An American Artifact

To discover what a culture values, we can look at the best-selling products of the time.  From the start of the 21^st century, the iPod has been extremely popular.  What appeals so much about the iPod that earns it a permanent place in our pockets and backpacks. The iPod is a living American artifact, because it exemplifies freedom of choice, freedom of expression, convenience and creating our own identity which we value in America.
                The iPod represents a shift in the way we listened to music. Before people listened to records or CDs. People created mix CD’s but for the most part you would listen to a whole album at a time. But the iPod gave you the freedom to mix and match which ever songs you liked. The value of choice is prevalent throughout our culture. The popular restaurant chain The Cheesecake Factory shows this with its novel length menu, with everything from Chinese food to hamburgers. Our higher education system also demonstrates this. Many university students in the US don’t choose their major until their junior years, while in other countries such as the UK students have to decide well before they enter university what they will study. In America we want the option to always change our minds and choose something different. The iPod gave us more choice in music.
                The iPod also helps us shape our identities. Looking through someone’s iPod not only informs you of their music taste but it also shapes the impression we have of them. The music we listen to has become a common way to shape our identities and connect us to others. In the US we value uniqueness. A common piece of advice given is “Be yourself”. Most people don’t just listen to top 40 hits. They find a way to differentiate themselves from the masses through the different musical niches they explore. Every song someone adds to their iPod adds complexity to their music identity. When people get in the car, instead of listening to the radio to what’s broadcasted to everyone, people can create their own mood.
                Lastly, the iPod is a simple matter of convenience. In our busy lives today we might not have time to sit down, relax and listen to music. Instead we have the music attached to us everywhere we go.  So while we’re working out, or buying groceries, in the car, or walking to class we might be listening to music. As people get busier, convenience has become very important in the American lifestyle. Microwaveable meals and fast food eliminate the need to spend time cooking. The internet offers many options in the comfort of our own home such as online shopping, directions, Facebook which is a quick way to stay in touch with friends, a huge amount of knowledge and more. The iPod is a great example of this easy convenience which we value today.
                Overall, the iPod indicates a growing self-involvement and emphasis on the individual in American culture.  We want complete control of our music – to decide what we listen to , what order it will play in and when we’ll listen to it. Compared to other cultures like China where people think in terms of group and family, we think in terms of ourselves. We’re looking to create identities for ourselves, or “find ourselves”. And the iPod while it only controls a small part of our lives it represents a larger culture of self-entitlement and individualism which dominates American culture.