mollyjolly
"The American citizen's first importance to his country is no longer that of citizen but that of consumer. Consumption is a new necessity."
You might think this quote is from a recent critique of stimulus package spending. But this is from a 1920s Muncie, Indiana newspaper. Notice that this is before the Great Depression, which kicked this notion into an even more prominent place on the political landscape.
This doll has always given me the creeps. I used to work for Richmond (Ky) Tourism, and it's located in an old house that also serves as a museum. This little gem is upstairs.
It is interesting to note that this doll, which was probably a high-end item when it was purchased, has lasted all these years.
But perhaps it's not so noteworthy - it comes from the Victorian era, when things represented a person's identity and social position, and things were made to last. The people of this era looked at the stuff they purchased as investments, to be treasured for a lifetime.
Do the things you own represent who you are? I know that all of us here on flickr have at least one thing in common - the idea that the camera represents a part of who we are, as we struggle to create images that delight, shock or anger.
But really, do the things we own represent who we are, or does the consumption of things help us to become who we want to be?
Okay, done playing in the deep end for today. Thank you for lending me your ear.
"The American citizen's first importance to his country is no longer that of citizen but that of consumer. Consumption is a new necessity."
You might think this quote is from a recent critique of stimulus package spending. But this is from a 1920s Muncie, Indiana newspaper. Notice that this is before the Great Depression, which kicked this notion into an even more prominent place on the political landscape.
This doll has always given me the creeps. I used to work for Richmond (Ky) Tourism, and it's located in an old house that also serves as a museum. This little gem is upstairs.
It is interesting to note that this doll, which was probably a high-end item when it was purchased, has lasted all these years.
But perhaps it's not so noteworthy - it comes from the Victorian era, when things represented a person's identity and social position, and things were made to last. The people of this era looked at the stuff they purchased as investments, to be treasured for a lifetime.
Do the things you own represent who you are? I know that all of us here on flickr have at least one thing in common - the idea that the camera represents a part of who we are, as we struggle to create images that delight, shock or anger.
But really, do the things we own represent who we are, or does the consumption of things help us to become who we want to be?
Okay, done playing in the deep end for today. Thank you for lending me your ear.