Consumed Nostalgia

Memory in the Age of Fast Capitalism

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Cultural Studies, Popular Culture, History, Americas, United States, 20th Century
Cover of the book Consumed Nostalgia by Gary Cross, Columbia University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Gary Cross ISBN: 9780231539609
Publisher: Columbia University Press Publication: September 8, 2015
Imprint: Columbia University Press Language: English
Author: Gary Cross
ISBN: 9780231539609
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Publication: September 8, 2015
Imprint: Columbia University Press
Language: English

Nostalgia isn't what it used to be. For many of us, modern memory is shaped less by a longing for the social customs and practices of the past or for family heirlooms handed down over generations and more by childhood encounters with ephemeral commercial goods and fleeting media moments in our age of fast capitalism. This phenomenon has given rise to communities of nostalgia whose members remain loyal to the toys, television, and music of their youth. They return to the theme parks and pastimes of their upbringing, hoping to reclaim that feeling of childhood wonder or teenage freedom.

Consumed nostalgia took definite shape in the 1970s, spurred by an increase in the turnover of consumer goods, the commercialization of childhood, and the skillful marketing of nostalgia. Gary Cross immerses readers in this fascinating and often delightful history, unpacking the cultural dynamics that turn pop tunes into oldies and childhood toys into valuable commodities. He compares the limited appeal of heritage sites such as Colonial Williamsburg to the perpetually attractive power of a Disney theme park and reveals how consumed nostalgia shapes how we cope with accelerating change.

Today nostalgia can be owned, collected, and easily accessed, making it less elusive and often more fun than in the past, but its commercialization has sometimes limited memory and complicated the positive goals of recollection. By unmasking the fascinating, idiosyncratic character of modern nostalgia, Cross helps us better understand the rituals of recall in an age of fast capitalism.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Nostalgia isn't what it used to be. For many of us, modern memory is shaped less by a longing for the social customs and practices of the past or for family heirlooms handed down over generations and more by childhood encounters with ephemeral commercial goods and fleeting media moments in our age of fast capitalism. This phenomenon has given rise to communities of nostalgia whose members remain loyal to the toys, television, and music of their youth. They return to the theme parks and pastimes of their upbringing, hoping to reclaim that feeling of childhood wonder or teenage freedom.

Consumed nostalgia took definite shape in the 1970s, spurred by an increase in the turnover of consumer goods, the commercialization of childhood, and the skillful marketing of nostalgia. Gary Cross immerses readers in this fascinating and often delightful history, unpacking the cultural dynamics that turn pop tunes into oldies and childhood toys into valuable commodities. He compares the limited appeal of heritage sites such as Colonial Williamsburg to the perpetually attractive power of a Disney theme park and reveals how consumed nostalgia shapes how we cope with accelerating change.

Today nostalgia can be owned, collected, and easily accessed, making it less elusive and often more fun than in the past, but its commercialization has sometimes limited memory and complicated the positive goals of recollection. By unmasking the fascinating, idiosyncratic character of modern nostalgia, Cross helps us better understand the rituals of recall in an age of fast capitalism.

More books from Columbia University Press

Cover of the book The Columbia History of Jews and Judaism in America by Gary Cross
Cover of the book The Cinema of Alexander Sokurov by Gary Cross
Cover of the book After Christianity by Gary Cross
Cover of the book The Cultural Space of the Arts and the Infelicities of Reductionism by Gary Cross
Cover of the book Ibn Sina’s Remarks and Admonitions: Physics and Metaphysics by Gary Cross
Cover of the book Space as a Strategic Asset by Gary Cross
Cover of the book Okinawa and the U.S. Military by Gary Cross
Cover of the book Coming Out, Coming Home by Gary Cross
Cover of the book Life at the Zoo by Gary Cross
Cover of the book Consumer Politics in Postwar Japan by Gary Cross
Cover of the book Women as Weapons of War by Gary Cross
Cover of the book Taiwan Film Directors by Gary Cross
Cover of the book A New Foreign Policy by Gary Cross
Cover of the book Sex Crimes by Gary Cross
Cover of the book The Making of Lee Boyd Malvo by Gary Cross
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy