Weekly Response # 6

Ekta Shah

Response #6

ADP III: techonology and the environment

When Lasn states that the consumerist, capitalist, and materialist tendencies of “ American” culture are unhealthy, he means that gap between people and nature is constantly growing as technology and materialistic goods become increasingly important. We are becoming more interested in technology that is faster and more efficient, so we companies cater to that need while consumers are drawn into these rapidly improving product. By using the adjective “ Unhealthy” Lasn is explaining how much of an obsession we have with objects, and how they have become an overwhelming part of our life to the point where our perception of what nature is, and our ability to enjoy as well as appreciate it have been skewed. One of the examples Lasn gave was families watching television during their dinners, instead of spending that time out of their days to have conversations and spend time together. I find that this varies in cultures, and is more prevalent in the American culture. When I spend time with my relatives in India, no one even thinks of having the television during meals, and because my parents grew up this way the same rules apply to our family at home. There is no television in our kitchen, and we are not allowed to eat meals in our living room. But when I see other families, many have televisions within view of their dining tables, and for others it is a tradition to eat on their couches while watching different tv shows. One example that I do not think is not completely accurate is the idea of “ the end of the American dream”. Overtime the increase in technology has created a change in our daily actions and perceptions of how we want to lead our lives, but I do believe that now in 2009 with the effects of global warming and other environmental destruction becoming apparent and well-known, there are many people that are trying to disconnect themselves with these things and live different lives. We have classes that teach us about the environment, and how to use sustainable materials. We have developed new concepts such as biomimicry and come up with new inventions to help solve our problems. Professor Trumpey has his own farm, while my other professor Jan-Henrik Anderson chooses to lead a lifestyle without a cell phone or car. I have become more aware of food packing industries, vegetarianism, veganism, eating local etc. So with the increase in consumer culture, I think there has also been a recent increase in the awareness of how this culture can negatively affect our lives and what we can do to improve.

Lasn, Kalle. Culture Jam: The Uncooling of America. New York: Eagle Brook, 1999