[mood** | cynical] [music** |
Hank WIlliams Jr.-Family Tradition]American Look (Part I) (1958) _Improved styling constantly adds to the ease and grace and gaiety of American living. The things we have in America are ever changing. The studios and workshops of our stylists pour forth a never ending flow of service and of artistry. Lines, planes, forms and substances in colors. On come the developments of ideas, in pace with the emphatic decisions of the American people as to what they want. In the shapes of utility, and in the manner of their own ever improving good taste. For our home life, the stylists are creating new expressions of utility, convenience and beauty in the everyday things that serve us. Wondrous possessions, which have new grace and glamour, are offered the American people. Homes have more than new plans; they have new patterns of living, made attractive by luxurious interiors. Living space is enhanced by new materials, and accented by subtleties of color selection. By the way things look as well as the way they perform; our homes acquire new grace, new glamour, new accommodations. Expressing not only the American love of beauty, but also the basic freedom of the American people, which is the freedom of individual choice. In form, proportion, rhythm and variety, these stylists leave their unmistakable marks on everyday conveniences, in flowing lines and graceful shapes which we as Americans may enjoy. Women and men alike are increasingly interested in the look of things. They eagerly give their attention to what’s new and beautiful and advanced._You guessed it; during one of the arguably most culturally repressive points in modern American history, this film teaches us that meat cookers and coffee pots will surely keep us confined indoors, women raising kids, men diligently working or spacing on TV. New patterns certainly were defined by this period, and it’s a great historical review. Many of these statements are creepy to me, because it’s almost as if this script is just cynically read straight off some obnoxious summary of a new useless product. I imagine a heartless marketing exec reading, without any thought to the troubles rampant consumerism would create for us economically and environmentally, not to mention culturally. "Yes, Americans are mindless animals, who will chase the newest object, no matter the cost. Go forth and profit, young male execs. Someday we shall create a society of personal consumer choice and instant gratification. Everything and everyone will be treated as a commodity, to be consumed and disposed of properly when the glamour and pleasure have gone". Of course there have been many benefits from all this technology and new forms of design, and it is true that the consumer model has achieved many of its aims and promises to Americans. Today we have extensive freedoms in lifestyle choices and so forth. However, in the age of peak oil and resource wars without end, we seem to be increasingly engaging another discussion beyond beautiful and utilitarian design, brought to us by the constitutionally mandated Freedom of Choice. That discussion involves sustainability and carrying capacity. It is yet to be seen if the newest latest thing will continue the cycle, or lead us into a whole new design and living pattern...... |
thankful] [music
drained]Gee whiz Beaver, immigrants sure looked different back in the last century...Sure thing Wally, and hey, they look like Grandma!!!!!!!!