Reading through the first 30 pages of Do Good Design, I kept trying to ponder how his ideas, and the issues he highlights affect me. This idea that designers have a great power with their work and potential work affects me as both a designer and consumer. I said in class that I struggle with my own ideas from time to time. One of my biggest problems and insecurities is the fact that I have many superficial desires in regards to appearance, how I am presented, and in general what people think of me. I've always felt the need to be admired by others, and wanted.
Something struck me when Berman showed the Mazda advertisement on page 4. If you remember, The ad simply had an image of the car, and text that read, "Insects call it 'the widowmaker.' The ad seems all too familiar and even harmless until we actually think of what it really means. "The ad copy promises to boost your confidence, as you master weaker things (4)." This hit a spot within me and made me think about my own decisions for a second: Is that where these desires come from? Do I buy the newest clothes and shoes so I appear better than other people? I think a lot of the time that is my intention, and as much as I hate to propose this idea: am I a victim of good advertising? I almost want to go as far as to say that our society has almost molded the idea of being a woman synonymous with not only appearance, but just aiming to please others in general.
Perhaps I'm getting too personal, but the reality is that these advertisements and marketing campaigns for products and services are personal. As Berman states another time over-consumption is spurred on by our rapid advancements in psychology, speed, sophistication and technology (2). These large corporations pay skilled professionals to convince us to do something or buy something. They have the skills and knowledge to control society and the way we think by drowning us with propaganda and marketing techniques. Clothing and makeup brands know exactly who I am, where I go, what I read, what I do. They find me, and convince me to consume time and time again.
His article affects me as a designer as well, and I am presented with another struggle. Do I refuse to do design work for businesses that may offer me life sustainable work, but aren't presenting the most morally perfect idea? As I like to believe our world is basically controlled by short rich white men and I resent that, Should I suck it up so I can eat and pay my student loans? (With that being said I would refuse to work for Wal-Mart, for the record)
I know it seems a little deep on a personal level, and I promise next post I'll try not to talk about myself the whole time. What I'm wondering is: Have these money-loving, blood-sucking, soulless ideas and values been so embedded in me to I am at a point of no return? If there some type of salvation for myself, what about the designers who never thought to do good?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Feeling the need to be accepted into society is something people battle with everyday, and advertisements, media, and society are something that can be blames for this.
ReplyDeleteThere are advertisements I have seen out there that try to fight this and show what negative ads do to little children, such as Dove's campaign for natural beauty.
Maybe we shouldn't feel the need to be accepted into anything. Do we really need to be accepted into anything?
And there isn't anything wrong about talking about yourself, because each person's personal experience is something to learn from.
I have to agree with you Megan. I feel like I too have become a victim of good advertising. But then again who isn't?
ReplyDeleteIn todays society a majority of people have been driven into this society that you have to be better than everybody else. You have to look prettier than the girl next to you, or you have to do a better job than your co-worker, all to be recognized and stand out. Our society has turned into a competitive, self driven, do better than those around you mind set. We give in to anything that tells us its going to help our appearance just please others. So even if you are a victim, there are so many people in this world right there with you. I have to say I am a good example of how strong of an impact design can have on somebody. I see the way sex appeal is sold and it isn't always just design but also the media.
I appreciate that you chose to share about your personal feelings and thoughts. I feel that it is really important in this class for all of us to play on our own strengths as well learn from each other. In order for me to learn something from you, you must know what you have to offer to teach me. This is a fact that I am coming across over and over again in my pursuit to become a teacher. If you don't reflect on yourself and use your own thoughts and experiences, how will you be able to connect with others and make a difference? I look forward to more posts from you. :)
ReplyDelete