Jam.

“Culture jamming is an intriguing form of political communication that has emerged in response to the commercial isolation of public life.” (Center for Communication and Civic Engagement)  

I have mixed feelings toward the world of Culture Jamming.  I would prefer to call them spoof ads, advertisements that have been altered or created to mock a message, political or not.  Some spoof ads are completely unnecessary and ignorant, and why people think they have the right to express certain opinions is beyond me.  For example:

However, I chose to analyze a spoof ad, or “Culture Jam” that actually has a meaningful message about reality.  This altered Nike ad states:

“You’re running because you want that raise, to be all you can be.  But it’s not easy when you work sixty hours a week making sneakers in an Indonesian factory and your friends disappear when they ask for a raise.  So think globally before you decide it’s so cool to wear Nike.”

To me, this is an effective Culture Jam.  It is bringing forth a concern that everyone is aware of - the brutal labour across seas.  When I read the message on the fake Nike ad, I can picture the factory in Indonesia.  I can see the intense age range of workers, and their troubled expressions.  According to me, this is a negative, but positive message.  Negative because the subject at hand is a delicate issue, and deals with horrible circumstances that cannot be changed.  Positive because it raises awareness.  After a North American citizen such as myself reads this ad, maybe they will think about this message when they go shopping next, when they pick up something that says “Made in Indonesia” or, “Made in China” or wherever else.  Maybe they will see the same image as I see, and change their outlook on why they purchase what they do.  

Is it so cool to wear Nike?  Did you think about this issue before you read this message?  Is it so cool to support a horrific matter?  Think about the meaningful Culture Jams, and why they are out there.  People are screaming for attention, screaming for your attention.  Do what’s actually so cool and give your attention to what matters.  

Bennett, Lance. "Culture Jamming and Meme-based Communication." Center for Communication and Civic Engagement. 23 Nov. 2008 <http://ccce.com.washington.edu/projects/culturejamming.html>.

English, Ron. "Billboards." PROPAGANDA The Art and Crimes of Ron English. 2008. 23 Nov. 2008 <http://www.popaganda.com/billboards/index9.shtml>.

"Spoof Ads." Adbusters. 23 Nov. 2008 <http://www.adbusters.org/node/677>.