Advertising and the End of the World

Synopsis: An illustrated presentation by Sut Jhally of the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Focusing directly on the world of commercial images, he asks some basic questions about the cultural messages emanating from this market-based view of the world: Do our present arrangements deliver what they claim-- happiness and satisfaction? Can we think about our collective as well as our private interests? And, can we think long-term as well as short-term?

Drawing from the broad arena of commercial imagery, and utilizing sophisticated graphics, the video addresses the issues these questions raise, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own participation in the culture of consumption.

Making the connection between society’s high-consumption lifestyle and the coming environmental crisis, Jhally forces us to evaluate the physical and material costs of the consumer society and how long we can maintain our present level of production.
Language: English
Country: United States
Year of release: 2001
Year of production: 2000
Documentation: A study guide is available free online at http://www.mediaed.org/videos/CommercialismPoliticsAndMedia/Advertising_EndOfWorld/studyguide/Advertising_EndOfWorld.pdf
Subjects: Media studies
Keywords: advertising; media representation; political debate; consumerism

Name: Media Education Foundation
Email: info@mediaed.org
Web: http://www.mediaed.org External site opens in new window
Phone: +1 413 584 8500
Fax: +1 413 586 8398
Address: 60 Masonic Street
Northampton
Massachusetts 01060
USA
Notes: The MEF produces and distributes documentary films and other educational resources to inspire critical reflection on the social, political and cultural impact of the mass media, particularly in the US, with emphasis on gender, health, politics, race and commercialism. Sale on DVD.

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