1960s American Consumer Culture
The urbanization of America during the 1950s and 1960s introduced a disruption within the community where individuals were removed from their traditional ideas of socialization and relied more on associates, technological advances and mechanisms including the media, to establish their identity. Americans in the 1950s lived in a period where consumer values were a major part of the economy and culture. The dynamic economy provided more leisure and income as Americans were confident, enjoying their cars and televisions.
The development of the national market economy influenced individuals negatively where it was difficult to sustain themselves. T. J. Jackson Lears informs that for wageworkers, financial success or failure depended upon the policies that were formulated beyond the individual’s control (Lears T.J, n.d). Consumers began to use credit to buy their goods. The first credit cards was the ‘Diner’s Club Card’, and was only available to be used at select restaurants. As the period progressed, people began to borrow money, which influenced the term “buy now, pay later”. Borrowing money increased debt up by $150 million from what it had been at the beginning of the decade.
The rapid development of technology during the 1950s and 1960s significantly influenced the rise of Consumer Culture as the increasing
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Although, after researching further into the artwork, I admire the purpose the artist has intended. Our society introduces many products that are advertised in the most appealing way to attract them to buy the product, even though it may have bad consequences for one’s health. Fast foods are amongst the unhealthiest products that our communities consume. This sculpture, along with Oldenburg’s other sculptures, project the foods he tries because it is a new experience for him, he captures the food and creates a memory of
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