Culture Jamming

When looking through the multitude of culture jamming pictures that come up on Google Images, this one in particular really stood out to me. Not only is this a real photograph of an actual Esso gas station, it is proving a good point. All culture jamming should make a statement and give people something to think about, not just be seen and then forgotten. This photograph in particular really demonstrates the world around us. North Americans spend tons and tons of money on gas every year; it is a staple for most households. Everyone needs to get places, and most people drive therefore they need gas. The oil industry has such control over the prices, and how much or little they provide us with. The gas prices have been increased drastically over the last few years and this picture shows that point. Gas is so expensive, and takes so much of our money every single day.

Camel cigarettes were the first brand of packaged cigarettes invented in 1913. Their brand used to be everywhere, displayed at sport events, on billboards, and a variety of television commercials. I think it is great they banned allowing cigarette companies from being able to advertise anywhere. There is no need to promote cancer, because that is basically what they were doing. This advertisement makes a big statement that would probably upset smokers but it is just telling the truth. This is something they should put on billboards instead of cigarettes. Culture jamming sometimes can be looked down upon because it is maligning big organizations but in this case I think it would gain approval. The statement “am I dead yet?” made up of parts of the word “Camel” presents a true statement about cigarettes. They can have horrible outcomes so why do people do it? Whoever made this add did an excellent job of getting there point across. This represents culture jamming at its finest.