit, it takes next to no effort to capture one’s attention regarding sexual topics of “discourse”. I believe that the author wants to combat this as well, but whom does he have left to address? The general population is consumed by television and communication, the college student/educated populations have presumably intelligent things to say about television and communication, but regardless, they are also consumed. The leaders of our nation thrive on television and communication like MTV “reality tv” thrives on sex, drugs, rock ‘n’ roll (sometimes), and annoying clichés upon clichés of plot material that relates to three topics listed. We are in no way doomed, though that depends on how “doomed” is defined. There is still the impervious potential for revolution and pandemic inspiration, but what will birth this moment can’t come from a book solely.
In reading Culture Jam it really brought up some interesting issues. Our society has drifted into this living advertisement. Unfortunately, what we see on television is what is in our minds; when what we look at is not even reality. When observing the programs on television and you see each person having the perfect body and the perfect life; you start wondering where fiction begins and ends.
The advertisements that we see consume us. There are products out there that could skip the advertising entirely and they would most probably continue to sell their product anyways. A perfect example being coca cola. We all know there are many companies that make the coke-tyype product; but when someone says coke, you immediately assume coca cola.
In magazines, it is the perfect people with the perfect bodies that you see. Even though this is not truly representative of our society, that is what sells a product. So the more we see it, the more we start thinking this is indeed the average person. The entire reason why kids, especially girls feel they need to have the perfect body. It isn't reality yet it is being suggested that it is.
We are unfortunately in a world that is driven by violence and sex; so that is what advertisements are centered around. Those individuals that did not grow up in America; would most probably have a different perspective on our society, after all their influences are magazines and television.
It is unfortunate that we don't see more use of environmental issues, but then that is not a real part of the capitalistic world we live in. This is something that needs to be considered.
I really enjoyed the reading from Culture Jams. The introduction really pulled you in from the very first paragraph. Lasn has very readable voice and seems to get straight to the point. He's harsh but but gives hope or even a sense of certainty that this world will change because the point it's at right now is just absolutely unacceptable and then he tells you why. I can read this much easier, and even though the tone can be condescending you know that what he is saying is true and for our own good. If you compare this to Sand County even though they are saying to things to help us improve our society/ the earth you cant help but feel like leopold is kind of scolding you or looking down on you while Lasn is talking to you from the same boat that you're in. Leopold seems to be telling you about his way of life and how it's better and how everyone now is living in a way that he cant relate to at all- he sounds like an alien, and no one likes to listen to an alien. Lasn on the other hand though understands what's happening to us on a more personal level and even though he disagrees with it understands why it sucks us in. He gives examples we understand and can relate to unlike Leopold who doesn't really relate to the reader.
After reading Sand County, I really enjoyed the change in pace with Culture Jam. Lasn is quick to the point, doesn’t hold back any punches, and gives the reader the information they need to hear. Both of these books enlightened the reader with awareness and realization, but manage to achieve this through very different writing techniques. I find Culture Jam very refreshing, although Lasn sometimes gets into generalizing people a bit more than I’d prefer. Generalizations such as, “You watch TV. . . You enter your rebel years. You strut the malls, brandishing a Dr. Pepper can full of Scotch. . . One day you act drunk. . . you park your BMW outside the double garage. When you grow depressed you go shopping. “ (Lasn, 55). These could be real life circumstances or actions that a person has gone through with. But by using the word ‘you’ it makes the statement feel like more of an attack upon the reader, who has more likely had nothing to do with these exact engagements. I feel that Lasn may think of peoples shallow consumers that follow every trend of society without question. On the other hand, he does have reason to think as much, considering the information he has collected. I agree with a lot of the points Lasn makes, such as: value is lost without effort, the more technology grows the more distant we become to our natural environment, and children are born into a digital world. I think these are all crucial points and I’m glad that we have such contrasting literary takes upon the same significant concerns.
Initially, I was somewhat taken aback by how upfront Lasn is about his mission to spark a societal revolution. But the more I thought about it, the more this kind of aggression seems necessary when attempting to change a society that has become such a robotic mechanism of consumption.
I found many of the points that Lasn opens his book with to be quite interesting. First, that noise used to be something totally natural; rain, wind, animals. If the only auditory stimulus you ever experienced came from nature you would most assuredly have a stronger connection with your environment than someone whose head is filled with noise pollution from advertising media. I found the example Lasn gives about the woman who becomes addicted to chat rooms similar to this in that due to the amount of time spent typing out her thoughts, her verbal skills began to suffer. In much the same way our abilities to pick out the subtleties in the sounds of our natural environment has been desensitized due to this pollution. In this way the digital age is, quite literally, turning us more robotic, and easier to program.
