Made to Break the sequal

The second part of this reading brought out the concept of obsolesce through innovation; however it also makes one wonder if indeed this is obsolescent or simply a byproduct of society. Evolution teaches that adaptation is necessary to survive, society is no exception. For instance, Giles Slade’s example of the AM FM radio dispute; Slade acknowledges that AM radio had many problems, and that another superior technology was needed. Edwin Armstrong worked to create a better product and was successful at doing so. The FM radio, was in fact superior to the AM radio; there was less static and could be broadcasted to a greater amount of people. This new technology was a great aid during World War Two because it allowed for better communication on the battle field. This is a very different situation to the General Motors and Ford dispute. In the automobile case, GM created a mindset which encouraged the idea that new is better, regardless of the technologies abilities. By making new cars in different colors, or changing a simple feature, he made previous cars unattractive and unwanted by the general public. People cannot avoid innovation, there are always forces operating in society to which people must adjust. The invention of nylon stockings is a perfect example of a new environment forcing change. Creating nylon stocking was not about replacing silk and taking over the market, but a byproduct of American ending trading ties with Japan. During World War two Americans wanted a product which removed them from trading with Japanese and Nylon filled that gap. There is a difference between purposely making something out- of- date and natural progression in society. GM did not create a new product but the idea that old is outdated. Silk is now a high quality fabric, while nylon has its own place in the market. GM changed the car before the market responded; changing nylon from silk was because of American demand. Slade goes on to discuss things like basements and porches being obsolete. But, this was just the time period; when the mass migration to suburban homes occurred, there was a need for quickly constructed residences. Homes without porches and basements could be made cheap and easily. Now both exist in modern suburban homes, when the sudden rush ended, these features reappeared. For a society to progress, innovation must occur. While these innovations may take older products off the market it is not a purposeful move to create the mindset and acceptance of obsolescence.