Wednesday, April 11, 2007

here's something to ponder about: planned obscelence. (article/interview with author of "made to break: technology & obscelence in america)

i'm no slave to technology, but i still plead guilty to the whole notion of better-is-newer. not too long ago, i was among hundreds of thousands of filipinos of whom were always updated with the latest cellphones, complete with new software/feature installed with them. i also like fashion, with we all know is always changing.

but the term 'planned obsolescence' (and this pic of discarded blocky pc monitors) come to sight, and they all have me wondering: are we becoming the type of people that are NOT contented with the old and reliable, and in constant need of updates all the time?

it would be unfair to just simply say we are becoming victims of mass marketing strategies that simply keep us spending for new and improved stuff. granted, marketing industries may be purposely promoting products that are easily replaceable within a few years, but as human beings, we are in constant need to reinvent ourselves; we like to be INDIVIDUALS. and, times are also changing very fast, and we don't want to be "left behind" (word perfect? puh-leezz...).

but isn't it ok to just be contented with the materials you already have? i look at my cousin, and he has playstation2, nintendo gamecube, nintendo ds, AND nintendo gameboy (please give me the ps2 before you leave for CA.. please?). his parents buy him new games at least once a month. at one point, he got 3 in a week! and they were all just 'improved' versions of his previous games! i mean, when is enough ENOUGH?

another thought also comes to mind, that of relationships between people. as briefly mentioned by the interviewee, this "get-new-stuff" mentality can affect people treat commitments ---

I think you're less likely to have lasting commitments to people, to family, to a country, even. There's a well-known book called Bowling Alone, and I think this is where it comes from. We've become so accustomed to things only lasting for a few years we don't invest in them anymore. We don't see beautiful things like paintings and rugs as lasting.

sad...

of course, this way of thinking is too cynical, even for me. besides, we DON'T replace stuff all the time. after all, there are always cherished artifacts/moments/people in our lives that we hold onto.

at least that's what i'm HOPING, esp with the relationship part. despite my optimism on the human race, it DOES freak me out when i wonder if my boyfriend (whenever that will be) is always looking for someone better than me.

Labels: musings

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