In reading the beginning of Culture Jam I was interested in many of the ideas Lasn presented because they are very relevant to our society's troubling issues. Many of the ideas such as media viruses and manchurian consumers I can see in my own life. I often recently have been muting commercials or completely shutting off the TV to look outside while eating my meals by myself. As strange as it might sound it is more comforting than being bombarded by advertisers and networks that try to implant false ideals just for their own benefit(money). I was most interested when Lasn wrote about the social and physiological affects that media and a secure economic society can present. An example being the loss of empathy through attrition to violent material and the media using sex and violence to market things because thy know it will draw audiences. In this first reading it seems her solution to this is getting back to nature and focusing on solving both are natural environment and mental environment issues.
ReplyDeleteKellyann Wargo
ReplyDeleteFor starters Culture Jam is making me feel a little uncomfortable. Lasn jumps right into his point from the introduction. There is no soft voice welcoming readers to learn. He has a sort of rude, cutting tone. Right away he calls for a sort of revolution. This idea can scare away readers on the border between activism and being couch potatoes; however, the mentally weak could also be easily persuaded by his provocative tone.
Lasn is making the point that capitalism and the power of corporations have grown so strong that they have changed the American lifestyle. He even went as far as calling America a product we sell and that when people come from over seas they are shocked by how different American citizens are in reality than how they are portrayed in the media. I found this point extremely interesting, but aren’t all countries like that? Mark Kate and Ashley Olsen movies taught me that if I go to England a cute poor leader singer of a band with a smokin’ accent is going to whisk me away to a castle, illegally sneak me onto the roof and snuggle as we look at stars. This is not real life. Maybe it is citizens of other nations fault for being naïve and getting their hopes up. Every country has problems. Just because we have dollar menus does not make us the land of opportunity.
I did not completely understand the American “cool” because other countries have a “cool” also. I think Lasn is throwing American under the bus by itself when all the rich nations, especially those in Europe, should be right there with us. So far the book has called me less to action to stop capitalism and more to protect and defend my country. I am interested to see if my stance will change after reading more. For now, the book is not making me very happy. Consumerism is not some sort of massive take over transformer, we need to look to the bad guys controlling it, not continue to personify that which can not be personally overthrown.
I am really enjoying Culture Jam so far. I got into Adbusters a few years ago after a friend (who now happens to live in Vancouver, where it is published), recommended it. I appreciate the minimalist and grassroots style of the magazine, and think it’s great that there is a movement out there willing to fight against societal norms and media culture. Given my interest in Adbusters, I was excited to read a book by its creator, Kalle Lasn. So far, in the introduction and the “Autumn” section, I have not been disappointed. Sometimes Adbusters shares opinions that are a bit too ultra-liberal for my taste, but in his book Lasn seems to present views that I can identify with. Here are some pieces that I found interesting:
ReplyDeleteIn the introduction, Lasn expounds on some of his insights about the current cultural situation in the world. One of these is “American cool is a global pandemic.” This one immediately piqued my interested because just yesterday I was talking on Skype with my friend, who is studying abroad in Prague this semester, about the same thing. (Now that I think about it, Skype is a factor in cultural globalization, too). He shared an interesting observation with me about Prague and the other European cities he has visited on his trip so far: although they appear culturally unique in their architecture and vernacular, they actually share an alarming amount of qualities with America. In his opinion, this reality has increased over the years as European citizens have been exposed to American media, fashions, and advertisements. It saddened him to come to the realization that through its role as a global power, the United States is slowly but surely destroying the distinct cultures of other nations.
Another thing that caught my interest was the section in “The Ecology of Mind” about Noise. I have given much thought to the presence of electronic noise in my own life: from my ipod, which I listen to during most of my walks to and from class, to my computer, which provides me with hours of musical entertainment each day, to the whistling of my teapot, to the beeping of my microwave, to the ringing of my cell phone, electronic noises are constantly making up the soundscape of my day. The sounds that I don’t pay as much attention to, but are just as important, are the natural ones: the wind blowing through the screen in my open window, the rustle of leaves in the trees outside, even the noises from my own body: footsteps, swallowing, knuckles cracking, stomach grumbling, etc. Since we did a unit on Sound in our TMP III class, I have become much more aware of the sounds around me and how we are affected by them or have learned to tune them out. Thus I found Lasn’s discussion of noise and the importance of silence in our lives to be quite interesting.
