No Logo

From ArticleWorld


No-Logo (2000), the book by Canadian journalist Naomi Klein, is a full frontal assault on Globalization. Klein adds her weight behind the anti-globalization cause with damning attacks on amongst other things, corporate censorship, sweatshops in the America’s and Asia as well as culture jamming. Pulling no punches the book is full of alleged truths about some of the world’s biggest corporations and associates, such as Shell, McDonalds, Microsoft, Nike and Gap. With a barrage of articulated arguments and examples, Klein manages to undermine and no doubt enrage some of the largest pillar stones of Globalization.

The Situationists

The primary influence for No-logo is derived from 1950’s European activist group, the Situationists. Headed by the influential and often-anarchic Guy Debord, the Situationists were a group of artisans and philosophers, who gained support from disenchanted youth culture of the time to overthrow what they saw as an oppressive government regime. Igniting riots throughout France and becoming the first group to truly challenge the spread of Globalization, the Situationists remain the cornerstones for many active anti-Globalization protesters, including the author of No-Logo Naomi Klein.

Influence

Klein has tapped into a growing feeling of discontent and disengagement with political and commercial ideals with effect. In challenging corporations and their accepted values, No-Logo has gained popularity with people and groups who vocally oppose Globalization. The rock group Radiohead has sighted to book as a direct influence on the recording of their fourth album, Kid A. With an unrepentant style and celebrity endorsement, Naomi Klein’s ‘No-Logo’ will no doubt galvanize generations of a concerned society, just as her influence, the Situationists did in the 1950’s and ‘60’s.