Culture Jamming: A Method of Modern Activism

Weight – I’m Gainin’ It

Murder King

Pepsi

What is Culture Jamming?

According to Dr. Nicki Cole, culture jamming is “the practice of disrupting the mundane nature of everyday life and the status quo with surprising, often comical or satirical acts or artworks.” Culture jamming has most commonly become a form of social or political activism because of how it takes everyday acts and artwork and turns them into satire. Culture jamming often calls out the power and effects of media, governments, and large corporations for issues like consumerism and militarism.

Culture jamming usually takes existing images, logos, or any other promotional materials and recreates them in a way that brings into light the values, image, and intentions.

 

Why does Culture Jamming exist and why is it important?

Culture jamming was made to question the status quo and is important because it is a different approach to activism and is a way of gaining a new perspective on the social and political practices of different organizations. By using images and other visual characteristics, Culture Jamming appeals to the masses to critique customs that lead to inequality and injustice.

 

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References:

Cole, Nicki, Ph.D. “Understanding Culture Jamming and How It Can Create Social Change.” Thought Co. December 13, 2018. Accessed January 27, 2019. https://www.thoughtco.com/culture-jamming-3026194.

“Culture Jamming and Meme-based Communication.” Center for Communication & Civic Engagement. Accessed January 27, 2019. https://depts.washington.edu/ccce/polcommcampaigns/CultureJamming.htm.

Madrigal, Alexis C. “The New Culture Jamming: How Activists Will Respond to Online Advertising.” The Atlantic. May 15, 2012. Accessed January 27, 2019. https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2012/05/the-new-culture-jamming-how-activists-will-respond-to-online-advertising/257176/.

Rubenstein, Hannah. “The Future of Culture Jamming.” The Washington Post. May 21, 2012. Accessed January 27, 2019. https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/innovations/post/the-future-of-culture-jamming/2012/05/21/gIQAtw3KfU_blog.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.3b36a2fe1aca.