Culture Jam is definitely more interesting than Sand County Almanac to me because my responsibility gets dragged into the issues in the book, and Lasn doesn’t neglect my involvement in the issues. Culture Jam tries to attract my interest by providing some connections and sympathy to what it talks about.
ReplyDeleteThe book tells about medias that they don’t stop seducing consumers who are already ready to consume more stuff. Critic touch on capitalism offended me and made me feel that the way I have lived my life is not right. Whenever criticizing on political thought is happened, it is really hard to be accepted especially when it is about capitalism.
The book also talked about the power of big corporations. The thing I can’t contradict to the idea is that big corporations don’t even have to advertise in any media much nowadays. McDonalds, Nike, Coca Cola, Benz and other big corporations don’t really have many Ads on the medias, but they are so merged within the society already. What those corporations are famous of and what they represent (i.e. Benz & Beemers represent some kind of social class to a certain people) can’t be erased from people’s brain easily. It nearly became a norm for people to wait for a new BMW M series model, to eat McDonald whenever they get hungry in the middle of night, or to expect Coca Cola or Pepsi whenever they order a “coke” in a restaurant. Those corporations’ power is strong that they are rooted in our daily basis.
I don’t know if Lasn is trying to inspire me to “change the world”, and I don’t know if I could. But I think it is a good book to get a sense of what is going on in this world.
I was very interested in how he started the book in that most of the books that I have read contained author’s words, explanation of the book or other things that bored me even before I actually start the book. By going straight to the point, it drew my attention to keep my focus on the book.
ReplyDeleteIn the book he talks about how media of modern time affects the social and psychological side of the people. Lasn talks about how people are always exposed to advertisements that puts violent and sexual side as topics. Almost all the magazines include images that contain models with almost no clothes on it. Advertisements that advertise nature are scarcely found. Thinking back to the time when I wrote my second observation paper, I was able to agree to the fact that peoples’ attention were caught toward human made stuff.
Lasn than continues to talk about how media has created false image of United States. When I read about this, the false thing that came to my mind was the OC. As an international student, my friends in Korea had false image in that all the people living in Orange County would be living a lifestyle that the drama had shown. When I moved to Orange County at the age of 17, I was shocked at how the living style is very different from what I have seen in the Television. This book have really caught my attention in that it points out the things that I have been always thinking in the past.
Culture Jam has reminded me and made me realize the effect media and its components have on me. I, along with the rest of the population, am exposed to many different forms of propaganda everyday. Lasn effectively engages his readers in presenting interesting and surprising ideas that are subtle but obviously present in our nation and world today. His style of writing leaves little room for doubt in the ideas he presents to us, especially in establishing the fact that the American population as a group has fallen under complete influence of the capitalist powers.
ReplyDeleteAs Lasn seems to have intended, he made me as a reader and part of the consumer population feel helpless. Using provocative subject matter or whatever it takes to draw in our attention, we as a population seem to be under the media's full control. As I watch advertisements or shows on TV that portray certain things as good and bad, I find myself agreeing with them. This "culture jam" that we are living in seems a fabricated and artificial one, and not of a individual and creative initiative.
As an international student, this led me to think more of how American media and culture influences Americans and how it influences me. Though living here for quite a few years has given me some sort of equal perspective on the issue, as I view the American population as a whole I feel that they have indeed fallen to become a slave of the ideas it is being spoon-fed. I feel glad that Lasn, among others, has been able to figure out what is happening in the nation and is spreading what he has realized to the rest of us. Though I know that the media will continue to influence everyone in ways that they may or may not want to be affected by, keeping in mind that the powers that exist within the Capitalist society have the dominating hand will help me to live on without losing my individuality.
Culture Jam is a refreshingly combative sort of book. The author has this sort of argumentative, confrontational, in your face attitude and it serves a crucial purpose for the flow of the book. It is relatively easy to read and easy to digest because it is written like this man is giving a sort of motivational speech rather than a self-absorbed academic lecture. With that said, or typed actually, that reminds me of when Jared Diamond spoke at my community college two years ago. He discussed his books Guns, Germs, and Steel and Collapse. He must have sensed that he did not capture the audiences’ (a mixture of apathetic/attentive students with a dash of enthralled professors) full attention, so he nearly dove right into discussing his book Why is Sex Fun. On that note, I was more than sure I witnessed the three rows of people ahead of me snap back into reality with a sort of “Sex!? Where!?” body language. Even in institutions of educational pursuit, it takes next to no effort to capture one’s attention regarding sexual topics of “discourse”. I believe that the author wants to combat this as well, but whom does he have left to address? The general population is consumed by television and communication, the college student/educated populations have presumably intelligent things to say about television and communication, but regardless, they are also consumed. The leaders of our nation thrive on television and communication like MTV “reality tv” thrives on sex, drugs, rock ‘n’ roll (sometimes), and annoying clichés upon clichés of plot material that relates to three topics listed. We are in no way doomed, though that depends on how “doomed” is defined. There is still the impervious potential for revolution and pandemic inspiration, but what will birth this moment can’t come from a book solely.
