Mickey Mouse: American Symbol

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Mickey Mouse: American Symbol

Mickey Mouse in a NY firefighter's uniform? Disney's Mickey Mouse, arguably one of the best known symbols of America, would be expected to reflect September 11th. This pin continues to support the argument that September 11th influenced material culture (goods, products, everyday materials, etc) beyond anything or any event that American history has ever seen. One can argue that Mickey Mouse has appeared in many different forms, such as Santa Claus or wearing your favorite baseball team's uniform, but Mickey paying tribute to the victim's of a tragic event in American history? This object also provides further evidence of how September 11th was used as a marketing tool by corporations. Mickey Mouse wearing a NY firefighter's outfit will probably resonate more with people after seeing the tragic events of September 11th unfold, and they can consume this item and help make a difference because a portion of their purchase will be donated to the victims. A win-win for everyone. Is this idea way off?

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About My Collection

I've been collecting objects ever since the events of September 11, 2001. My collection can be classified as everyday items that reflect the events of 9/11 in their appearance. Some of these items are defined as collectible items, but the majority were available to consumers as household goods. I have hundreds of objects, and I use this blog to help document and "catalogue" them. A number of themes also emerge and are reflected by my collection. I felt that these objects needed to be preserved and their story told.

Themes:
1) September 11th influenced/impacted all material culture (consumer goods, collectibles, etc) in way that has never occurred (in terms of the extent, types of goods, etc)

2) Connection of remembrance and memorializing to material culture (basically the idea that buying something will make someone feel better and connect them to that event).

3) The story of each object and its purpose

4) The possibility that corporations used 9/11 as an opportunity and motivation to increase sales (it wasn't just about donating a portion of the proceeds)

5) Companies carried out corporate curating. This "process" involves the production of a material good/object tied directly to 9/11, where a corporation implements their own interpretation and ties themselves forever to the events of September 11th. For example, American Express created a book about the impact of 9/11 of their company and employees. This book is their corporate curated object.

6) My collection as the ideal symbol of American consumerism, and my effort in assembling it as being an American consumer

Collecting September 11th - Collecting 9/11 - Collecting 911 - Twin Towers - World Trade Center

Saturday, November 1, 2008