Culture Jam

This book, Culture Jam, is interesting. I like that someone actually is brave enough to write this book and make us, American Citizens, realize how we are living. I feel like everyone knows what is going on but no one acts on it or even brings it up. Its the way things are and thats how it goes. A lot of passages made me say wow and see all the truth in what is being said.

A passage that really stuck out for me was on page 23. The passage stated, “The first time we saw a starving child on a late-night TV ad, we were appalled. Maybe we sent money. As these images became more familiar though, our compassion evaporated. Eventually, these ads started to repulse us. Now we never want to see another starving child again. Our sensitivity to violence has been eroded by the same process of attrition; likewise our sexual responsiveness.” This passage really opened my eyes. It is heart wrenching but so very true. Its almost to the point of being annoying and we think of it as an interruption of the TV show we are watching. It’s just another stupid commercial. But in reality, these kids really need the help. If we would see how these kids live first hand, not how the media shows it, we would have a totally different feeling toward the situation. It basically comes down to the fact that its being overplayed and its totally worn out. Thats TV for you.

Another passage that goes along with this is on page 10. “... Americans can unashamedly claim to be “suffering,” when compared to the rest of the world they are immensely blessed”. This is so true. We have the opportunity to get an education, get a job, better ourselves in life and we all take it for granted. We have food, water, shelter and we all take it for granted. These very simple things that we take for granted are much appreciated to others around the world. We appreciate our Mac computers, Iphone 4’s, super fast cars, wide screen TV’s, Xboxes, PS3’s, Nike sneakers, Abercrombie clothes, being skinny, McDonalds, shall I keep going on? We dont appreciate who we are, our family’s love, having a house, taking a shower, eating a home cooked meal. Its crazy.

One of the biggest things that I believe is screwed up today is how people feel the need to fit in. They “neeeeed” to look good and have this and that and that and this. TV ads for make up play a huge part in this. They have the hottest girls at the time to be in these commercials. Of course we want to look like them. Will us wearing that product make us as hot? No. But we buy, waste money, and are disappointed with the results. A never ending cycle. 

There is a passage, page 18, that goes along with this in the book. “If you look like a TV star or a model, a desirable mate will be available to you; if you don’t, it won’t. Try telling me that living with that message your whole life hasn’t changed the way you feel about yourself.” This statement made me laugh quite a bit. It is funny, obviously, but has truth behind it. You HAVE to look good to feel as if you will find a mate. If someone is told that they will never find someone, that has to suck. They have to feel terrible and that may even drive the need to buy the “coolest” clothes or the most expensive jewelry. But there are some people who just don’t care at all. Is there ever an in between?

One passage that hit home in a sense, was on page 19. “You drive through the heartland and the view of the wheatfields is broken by enormous billboards.” I live in the country and love it very much. It would be devastating to see our fields taken over by more media. Its unnecessary. 

Everyone can go on and on about how effed up this world is but will we change? 

No, I highly doubt it. It will never go back to the times of no cell phones or no facebook. That was the past, this is the present and I know the future only means worse. Its hard to imagine what could come next. Our generation, 50 years from now, may look back and think we were “normal” and how much worse it has got. 

Americans have issues, just deal with it.