iPods are so wonderful

I. My Very Own iPod!

            I was in tenth grade when I got my first iPod. I wanted one for so long but never got it because it was so expensive and I couldn’t pay for one myself. But then Christmas came along! I remember being so happy; tearing that shiny green wrapping paper off of that tiny box it came in. The smile on my face lit up the room as I screamed in joy about my new iPod. I ran up those stairs like I was in a race to get to my computer and plug it in for the first time. Then it happened, the screen lit and that little white apple popped up. I could finally say I have my own iPod! I took all my old CD’s and uploaded them onto my iPod. They were useless to me now so they went back into their cases and to the bottom of my drawer, along with a bunch of other stuff I did not use anymore. My iPod never left my side after that day. I was either listening to it, or it was in my pocket waiting for me to use it whenever possible. I am positive this is exactly how everyone acted that Christmas getting his or her first iPod. Some of my friends had an iPod before that Christmas break but once school started again, everyone walking around the hallways had those white headphones in their ears. The iPod was different than all other mp3 players, and way cooler than CD players or Walkman. The iPod had the capability to hold so much more music compared to all the other music players. In American society the iPod can be seen as a small object, but it has a large subject that is carried along with it.

II. I want one, I want one!

            An iPod is something that came out, and everyone wanted one. As I mentioned before practically everyone in my school had one. The iPod can be seen here as what is known as a fad. A fad is an enthusiasm, which follows a three-part cycle, emerging, surging in popularity, and then collapsing. (Udel) These fads can last for different amounts of time, some last long, and some end quickly. Some of the fads that have come and gone throughout the past couple years are Razor Scooters, Bratz Dolls, Gel Pens, Dance Dance Revolution, and LiveSTRONG yellow wristbands. Other fads that have lasted or are lasting longer than others are things like energy drinks, YouTube, Facebook, blogging, and American Idol. (Crazyfads) Some fads can even make a comeback after dying out. These fads consist of skinny jeans, tomagotchis, leggings, and oversized glasses. When all of these fads came out everyone had them. Which is why Adam Guha asks this question, “Have we become iPod-obsessed?” (lowendmac) Since the iPod has not hit the stage of collapsing, it will continue to surge in popularity. There is no way of telling when the iPod will die out because during the emerging step, a fad and a true innovation look the same, and we all convince ourselves that what we’re seeing is going to stick around. (Udel) But why is the iPod surging in popularity and turning into what we know as a fad? “The iPod also became something that you wanted people to see you with, and perhaps one reason for the popularity of the iPod mini is the fact that it’s available in more than one color. Who cares that it only holds 4 GB of music as long as it matches your clothes.” (lowendmac) Until the next best thing makes it way onto the market, the iPod will continue to remain the supreme music trend.

III. It’s my iPod and I want it now!

            What is the reason that we all need that instant gratification which compels us to go through the perils of buying this “revolutionary new device?” (Lowendmac) These fads are made up purposely to catch the consumer’s eye and draw them in to buy the product. iPods can cost from $49 up to $399. (Apple) Although it is expensive, it offers a lot. iPods can hold up to 160GB of music, video, photos,  podcasts, audio books, TV shows, games, and even applications. Battery life on some of the iPods can last up to 40 hours without being charged. What is probably most appealing about the iPod is that they are small and weight very little, so it can go with you anywhere. (Apple) We spend our hard earned money on this great technology, but to only spend even more money buying songs and applications from iTunes to fill up our iPods. The worst part is that we spend all this money for that instant gratification, but really what we are paying for are those long-term damaging effects. It has been tested that “more than 25% of iPod users are damaging their ears.” (Famewatcher) This can lead to loss of hearing and the need for hearing aids. Not only does it damage our body, but also it damages our society. ”Interaction between individuals is slowly diminishing as people turn to their iPods instead of attempting to make new acquaintances.” Walking through campus I can see a friend of mine and yell to them and get no response, to only realize they have an iPod on. They effect conversation as it slowly becomes acceptable to talk to one another while still listening to an iPod. Personally I have no idea how people do that. Then the theft cases come into play as well. “New York City students have been victimized in an increasing number of iPod muggings and in school larcenies.” (Berkeley) If I can’t buy an iPod, I will just steal one to get that instant gratification. Where is the joy in paying all this money for this fad, for it to damage you physically, and socially? Especially if a newer and better invention is made that will put the iPod out of the market and into the past like every other fad.

IV. Why do I want this iPod?

            The iPod has swept across the nation and onto many others, but why do the Americans desire this product? Why do all Americans fall for fads in general? Joel Best can answer that question with no problem. “Nothing ever seems like a fad while its popularity is growing. It’s seen as the way of the future a genuine innovation that will solve a problem.” (Udel) When something is released and catches the eyes of Americans they see it as the answer to their desires, when really something new will be released after, then they will go for that instead. When Razor Scooters were the “in” fad in the past my friends and I all got them. Then one of my friends got and electrical scooter, and we all got them. Then after that someone got a motorized scooter, which we all ended up getting. It happens everyday when something new is released to the public. The main reason why Americans fall for fads continually is because “American Society has a strong belief in progress and perfectibility, and that makes us vulnerable to any idea that promises us these two qualities.” (Udel) Americans can see when it first came out, “many cheaper mp3 players held 128 MB of music, when the iPod held 5 GB, which was almost unheard of in 2001.” (Lowendmac)They can see this new advancement in technology, which catches their eye and their natural reaction for progress. Which is why such a small object, actually has a large subject to go with it. This small iPod has a huge effect on American cultural values, the large subject being a fad, has to do with the way Americans live. We are constantly looking for the advancements in technology so we can progress and reach perfectibility.