The Commodified by Craig David Long: 11.2006

it has come to my attention that an anonymous blogger is unsatisfied with the commodified, and has asked me to enlighten my readers as to what i'm going to bring to the table and it occured to me that i haven't yet set out to state exactly what my purpose is with this blog. So, i think i'll take the opportunity to do that now.

We live in a society which is cluttered by corporate messages that have taught us to communicate our identities through the conspicuous consumption of commodities. That is, we tell stories about who we are through the things that we buy. We've learned to construct our identities with tools the market has given us: clothing, brand names, foods, you name it. The purpose of the commodified is not to impose one particular judgment as to what is "stylish," "trendy" or "fashionable" on anyone in vancouver or the world, but rather to identify those people who have found ways to use the momentum of our consumer culture to say what is different or unique about themselves given the milieu in which they exist. For example, what is unique on Robson Street, is far different from that on Main Street, or even in a Suburb. The geographic and cultural contexts in which people (co)exist are inevitably influential in determining their disposition towards "fashion" and our society and also towards themselves.

I'm not advocating we comply to the corporate agenda and engage in a mass consumption of goods. But, I do feel it is important to acknowledge that this is the foundation of contemporary western society, and regardless of whether we want to or not, this is how we live. I feel as though we have become active as consumers in our society, but complacent as citizens, as we often neglect to question the fabric (excuse the pun) of our way of life. Thus, I encourage people to engage themselves in this discourse, even if their only means to express themselves are through their dress.

Normally, I try to refrain from responding to comments, but if I have illicited any kind of response from the individuals reading this post, then I encourage you to please articulate your opinions; I will gladly respond. And don't be afraid to indentify who you are, even with just a name. You are fully entitled to disagree and if you feel strongly, then you should be empowered to take ownership of your opinions.