ReplyDeleteIn reading Culture Jam it really brought up some interesting issues. Our society has drifted into this living advertisement. Unfortunately, what we see on television is what is in our minds; when what we look at is not even reality. When observing the programs on television and you see each person having the perfect body and the perfect life; you start wondering where fiction begins and ends.
ReplyDeleteThe advertisements that we see consume us. There are products out there that could skip the advertising entirely and they would most probably continue to sell their product anyways. A perfect example being coca cola. We all know there are many companies that make the coke-tyype product; but when someone says coke, you immediately assume coca cola.
In magazines, it is the perfect people with the perfect bodies that you see. Even though this is not truly representative of our society, that is what sells a product. So the more we see it, the more we start thinking this is indeed the average person. The entire reason why kids, especially girls feel they need to have the perfect body. It isn't reality yet it is being suggested that it is.
We are unfortunately in a world that is driven by violence and sex; so that is what advertisements are centered around. Those individuals that did not grow up in America; would most probably have a different perspective on our society, after all their influences are magazines and television.
It is unfortunate that we don't see more use of environmental issues, but then that is not a real part of the capitalistic world we live in. This is something that needs to be considered.
I really enjoyed the reading from Culture Jams. The introduction really pulled you in from the very first paragraph. Lasn has very readable voice and seems to get straight to the point. He's harsh but but gives hope or even a sense of certainty that this world will change because the point it's at right now is just absolutely unacceptable and then he tells you why. I can read this much easier, and even though the tone can be condescending you know that what he is saying is true and for our own good. If you compare this to Sand County even though they are saying to things to help us improve our society/ the earth you cant help but feel like leopold is kind of scolding you or looking down on you while Lasn is talking to you from the same boat that you're in. Leopold seems to be telling you about his way of life and how it's better and how everyone now is living in a way that he cant relate to at all- he sounds like an alien, and no one likes to listen to an alien. Lasn on the other hand though understands what's happening to us on a more personal level and even though he disagrees with it understands why it sucks us in. He gives examples we understand and can relate to unlike Leopold who doesn't really relate to the reader.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading Sand County, I really enjoyed the change in pace with Culture Jam. Lasn is quick to the point, doesn’t hold back any punches, and gives the reader the information they need to hear. Both of these books enlightened the reader with awareness and realization, but manage to achieve this through very different writing techniques. I find Culture Jam very refreshing, although Lasn sometimes gets into generalizing people a bit more than I’d prefer. Generalizations such as, “You watch TV. . . You enter your rebel years. You strut the malls, brandishing a Dr. Pepper can full of Scotch. . . One day you act drunk. . . you park your BMW outside the double garage. When you grow depressed you go shopping. “ (Lasn, 55). These could be real life circumstances or actions that a person has gone through with. But by using the word ‘you’ it makes the statement feel like more of an attack upon the reader, who has more likely had nothing to do with these exact engagements. I feel that Lasn may think of peoples shallow consumers that follow every trend of society without question. On the other hand, he does have reason to think as much, considering the information he has collected. I agree with a lot of the points Lasn makes, such as: value is lost without effort, the more technology grows the more distant we become to our natural environment, and children are born into a digital world. I think these are all crucial points and I’m glad that we have such contrasting literary takes upon the same significant concerns.
ReplyDeleteInitially, I was somewhat taken aback by how upfront Lasn is about his mission to spark a societal revolution. But the more I thought about it, the more this kind of aggression seems necessary when attempting to change a society that has become such a robotic mechanism of consumption.
ReplyDeleteI found many of the points that Lasn opens his book with to be quite interesting. First, that noise used to be something totally natural; rain, wind, animals. If the only auditory stimulus you ever experienced came from nature you would most assuredly have a stronger connection with your environment than someone whose head is filled with noise pollution from advertising media. I found the example Lasn gives about the woman who becomes addicted to chat rooms similar to this in that due to the amount of time spent typing out her thoughts, her verbal skills began to suffer. In much the same way our abilities to pick out the subtleties in the sounds of our natural environment has been desensitized due to this pollution. In this way the digital age is, quite literally, turning us more robotic, and easier to program.