Culture Jam suggests that America is mind-controlled by the mega corporations that control advertising; that America's wants are already decided for them, and each American strives to be richer, more fit, and therefore more powerful, and power will equal happiness. I agree that many Americans are blinded by these ideals. I admit that I envy the Victoria's Secret models bodies and I certainly wouldn't turn away a brand new BMW. But why would those things be any better as opposed being overweight or having a brand new Ford? Because the media says so. In many countries women who are overweight are what's considered sexy. BMW is a foreign made car, so media says that MUST be better than what we have here.
However I disagree with the section "The Cult You're In," atleast on a personal level. On page 54 the author states this paragraph:
"Cult members aren't really citizens. The notions for citizenship and nationhood make little sense in this world. We're not fathers and mothers and brothers: We're consumers. We care about sneakers, music and Jeeps. The only Life, Freedom, Wonder, and Joy in our lives are the brands on our supermarket shelves."
I care to some extent about the materialistic things in life. I won't lie. But as a mother I would put none of those things before my daughter. It makes me curious as to whether the author has children. You appreciate family more than what items people think you should buy, wear, or sell.
The media does influence a lot of our decisions when it comes to buying things or even self image but I also agree that Lasn went a little too far when she described this country as a cult. There are free thinkers out there. We don't all revolve our lives around materialistic things. Sure, buying a new pair of skinny jeans or a CD is fun and awesome (when you have money) but that doesn't mean that media is forcing me to buy these things or making me think that I won't be loved if I don't have the right brand named outfit. I honestly could care less if people don't like what I'm wearing. If I feel comfortable and pretty then that's that.
ReplyDeleteThe problem is that we no longer care about what we think of ourselves, only about what others think about us. I also think that Lasn is probably guilty of these things too. She even admits on pg 82 that she is "disgusted" with the overuse of automobiles yet she still drives her Toyota. If she is going to claim that we are all a "cult" then maybe she should just admit that she is part of it too. You can't escape the media completely, but you can stop it from influencing every aspect of your life.
As a mother I hope to teach my daughter the difference between true joy in life and the artificiality that materialism provokes. Can I do it by myself though? Will cultural consumerism take its toll? I think the *power* that we give the media is undeniable. As adults we are under its influence. How long will it be possible to shelter our children? Do we (really) have a chance?
ReplyDeleteI'm not completely convinced...
Its very rare to find someone who gets zero joy out of material items, the way I look at it, it is not something to base yourself on but as a reward for putting in a hard weeks work and being able to get yourself that Ipod you have been breaking your back all week to get, now while many Americans are tech-crazy, many material goods are what keep Americans going and working.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way about this statement from the book. We all really like or enjoy certain materialistic items. To be honest with you, I think that is perfectly fine, it’s not the end of the world just because you like to wear a nice new pair of Nike’s, I mean who cares? Just because someone likes a pair of shoes or an article of clothing doesn’t mean they don’t care about their family or that their family doesn’t bring them happiness. Honestly, the only thing in this world that makes me truly happy is my family, girlfriend, and friends. There is a completely different feeling of loving a pair of Jordan’s than loving my girlfriend. This may not go for all people, which is pretty disgusting; however, I know what truly makes me happy, and everyone is different.
ReplyDelete