The readings that were assigned this week were very interesting, they discussed the way technology had changed the lives of the people who bought them. I thought an interesting not to the readings was how important radios became culturally throughout all the different types of people. It literally revolutionized the way that Americans were entertained at the time. The type of customization and ingenuity that people were doing so that they could receive better radio signals I thought were remarkable. The impact that items had on everyday people is what is really worth noting throughout the readings. Americans from all economic scales could now afford more things due to installment plans, this made the average American worker not feel so repressed because they could afford some of the "finer" things in life.
Wow, it is amazing how far we have come in terms of technology. The commercial depicted in my blog shows the original cell phone ad for the Centel . This phone was a gigantic brick, it is hilarious to see this gigantic contraption coupled with the cheesy early 90's styling of the people in the commercial. The most important part of the commercial if you look closely, is the man in the Jeep Wrangler driving like a mad man, all the while the cell phone is up to his ear. Today if you are seen with a cell phone while you are driving, you could very well lose your license. The point of this observation, is that once cell phones hit the masses there is now a certain etiquette that must be observed with their large usage. In Lizabeth Cohens article about mass consumption culture, it noted that the idea of the theatre had changed because of who's community the movie house was in. It is pretty amazing that people had developed a certain style of doing things to adapt to their tasted and needs.
This makes the question clear, is their really a point to maintain a community when most of the stuff that is being passed through it is for a mass market anyway?
Chris -
ReplyDeletePlease embed the youtube video as presented in class.
-Matt
Chris,
ReplyDeleteI agree and disagree in a sense with your blog. Concerning the idea that majority of innovations today are targeted for the masses, I would agree. It is clear today, buying on credit and capitalistic market competition allows the masses to afford many of the new innovations that are present today. But I still believe we look at our community (neighbors, friends, co-workers, local media, etc...) to set a standard or a prerequisite of how we adapt to our surroundings. For example, if 7 out of your 10 friends have the latest video gaming systems (Xbox, PS3) you’re probably be inclined to purchase one, but if 150 out of your 200 facebook friends who you don’t have immediate contact have these gaming systems you might not be so inclined to purchase.
I agree with Victor. When most of technological items and all items in general are able to be consumed by the masses a sense of community is still vital. Though most things are available to the masses an individual's identity seems to be defined by what they have decided to buy from the vast array of available items. And like Victor stated, what items an individual decides to buy relies heavily on the impact that the community has had on them and the image that the individual wishes to portray to others who are part of that community. Community has and will continue to be a vital component of consumption and what items are bought.
ReplyDeleteThats the first time ive ever seen that huge cellphone! I cant imagine how that was considered convenient in any way. You couldn't keep that in your purse or pocket. Also the "mad man" driving his jeep was very interesting to me too! Technology when first marketed and sold to large masses doesnt show their possibly dangerous effects. This isnt me saying that cell phones cause car accidents, i believe that its totally the person driving who is in control of weather they check their phones at that exact moment or not, but with new technology comes new risks. Im sure the inventors of a portable phone didnt expect their device to cause thousands of car accidents before it was considered illegal to use one while operating a moving vehicle. I find it interesting to see how new technologies also mean new laws, just like when the first car came out, laws agains drinking and driving were not immediately in effect. Only after years of experiencing that driving while under the influence was extremely unsafe did someone decide to ban it completely. I wonder what our next new invention will be and what new laws are created to curb its possible disastrous effects
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ReplyDeleteI like and agree with your comment regarding how the radio revolutionized entertainment but would also like to add that it took communication across vast distances to a new level. Prior to its invention and mass production, printed word was the only way to disseminate consistent communication of information to the masses. With its invention it definitely shrunk the world and the timeframe in which people sent and received information became a non factor. But to speak more to you point of entertainment, what would the 1930’s be without the “golden age of radio” where the masses enjoyed FDR fireside chats, Amos and Andy, Live Sports, news and many of the other programs that expanded network programming produced.
ReplyDeleteThe comments in regards to Christopher's blog are interesting, but I have to disagree with Victor's statement about community involvement. Christopher I believe was trying to hit on the notion that mass media/market push their influence upon everyone and that is how new technology or "fads" are passed along. Say perhaps the sole individual is inclined to follow his peers in his community to purchase an Xbox 360 over a PS3, the outcome is the same, mass media/market had "compelled" the individuals friends to purchase one the gaming consoles. Mass media/market push their influence upon everyone in some way shape or form that no matter where the most direct influence comes from, it still trickles from uniform source (mass media/market). Go back the video and we look at how people in the commercial were implementing nineties trends, while the guy in the wrangler is rocking his huge cell phone but for the target audience (anyone who saw that commercial while watching their favorite TV show) was getting subtle and so subtle reminders of what they "need" in their lives. Whether it was the style clothing, to the jeep, or to the main advertisement, showing what you can do while having a portable phone (and that is why they need one).
ReplyDeleteAs for the aspect about how radio's revolutionized society, it is pretty interesting to acknowledge the notion of how easily radio technology led to obsolescence. As FM became the newest tech. advancement, many began to ditch their AM only radios for one that could tap into both frequencies. The point being made is that companies like RCA knew about FM well ahead of its introduction to the public. When they could have begun making radios that accepted both frequencies, they decided to push AM radios for more years because they held the market in regards to AM. When FM finally made it many people were giving up fairly knew radios because they already became obsolete.
You point out very interesting facts in this post. The radio was a new way to share information as well as opened up an opportunity for many different types of advertisements. Initially it was available to a few people but trickles down to the masses. Many things have changed over time especially the use of radio and cell phones. Radio can now be accessed through satellites and cell phones when initially it was only available to the upper classes.
ReplyDeleteAustin Payne Section 80 Wednesday Cultures of Consumption Wednesday 10/5/11