Amazon is running an ad right now for its product called the “Fire Stick,” a device not much larger than a USB drive that gets plugged into a smart television whereby viewers then have access to over 200,000 TV episodes and movies for the ultimate binge viewing experience.
Because apparently, in our accelerated technology-driven world, we have more free time than ever to consume entertainment at this [grotesque] capacity.
Underlying this latest disruptive offering into the marketplace is that ever-so-seductive and pervasive message about choice and control.
With Fire Stick (and its brothers from other tech giant mothers like Google and Microsoft), the battle cry goes, consumers do not have to be slaves to the limitations cable companies and satellite have on us with their — gasp! — paltry 900 channels (or whatever the current going rate is).
No! With this handy little device, control is completely yours (for a low monthly fee of $9.99 and as much up-selling as we can possibly cram into your viewing experience).
In 1992 Bruce Springsteen released a song called 57 channels and nothin on that pokes at a growing allegiance he witnessed to blind consumerism as exemplified in the alarming rise of cable television channels and its predominantly negative consequences on individuals and culture.
One stanza of the song goes:
[su_quote cite=”Bruce Springsteen”]
Well now home entertainment was my baby’s wish
So I hopped into town for a satellite dish
I tied it to the top of my Japanese car
I came home and I pointed it out into the stars
A message came back from the great beyond
There’s 57 channnels and nothin on
[/su_quote]
The number of options may have been exponentially smaller 22 years ago, but Springsteen’s message remains as relevant as ever.
Still nothing on, making 57 channels now seem so quaint.
