culture jamming

Culture jamming is a form of expressive art allowing one to express inner ideas and thoughts, although some may consider graffiti to be a form of vandalism, I see it as a form of self expressive art. Why should we as individuals with individualistic ideas sit back and let those in power control our thoughts and ideas inevitably becoming string puppets controlled by ‘superior bodies’. Everyday, evidence of the works of culture jamming is seen in our society and within the mass media. Through any of various methods of modifying mass media (especially advertisements) to convey a different "message" culture jamming is at work. However does this mean that culture jamming is good or bad. Personally I agree with the use of culture jamming because I see it as a way of self expression on an issue that one is passionate about or even just keen on spreading the word on. However this once again depends on the view of different individuals, as culture jamming is seen as being individualistic turning away from all forms of herd mentality – including that of social movements.

As the famous American blogger Mark Drery almost perfectly explains culture jamming‘might best be defined as media hacking, information warfare, terror-art, and guerrilla semiotics, all in one. Billboard bandits, pirate TV and radio broadcasters, media hoaxers, and other colloquial speech media jerks who intrude on the intruders, investing ads, newscasts, and other media articles with rebellious meanings.’ The Internet has been at once inescapable and counterproductive in the theory and practice of culture jamming. It has been a place where ideas of culture jamming are promoted and jammed material is displayed. Thus there are many websites devoted to billboard alteration and website spoofs(William Thake's ) such as ‘Shovelware’ Mark Derys’ site, Adbusters and even sniggel.net AKA jammers encyclopaedia.

Consider this following photo for example:

When I was on the Adbusters site I found this image and I must admit this is one of my favorite photos on that site. When i look at this image I just think that all my thoughts on how young women and girls are depicted through out the media as being the perfect weight the perfect body, the perfect hair and skin, and it just makes me so angry because its as if there is a certain criteria a girl or women has to follow to be able to fit in with society. I must admit when I flick through magazines such as Girlfriend, Cleo, Dolly and even just normal everyday stuff like the target or Kmart advertising mags that come in the mail I look at the perfection of the models and think well how could I become like that and as stupid as it may sound im sure most females who read this will agree with me when I say on more then one occasion after flicking through regular mags you have considered either major surgery, starving yourself or even simply just feeling horrible about the way you look for the next week. I know im like that.


Once again found on the Adbusters site this is the perfect depiction of culture jamming at work therefore, when putting mark dryers comment into perspective one can then begin to understand the origin of his idea. This image is simple, however conveys a deep effective meaning about the McDonald’s food chain. With the heart reading in the shape of a ‘Big M’ and the quote ‘Big Mac Attack’ this image immediately allows the consumer to consider their options before forming a decision. I believe that is exactly what culture jamming is about, allowing people to consider their options before being persuaded or wrongly directed to follow the usual form of advertising.

Just before I finish my first official blog (woohoo), I think culture jamming is a key part in the sanity of mass media because without it the world will be a dull opinionated free society with absolutely no controversy to stir up the ordinary.



Sites that were used:
http://www.english.ilstu.edu/bmthake/folio/docs/finalcj.html
http://www.markdery.com/culture_jamming.html
http://www.adbusters.org/gallery/spoofads/fashion