English 1A
Journal #4

Purpose: to sort through some 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 first couple of sections of Culture Jame. 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 first two sections of Culture Jam (intro and Autumn) Write a page or two about your response/s to his ideas.

Some Questions/Topics to Consider:

• Consumerism: What do you think about your life as a consumer? Do you feel or have you ever felt pressured or compelled to buy things you don't need?  Do you know anyone whose identity is attached to their material goods? Why do you think so many people define themselves by the things they own?
• Beauty : Have you or someone you know bought into the narrow standards of beauty and desirability (men or women)? What extremes have you seen women go to in order to live up to those standards of beauty? What extremes have you seen men go to in order to acheive a mate that lives up to those standards? Why do you think we are so willing to be told what is and is not desirable? 
• Electronic Media :  What is your relationship to TV, video games or the internet?  Do you, or someone you know, spend more time with electronic media than you think you "should"?  How much is too much?
• Media Influence: Do you ever feel manipulated by the media?  In what way do you think the media influences our everyday lives, and how do you feel about that influence?
• Nature: Do you feel you live a life divorced from nature? When was the last time you got out into the natural world, away from the noise of civilization? What was the experience like for you?
• Free Choice: Identify another idea that he brings up, summarize and respond to it.