Customization of the New Millennium

The beginning of the new millennium ushered in the best and brightest in technology, fashion and consumerism. The birth of the Nikon Coolpix 900 followed by PayPal and Napster paved the way for this new era where customization and individuality stand in the limelight. Nike introduced their first customized shoe, echoing the theme found throughout the culture during this time. A brand new chapter opened in the food industry began in the emerging market of alternative beverages. The popularity of these new age, premium drinks exemplifies the desire for diversification and alternative drink options.

These examples illustrate the shift seen in American consumerism over the obsession of items centered around the individual. How items can be altered and created to produce an end product that can be unique and exclusive to the individual became extremely important to the producer of specific products.

Posted By: Kylie Graham


Sources:

(2000 December 18). The Best & Worst 2000: Arts. Time, 156(25), Retrieved October 7, 2009 from http://ntserver1.wsulibs.wsu.edu:2055/scripts/wsuall.pl?url=http://ntserver1.wsulibs.wsu.edu:2077/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=3853332&site=ehost-live

Eisenberg, D, & McKenna, C. (18 December 2000). A New-Age Drink War Starts as Soda Flops. Time, 156(25), Retrieved October 7, 2009 from http://ntserver1.wsulibs.wsu.edu:2055/scripts/wsuall.pl?url=http://ntserver1.wsulibs.wsu.edu:2077/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=3853316&site=ehost-live

Image retrieved October 8, 2009 from http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pines/2113/nikon.htm