On the one hand, we are frequently and widely see the words "Keep Calm and Carry On". A reprint of one of a series of Second World War posters which has gained currency mainly due to it's level headed-ness. It inspires a great sense of shared community and spirit, which has great relevance and power during these uncertain times (although what times are ever certain...?).
On the other hand however, we see a trend of popular media becoming darker. Twilight (not O.C, or 90210 etc...) is the teen smash of the year, Let the Right One In has been widely hailed as a great piece of (dark) movie making, and Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is not only dark, but retells a popular classic in this new context.
The main opportunity here seems to be in the gap between the outward message of the collective, and the inward message of the individual. And understanding where your story lies in this spectrum ...
RT.
Posts
Think this taps into something also about the difference between our public and private faces; or rather outward calm vs inner turmoil. How much of ourselves are we prepared to reveal to the world and how much or our identities do we carefully brand manage? An earlier train of thought...
ReplyDeleteAT
I wonder what this means for Generation Z - the tweens who are growing up in this context.
ReplyDeleteInteresting that tweens are fueling a boom in musi-comedy-drama; nothing better than belting out a song to make everyone think you are a-okay.
And look at Hannah Montana - the entire brand is built out of a dual personality: family girl by day and rock star by night.
Maybe this is the beginning of a defining characteristic for the next generation?
AT
Hi Ross and Aimee
ReplyDeleteSome interesting stuff about the Keep calm and carry on posters etc, linking them to 'Austerity Nostalgia'...http://nastybrutalistandshort.blogspot.com/2009/02/austerity-nostalgia.html
Steve