English 1A
Journal #7

Purpose: to sort through more of the ideas presented by Kalle Lasn in his book Culture Jam, in preparation for analysis of and response to his argument.

Introduction:  Lasn makes a lot of bold claims and sweeping statements in the last sections of Culture Jam. What are you thoughts about the ideas he presents?

Directions: 

Note: The journals are intended to be a way for you to explore ideas that you might later wish to refine in a paper or a discussion.  I will not censor these journals in any way, nor will I grade them on content or grammar (though, like the seminars, they must be coherent and display some measure of critical thinking about the question at hand). You do not have to answer all the questions, nor do you have to confine yourself to these questions. Write about whatever is on your mind. 

Read the last two sections of Culture Jam (Summer and Epilogue) Write a page or two about your response/s to his ideas.

Some Questions/Topics to Consider:

• Rage: Lasn thinks that rage is a prerequisite to action. What enrages you? How do you behave when you get angry? When was the last time you got really, really angry? What did you do, and what was the end result? Did your rage bring about any changes in the situation? 
• Food: Have you ever thought about where your food comes from? How much attention do you give to your own food choices? What are your thoughts on the modern American diet?
• Media Violence : Lasn claims that media violence affects our children negatively. Do you agree with this claim? Do you have any examples from your own life or observation about the effect of media violence on human beings, whether they are children or adults?
• 2-minute Media : Lasn proposes that people buy two minutes on the airwaves to speak their mind. If you had two minutes in the spotlight, what would you talk about and why?
• Environment: What is your reaction to Lasn's claim that we all know the planet is dying, but we prefer not to think about it. How much do you think about the environmental effects of our policies, in the US and worldwide? Do you worry about the environment? If so, what actions do you take to improve the situation? 
• News: Do you pay attention to current affairs? Where do you get your news? Do you think it's a balanced view, or do you believe you are only getting one side of the story? What are your thoughts on Lasn's claim that a very few people have control over the news that is brought to public attention?
• Free Choice: Identify another idea that he brings up, summarize and respond to it.