Great paragraph in a David Sirota piece about cheap goods:

[marmar]

"Cheap, in other words, is operating most powerfully at the subconscious level, where semiotics reign supreme. We can no longer afford to show off with Corvettes and McMansions, so we now show off with less expensive smartphones and home theaters. In that sense, the bizarre obsession with moderately priced vanity gadgets is part of a living-standard masquerade at the twilight of middle-class prosperity. It doesn’t matter if the electronic bling works well or lasts long. Its value is not utility—it is the ability to feign class equality in a country of crushing stratification and rising poverty."


Here's a link to the entire piece, titled "The High Cost of Low Prices": http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/the_high_cost_of_low_prices_20101111/?ln

[wilt the stilt]

1. I couln't agree more

Today's stereos are so cheap and sound so bad. I have quality components form the 60's, 70's and 80's. These products are so well built that they are virtually indestructible. They also sound great. American still make the best stereo equipment but it is expensive. Britain and Canada also make quality products.

We made great equipment and we gave away the market. It also has taken 35 years before we finally got it and started to build decent cars that handle and drive nicely.

I blame business and politicians for not looking out for the best for this country through tax codes, quarterly reporting to Wall street and short term thinking.

By the way, Great electronics are still available on ebay at very reasonable prices.. Most of the American made receivers and amplifiers(Marantz, Kenwood, Dynaco(tube)sound great.

cheap is cheap.

[End Of The Road]

3. I'm still using my Cerwin Vega speakers from 1984.

Wouldn't trade 'em for the world. They weren't the absolute best at the time, but I can't find anything close to them now.

[xchrom]

2. 'cheap' stands in for a pay rise as well. Nt