Annie Leonard’s, “The Story of Stuff” got my attention. I viewed the video from two different viewpoints, as a designer and interactive media student, and as a citizen of this world.
As a student, I paid close attention to the way Leonard presented the information. When I first clicked on the video and saw that it was roughly 22 minutes long, I thought “Great, I have to sit here and watch a boring presentation about ‘stuff’.” However, I was completely absorbed the whole way through, and I didn’t’ even realize the time until it was over. I only paid attention to the information being presented to me, which Leonard did well. The use of simple animation was creative genius. As she explained each point there were visual cues to help the viewer better understand the information, thereby serving as a guide through the presentation. If Leonard had not presented in this manner, it could’ve been very boring to people who don’t necessarily want to know about the process of making consumer goods. Likewise, it could have easily went the other way if Leonard decided to use too much, or flashy animation; it would have taken the focus off of the information (the important stuff) and on to the animation (the secondary stuff). She had a perfect mixture of simple, but compelling visual cues and pertinent information.
As a citizen of this world, I felt educated on something I didn’t know much about. I must admit, I don’t pay much attention to economics, even though I should be for the simple fact I can’t seem to find a job anywhere although being qualified. Just the other day, when Steve Jobs passed away, I joined a group on Facebook group I assumed was dedicated to the great things he produced. However, I soon learned that the group was bashing Steve Jobs, basically accusing him of being part of the big corporations that are bringing the economy down. I couldn’t understand that…all I could think was who doesn’t have an iPod, iPhone, and/or Mac? Haven’t these gadgets and other products contributed to a better way of life?
Well, after watching this video, I understood what people and groups like Occupy Wallstreet are complaining about. I’m not saying that I no longer like Apple (I still plan to purchase a Macbook Pro and using my iPod Touch) or other big corporations that provide me with the goods I feel like I can’t live without; I’m just saying it opened my eyes to something I was not aware of. The idea of planned obsolesces and perceived obsolesces is absurd but I can see how it’s been part of that scheme. Now I’ll think twice before I run out to buy something to make me feel better, or because it’s a newer model.
I know that sometimes information can be mixed with opinion which can skew the facts, so I know I cannot simply let Leonard’s opinion alone effect the way I think about the “material’s economy.” However, I will be a smart adult and do my own research about the information, which I think Leonard would be very happy to know. Her work has produced one more individual who wants to become educated on things going on in the world and what they can do to contribute to a better tomorrow. Mission accomplished Annie Leonoard!
To view this cool video, click here.