Made to Break: Technology and Obsolescence in America Part 1

Let me just start off by saying that out of all the books we have read so far, Made to Break by Giles Slade is definitely the one that has captured my interest the most. In his novel he discusses how Americans have become accustomed to this idea of obsolescence in many aspects of their lives. As Slade states, "we invented the very concept of disposability itself, as a necessary precursor to our rejection of tradition and our promotion of progress and change" (pg. 4). Technological advances and innovations lead to the first phase of product obsolescence, where newer appliances replaced older ones. Then came the second phase known as psychological, progressive, or dynamic obsolescence, where companies used the marketing mechanism of changing their product style as a way to manipulate customers into repetitive buying. Planned obsolescence was also another technique that came about, where manufacturing companies artificially limited the durability of their products in order to induce customers to continue buying their items (pg.5). Looking at American culture today, there is no doubt that we have become obsessed with the idea of obsolescence. It's easier to use a product, and then once it has served its purpose, then to just throw it away. There are thousands of companies that manufacture disposable products such as paper cups, paper plates, paper towels, disposable contacts, disposable cameras, and so much more. We repetitively buy these disposable products because it is more convenient, and the very idea of thrift or durability is not as much of a concern. Desk top computers, laptops, cell phones, iPods, and cars are all products that generally when people buy they consider them to be durable for at least a few years. However, with the marketing mechanism of psychological obsolescence, companies stimulate consumers to repetitively buy these electronic products by coming out with newer models every year. The annual model change for cars is one very good example, or the many iPods that have came out within the decade. As a personal example, I've been using the same laptop computer for about four years now. However, I've been looking into getting a new one, not because mine doesn't work, but it's "outdated" and I would rather have a newer model. Were all guilty of thinking this way about the electronic products we own, but I'd blame this mentality on product manufacturers. There's always newer and faster products coming out every year, with more applications and functions, making our old products seem useless. I've been using the same phone for about three years now as well, and it still does exactly what I want it to do - call and text people. However, I wouldn't mind getting a new iPhone or something of the sort, to able to go on the internet and have all these new applications. Then there is the problem of what to do with all these computers and phones that still function, but are just too outdated for anyone to want to use then. Disposing of these items has become a problem already, and will probably be a bigger issue in just a few years to come. While reading this novel it was eye opening to realize how much American culture has and still is being driven by this constant necessity for the newest and best products out on the market, and just makes me wonder how much worse it will become in the next few years.