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Comments:
lynne - 2004-10-09 04:12:52 Speaking of lemmings, I've noticed lately how "branded" the students of U of M are. Everyone wears Abercrombie or American Eagle, Flip-flops, and designer sweatpants. It's like they all shop at the same mall. Maybe I'm just a nostalgic old fart, but it seemed like people dressed and presented themselves a little more uniquely during my college days in '90-'93. Everyone looks the same now. * * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2004-10-09 09:37:04 Lynne: that certainly sounds like an interesting class. I don't recall a citizens' group rising up, petition in hand, demanding SUVs. But how convenient that, by being classified as trucks (I think that's the criterion?) they dodge those pesky CAFE standards. I would to hear more about future discussions from the class--that brand awareness segment should be fascinating. DaveD, you bring up an interesting point that I'd never thought about. But, yes, now that you mention it, there is a certain sleek, brand-y look to a large segment of the college kids--the first generation to grow up in the marketing frenzy that began in the mid-80s, when I had just hit college, that I sure don't remember from my days at U-M. I guess I was the last generation to grow up without the marketing to young people that Juliet Schor (and other cultural critics) say began/exploded at around that time.* * * * * * * * * * * * Anna - 2004-10-09 11:34:51 I went to UM aroudn the same time (90-93) and I don't think people dressed more uniquely. I think that the regional differences were just move obvious -- New York kids dressed like New York kids, kids from Michigan dressed like they were from Michigan, etc. etc. What has happened isn't that people have gotten more conformist (they've ALWAYS been conformist), it's that the regional differences in clothing availability and styles has diminished because of more national chains and more national advertising. In other words, people are all conforming to the same norm, rather than conforming to local norms. They still conform.* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2004-10-09 12:41:24 That's an interesting and thoughtful point, about national homogenezation. It sounds valid to me. I wonder if it's true that we all wear uniforms. Even me, dressed in a cheesy vintage "Assignment: Earth" T-shirt, ratty shorts, and filthy Kmart Birkenstock knockoffs that I've been shoving my tacky gold-painted toenails into all summer. The uniform of a cantankerous free-thinking atheist? Or maybe just a slob?* * * * * * * * * * * * Leighton - 2004-10-11 16:07:40 National homogenization / sameness is more prevalent now, with things like cable / satellite TV making Kansans talk like East Coast thug rappers. And it's aided by the big box stores selling to us all, congealing in every corner of the nation in almost the exact same arrays in Houma Louisiana as Olympia Washinton (I seen it, Best Buy / Target Kohls attack daily). After spending the weekend with a new baby in NYC, I soon discovered the only way to get her attention was with flickering lights. TV did the trick over candles. But Bed Bath and Beyond bags did nicely as well. * * * * * * * * * * * * Andy - 2004-10-12 02:38:55 I rented "Supersize Me" today. In one sequence, a group of women try to get thru the Pledge of Allegiance. After 3 takes of flubs, someone suggests the McDonald's Big Mac jingle, and one of them zips thru it perfectly, then says "Isn't that sick?!" Indeed.* * * * * * * * * * * * add your comment: |