Anger:
Using anger for good is something often touted but rarely used correctly. The distinction between acting with anger in order to correct injustices in the world in a calm manner and acting as holier-than-thou through anger and condescension is one that is very easily overlooked; especially in the current political climate. Understanding the difference and learning to use a more controlled anger to laser-focus one's goals is a good tool to use, but must be used consciously given how easy it is to get lost in anger and lose sight of the goal.
Culture Jamming:
Using a well known symbol and subverting it in order to prove a point or call out a part of life that is often overlooked is one of my personal favorite kinds of activist art. Using the mindless spew of capitalist logos and icons to speak to something bigger than just pushing product down peoples' throats is such a powerful way to re-wire the brain without even convincing the audience to accept the message. These signs and symbols are so deeply ingrained into our lives that seeing one used out of context is especially thought provoking as, at first, it just looks like an advertisement or reference that we tend to tune out; but on closer inspection is a message that eloquently calls out and makes the viewer think about aspects they may not often associate with that symbol. It is also convenient in that upon seeing the logo back in its normal context, the phantom of the subversion is still in your head and can cause one to think multiple times on the topic presented rather than just once upon first viewing.
Commodity Fetishism:
The idea that higher priced goods and commodities are of a higher social standing than cheaper alternatives is something that has always baffled me. Is the purpose of purchasing items to increase social standing or to fulfill a need? Why are material goods and money allowed to dictate who is worth hearing and paying attention to? Goods fulfill needs, but the difference between a high priced option and a lower priced alternative are often negligible and, in some cases, are the same with the exception of one bearing a brand that has been deemed superior.
Using anger for good is something often touted but rarely used correctly. The distinction between acting with anger in order to correct injustices in the world in a calm manner and acting as holier-than-thou through anger and condescension is one that is very easily overlooked; especially in the current political climate. Understanding the difference and learning to use a more controlled anger to laser-focus one's goals is a good tool to use, but must be used consciously given how easy it is to get lost in anger and lose sight of the goal.
Culture Jamming:
Using a well known symbol and subverting it in order to prove a point or call out a part of life that is often overlooked is one of my personal favorite kinds of activist art. Using the mindless spew of capitalist logos and icons to speak to something bigger than just pushing product down peoples' throats is such a powerful way to re-wire the brain without even convincing the audience to accept the message. These signs and symbols are so deeply ingrained into our lives that seeing one used out of context is especially thought provoking as, at first, it just looks like an advertisement or reference that we tend to tune out; but on closer inspection is a message that eloquently calls out and makes the viewer think about aspects they may not often associate with that symbol. It is also convenient in that upon seeing the logo back in its normal context, the phantom of the subversion is still in your head and can cause one to think multiple times on the topic presented rather than just once upon first viewing.
Commodity Fetishism:
The idea that higher priced goods and commodities are of a higher social standing than cheaper alternatives is something that has always baffled me. Is the purpose of purchasing items to increase social standing or to fulfill a need? Why are material goods and money allowed to dictate who is worth hearing and paying attention to? Goods fulfill needs, but the difference between a high priced option and a lower priced alternative are often negligible and, in some cases, are the same with the exception of one bearing a brand that has been deemed superior.
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