Ads

Modern day advertising is not just about selling a product but is about selling the image along with it. Though we may forget what that Calvin Klein ad said about the jeans, we will remember the image it was projecting. This image is stored in our subconscious and is what makes us buy those jeans or ‘outfit’ as we try to become that image. The problem here is that it is almost impossible. The people shown in fashion advertisements can all be described as perfect, something only achievable in what is known as ‘fantasy land’.There are also issues with how women in advertisements are displayed. They are constantly seen as ‘sex objects’, non-human, and only there for the sake of men’s entertainment. The demoralization of women is also being shown in modern ads. Rarely do you see an ad where the woman is looking down on the man. It is almost always the opposite.

Electronics in our World

It seems nowadays, that separation from the world is impossible. This is obviously due to the involvement of technology in our lives. Almost every one of us has some sort of electronic device that can communicate to others not directly around us, whether it be a cell phone, laptop, or even the navigation system in your car. These devices all interfere with our lives whether it is beneficial or the opposite. When we text a friend, would there face to face presence be preferred or would you rather have that twenty minute conversation with your cell phone, where gestures and facial expressions don't exist?

Other devices such as gaming consoles also have a major impact on our social lives. Instead of actually doing things like playing football or soccer, you invite friends over so you sit around a TV and play these games in a virtual world. Is this preferred or would the actual experience of going outside be the better choice? Sure there are some skills that are needed to play this virtual game such as hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes, but clearly, this cannot take the place of actual physical interaction with friends. But sadly this is what our society is becoming victim too, the loss of interaction with people and none of us are spared.

This problem is mentioned in “Culture Jam” where the idea of never being able to escape technology and the media is clear. Though it might not be as extreme as what is described in the novel, we are certainly seeing effects of technology spread throughout our society. This technology is what Kalle Lasn calls “noise”. We all experience this “noise” because most of us have never lived a day without our iPod, TV, computer or cell phone.