So many people around me agree that we are living in a rare historic time in history: we are about to see the first African-american serve as President of the United States. One thing that I have found remarkable about these times is how much people are clamoring for ephemera and objects to mark this time — physical manifestations that they can save and display that commemorate Barack’s Presidency. You can already buy your own commemorative Obama "Yes We Can" plate and collectible coins, to go alongside your tee-shirts, posters, hats, and buttons.
People are buying up every magazine and paper they can with a picture of Barack on it. Some papers from November 5 are even selling for $100 a pop. This is so ironic since so many newspapers around the country are struggling just to stay afloat.
As Alex McIntre of Washington DC is quoted as saying on Bloomberg.com: "An
online copy isn’t the same. I want something tangible."
That’s the problem with living in the Digital Age — a web page or bunch of tweets or an online video doesn’t have the same sense of import and seriousness that a physical object does. We want to hold something that marks this time, just as people wanted a chunk of the Berlin Wall or coins minted from silver found at the World Trade Center. It’s such a human trait that I find touching.
Don’t forget mine. I like to declare myself as the first official “Joe the Plumber” logo on the internet (released on the internet exactly after the 6th “joe the plumber” was mentioned in the debate.
http://www.cafepress.com/ObamaWins08.318169275
Nice! I’ll take one!
I couldn’t find one paper the next day after the election, they were sold out everywhere, and I think that was done on purpose to boost future sales. Today I was able to get the NY Times reprint from last Wednesday. Some other papers also plan on doing a reprint. And wait until the inauguration!
But yes I agree with you. I have all the technology I need at my fingertips, but I still want the dam newspaper in my hands! And I really believe that he will eventually surpass the late Princess Diana as far as commemorative sales go, because people will continue to add to their new President Obama collection over the next 4-8 years, and people are collecting on a worldwide level.
I’m a California artist and have recently designed an Obama inspired Poster and sticker that might be of interest:
http://jedalexander.com
I’m a California artist and have recently designed an Obama inspired poster and sticker that might be of interest:
http://jedalexander.com