A New Symbol...

In an age where consumer products rule the everyday, and where brand names consume our consciousness more than we consume their products, it is hardly surprising that the new symbol of status is the humble vacuum.

In days gone by, when a home was made - not bought, a symbol of a woman's ability to fulfil her role as a house wife was whether or not she had a washing machine. Likewise a symbol of a man's masculinity and ability to provide for his family was the car he drove, always clean and on display for the neighbourhood to see. This wasn't just a man and woman living together - this was husband and wife. A team, a unit, capable of taking on everything from little league laundry to transcontinental vacations.

So as time has crept forward, and gender roles have been confused, we no longer see the stereotypical washing machine or big car. In fact, if you want to show your status, you hide your washing machine behind false cupboard doors, and drive a Prius to show you care, rather than advertising your manhood.

So with gender becoming more neutral in the roles of home maker and provider, perhaps it is fitting that a vacuum would become the new symbol of status. The apparatus by which any person can ensure their home is in the best of care... But it's not just any vacuum, in a brand conscious culture, it of course would have to be a Dyson.

Image taken from Time Images: Click

Now, that isn't to say that there is anything humble about a Dyson - it's bold design and bag-less form make it both striking to the eye and simple to use. And regardless of how you might read into my demeanour, I do believe that Dyson to make great vacuums, but the fact remains that often in conversation I hear people discussing that they just purchase a Dyson.

I often wonder if these people leave their vacuums in the corner of the room for people to see, or perhaps "forgetting" to close the cupboard when guests come over - just so people can see it and say, "I see you have a Dyson, I have a Dyson, it's great!" 

It's not as though anyone would ever care to comment on someone owning a generic vacuum. And it makes me wonder what kind of person would talk about the purchase of a cleaning utensil unless there was some form of status or pride in it. I don't meet friends for coffee to discuss the new toilet brush I purchased, even though it works better than any other I have ever had before... What is so special about the Dyson.

I suppose in part it's because the Dyson is a product that lives up to it's hype - it's just funny to see how a vacuum can become a symbol of home making ability and status. When you think about it - and I'll agree that it's something which most people probably wouldn't think about.

Now remember, I'm not saying anything bad about the Dyson vacuum - nor discrediting anyone's reasons for wanting one, they are great vacuums and after all....

"I have a Dyson..."

;^)