It is a common notion, as we have discussed in class, that
how and what we consume in a way defines who we are. We can’t just have the
plain metal paperclips anymore, because choosing the colorful, glitter paper
clips will show people how happy-go-lucky you are. Arguably the most
self-defining consumption choices we make are our consumption of media. The
concerts we go to, the movies we watch, the magazines we read generally say
more about our personality than the brand of potato chips or type of blender we
buy.
I read a recent article on The Onion
that discussed how we relate to our peers through pop culture and our choices
in music and movies. "‘Jean-Luc Godard, Stanley Kubrick, Billy Wilder—you
simply need to know who these men are if you want to call yourself culturally
literate,’ Campbell said of the three iconic [film] directors whose creations
could not have less utility to his daughter as she searches for a way to
achieve a sense of belonging among her fellow middle-schoolers.”
Especially when I was younger, the type of music I listened
to defined my friend group.
However, that may have been a special circumstance,
as going to local concerts was the weekend pastime of my circle of friends at
that time. Had music and concerts not been the focus of our time spent
together, music may not have defined us as much. But now, even if it isn’t so
important as defining who we’re friends with, there is definitely a “type” or
“personality” attached to the person you see reading Forbes versus People
magazine. Do we consider the stigma attached to different types of media and
pop culture when deciding whether or not to engage? Probably. Whether
consciously deciding based on what other people think or not, the personality
or ideology around that magazine probably has a large influence on whether or
not you pick it up. Or maybe you just really hate the Kardashians, so you
grabbed that Forbes instead—probably a good choice, as people walking by will
now assume you are a wealthy intellectual instead of, well… the type of person
that reads about the Kardashians.
images:
personal photo
http://nickhetcher.com/freedecoratingideas/?attachment_id=68
It is interesting how our consumption patterns directly relate to the vision of our ideal self. Even if no one even notices that you grabbed the Forbes! I hate that my roommate keeps the Cosmo and Kardashian covered magazines in our bathroom because I don't want to be seen as the type of person who reads those magazines! (Even though I get a kick that my boyfriends flips through them more than I do!) Can't we just go back to the Spice Girl's club again where we fight over who can be baby spice.
ReplyDelete