Dawn P
Professor Staub
English 1301
April 11, 2014
P1: FD
Anti factory doesn’t have to mean unsatisfactory:
The Joys of Homemade Gifting
We have all been at the “gift” crossroads at one point in our life. This supposed happy
place in one’s mind that should conjure up an image of a “smiling recipient”. We all know the
imagery that I speak of. It’s the one that Corporate America has brainwashed us to believe, is
better, is wanted and basically is easier. They began their technique early into the Calendar
year. Corporate American and the Calendar seem to team up and commit a double assault on
our inner conscience. We have been deliberately persuaded to believe by Corporate American
that factory made is far more desirable than handmade and the Calendar eggs us on to “get’er
done” because “time’s a wasting”.
Even the most seasoned gift giver has falling victim to the “bail out” in the checkout lines.
One can almost heart the “Angels of Mercy” play their comforting tunes as the array of gift
cards aligned the counters. There is an almost audible cry than pricks the ears of the
exasperated shopper. “Pick one of us” why don’t ya”. There before our eyes is an array of gift
cards from local restaurants to local department stores at the tip of our fingers. Just pick up
and checkout. All of the guessing has been exhumed by this one plastic card. This little
plastic card is bound to bring about a smile.
Commercialism seems to imbed itself in the most unassuming places. Strategically placed
throughout the stores, you see the “subliminal techniques” at its best. “Best prices of the
Season”, “Hottest toy of the year”, “Don’t forget the batteries” and the egging on “only ___
days left to shop. These techniques are attention getting. It’s a clever way to persuade the
consumer to take action now before you miss out! Advertising is powerful and manipulative
source which are essential in the human decision-making process.
However, all has not been lost on the art of handmade gifting. There are still some of us
who have went against the “supply and demand” Commercial Giants and mastered the art of
