Prosumerism

I found George Ritzer and Nathan Jurgenson’s article that deals with the rise of prosumer capitalism quite fascinating.  The article does not individualize the concept of being a consumer or a producer, but rather the integrated term of being a prosumer. It becomes one entity. They discuss how capitalist roles have shifted and now, especially in this digital age, the traditional prosumers- pumping gas- have evolved into the modernized prosumer- ‘especially those associated with web.2.0’ (Ritzer and Jurgenson 2010 p.24).

At first I found their argument quite ridiculous. I never thought that I was anything but a consumer. What would I possibly produce that would count me as a prosumer? Then I realized. With the innovation of new technologies, new platforms of communication became readily available for society to consume. My Facebook page’s content, status updates, pictures are all available for my Facebook friends to consume! How could I not know? Is it not obvious that we are in some way or other contributing to the activities of consumption and production in our society? 

                                        Courtesy of Google Images

                  

Ritzer and Jurgenson discuss that due to a recent shift in how people communicate-innovation of new communication methods- and the introduction of the Internet have given the concept of prosumerism greater centrality.

However, I was left stuck thinking about what these cyber producers are getting in return from those who consume their websites, blogs, YouTube videos etc. Are producers being exploited? Giving out so much and getting so little? But then I thought, I actually quite enjoy updating my Facebook, and uploading photos on instagram where everyday I achieve more and more followers.  

Even though Social Media Platforms have become efficient tools for many organizations and people to stay in touch, and broadcast their message, it has also become 'fundamentally based on surveillance and behavior control’ (Ritzer & Jurgenson 2010 p. 23). We always need to be conscious of what content we do display on social media platforms, especially nowadays when employers check potential employees Facebook pages to see if they do something that they may feel to be unacceptable.

                                         Courtesy of Google Images

Now understanding the concept of prosumerism and that we all in some way are one. I now want to put more effort into what I produce online- more artistic photos- more status updates-but also be morally conscious of what I display and that hopefully it will be thoroughly enjoyed by those consuming my content.  


reference list
Courtesy of Google images
Ritzer, George and Jurgenson, Nathan 2010 ‘Production, Consumption, Prosumption: The nature of capitalism in the age of the digital ‘prosumer’, Journal of Consumer Culture, vol. 10 no. 1, pp 13-36.

The Counterfeit Economy

Sharing music files has somewhat, become a norm in today's society. Going onto websites such as kickasstorrents, or one channel, give people the opportunity to download music, movies, and much more at the click of a button. Many commodities around the world get copied and distributed without the recognition of the original supplier of those products. When I think about my trips to China and Florence, I remember markets filled with the latest copy of handbags ranging from Channel, Coach and Burberry. You could purchase designer wallets, perfumes or pens. Anything you wanted it was there, supplied in mass quantities from all the designer labels.  Even though I believe that all designer products are ridiculously overpriced and glorified, I do believe that taking a persons idea, without proper recognition of that product, is stealing. The production and distribution of counterfeit goods is a multi-billion dollar global problem that has caused serious economic  problems for consumers, businesses and governments. I still remember returning home from Florence with  a new counterfeit Coach bag, and having it removed from me when I came through customs in Australia.  Many Organisations use copyright, which is a legal concept to protect and to accredit the copyright holder of their work. However, those that violate this legal concept are causing immeasurable damage and effecting the sales of an organisations legitimate goods and services. 

                                                          Courtesy of Google Images

                                                            Courtesy of Google Images

The Counterfeit Economy is estimated to be worth about 8% of the worlds trade and 'and is worth an estimated 475 billion a year (International Anti-counterfeiting Coalition, 2008)' (Michaelidou & Christodoulides,  p.977). It is a hard industry to not get sucked into.  I mean paying 50 dollars for a 400 dollar bag, that looks the same and feels the same, seems like the way to go.  I have bought numerous counterfeit goods, and downloaded music illegally. 'File–sharing, according to the industry, is unfair to recorded artists, because they have intellectual property rights in proprietary recordings’ (Martin, Moore, Salter 2010, p.1).  However, many policies have been put to action to try and liquidate the counterfeit economy. Martin, Moore, and Salter discuss the concept 'devaluation and validation'. The Music industry try to devalue those responsible for distributing and downloading music illegally by recognizing them as criminals, and no better than those who raid banks. This tactic is there to scare those responsible for file sharing, and risk heavily penalization. I must admit, it is very intimidating, and I always think twice before clicking the download or share button. However, 'File–sharing participants are validated when they are humanized — given faces, motivations and personal details — and shown to be behaving like anyone else, namely not like criminals’ (Martin, Moore, Salter 2010, p.1).  Therefore if well respected people are validated, and support file sharing, the cycle of supplying and distributing counterfeit goods and services will continue. This is because it means that people will respect the validated individual and may follow in his steps towards the support of file sharing, and the distribution of counterfeit goods. 

Reference List

Courtesy of Google Images

N. Michaelidou, G, Christodoulides, 2011 Journal of Marketing Management, Vol. 27, No. 9/10, p. 976

Martin, B, Moore, C and Salter, C. 2010, ‘Sharing music files: tactics of a challenge to the industry’, First Monday, vol. 15, no. 1

Keep Tradition Afloat!

Globalization has always and will always be an ongoing process and phenomenon that is constantly upgrading and shifting into the needs of many societies. 'Technological changes and their ramifications contribute to the impression that globalization is inevitable’ (Nederveen 2004, p.10) the impact of globalization has caused infrastructure development, economic expansion, political integration, and much more. Leading economic power houses like the US and the UK dominate the global market and continue to influence surrounding nations with their materialistic, white collar, or the 'American dream' ideologies. Globalization however I fear is eroding and slowly but surely removing those nations who try to resist the impact of such a powerful influence.  One thing globalization has taught me, was to appreciate those who at least try to resist. When we think of those who choose a modest life, those who live in places away from industrialization, technology, high-rise buildings, and fast food restaurants, we wonder how they do it? As an expat living in Samoa more than a decade ago, I was able to visit remote villages away from modernized areas. 

I find it so fascinating that even though, many of the indigenous population of Samoa were largely forced to accept the infiltration of the British, some maintained and hung on to their traditional values (Akeli 2009, p.321). The simplicity of their life is UN canning. They are not bothered with the latest gadget, or home appliance. Their culture consists of traditional values. They are in no rush. They do not have to keep up with the demands of society, like most of us in modernized societies do.  They cannot care less about the evolution of the world.  As I reflect on my own culture, I can learn a lot from their ways of living. I have become so dependent on modernization. I have been influenced into thinking and behaving a certain way. I am actually impressed by their way of living. It has made me think back and realize that my life is one big rush to get from A to B. There is no medium ground. The consensus of Globalization is that most of us are flourished with luxury. But then I thought, the greatest luxury of all would be able live our lives the way we want, no rush, no deadline, no demands, and not be silently dictated by the effects of the inevitable impact of globalization. 

Reference List

Courtesty of Google Images

Akeli S, 2009, ‘The Warm Winds of Change: Globalization in Contemporary Samoa’ Journal of the Polynesian Society, Vol. 119 Issue 3, p.321.

Nederveen Pieterse, J 2004, ‘Globalization: consensus and controversies’, Globalization and culture: global mélange2004, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Lanham, p.10.