This is creative and effective. If John Lennon were around these days I could totally see him being involved hands-on with various social issues. So, this is apropos. Cool that Yoko ok-ed it.
It's cool if it's intended to help folks who can't afford to buy computer. And information is empowering. It is a tad bizarre to use Lennon's voice in such a blatantly decontextual way, though.
information is power. Yeah, the ad is a pile of kitsch but the message could be viewed as empowering. Oftentimes people who come from the developed world have a hard time 'imagining' what it's like to come from a destitute background. If his image will help provide solar-empowered computers to children, then great! Nobody can tell what John would have done but I suppose he would have been a fan of helping others thinking about his legacy and such. But what do I know! So, context, folks, context!!
Yes, there are a lot of comments on this topic. Many say that Lennon's image is being exploited. In my mind, if the cultural sign is readily recognizable, what's wrong with conscientious use? This seems like a noble effort. Information, after all, is a way out of poverty and settings of disadvantage. I don't know what Lennon would say to this. I don't think anyone does. But what I do know is that he was engaged in social issues and the notion of opportunity for all.
i resisted watching this until today for fear of yoko selling john for a laptop advert. i was pleasantly surprised, although i think adding the word "laptop" was unnecessary and unsettling.
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11 comments:
This is creative and effective. If John Lennon were around these days I could totally see him being involved hands-on with various social issues. So, this is apropos. Cool that Yoko ok-ed it.
WoW! Amazing bit!!
I was amazed by how John Lennon the word 'laptop' sounded.
somewhat different (if cranky) response to the ad:
http://gizmodo.com/5119514/john-lennon-digitally-reanimated-for-unsettling-olpc-ad
It's cool if it's intended to help folks who can't afford to buy computer. And information is empowering. It is a tad bizarre to use Lennon's voice in such a blatantly decontextual way, though.
I also thought that it was decontextual yet effective.
I can't think of a modern icon that even vaguely compares to John Lennon. They don't make him like that anymore.
information is power. Yeah, the ad is a pile of kitsch but the message could be viewed as empowering. Oftentimes people who come from the developed world have a hard time 'imagining' what it's like to come from a destitute background. If his image will help provide solar-empowered computers to children, then great! Nobody can tell what John would have done but I suppose he would have been a fan of helping others thinking about his legacy and such. But what do I know! So, context, folks, context!!
I think it's pretty good. It pulled at my heartstrings a bit, and I'm very grinchy, so that's saying something.
Yes, there are a lot of comments on this topic. Many say that Lennon's image is being exploited. In my mind, if the cultural sign is readily recognizable, what's wrong with conscientious use? This seems like a noble effort. Information, after all, is a way out of poverty and settings of disadvantage. I don't know what Lennon would say to this. I don't think anyone does. But what I do know is that he was engaged in social issues and the notion of opportunity for all.
i resisted watching this until today for fear of yoko selling john for a laptop advert. i was pleasantly surprised, although i think adding the word "laptop" was unnecessary and unsettling.
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