It was summer, I just received my first paycheck of my new position as a summer teacher at a private preschool in Manhattan. Having a comma in my paycheck was not something I was used to so, my first instinct was to celebrate! I knew exactly what my first purchase would be, the second that paycheck landed in my exhausted hands from the 60 hour work weeks. Although this object has become an internet meme, to me has been one of my most useful purchases. During the work week I saw countless numbers of wire free airpod users being able to effortlessly listen to music on their commutes. I wanted to join this unfashionable trend and be part of these users. This product was widely mocked for its slightly abnormal look of two q-tips stuck into your ears. But no, I did not buy q-tips to stick out of my ears but, a brand new pearly white pair of airpods fresh from the apple store right on 5th avenue walking home from another exhausting yet rewarding day.
I think we all know that these apple products were not made right on 5th avenue. They are “designed in California” however are not made there. Generally their sleek “high class” are products are made all over various countries. Mongolia, China, Korea and Taiwan are their main producers. There are a lot of controversial debates about those who manufacture apple products not getting paid adequately. Apple does claim they are (shocker) and that they are providing thousands of jobs both here and internationally. These headphones were designed in california, then created abroad, shipped back here and sent out to be sold all over. They have probably traveled the world more than I have before hitting the shelves. After reading this information my brand new product feels less important and more mass produced. Apple has a way to advertise their products and make them extremely desirable no matter the cost. However, I believe this was worth the purchase for this palm sized technology filled pair of headphones.
The first time I nervously put these small and sleek objects in my ears I thought they would never last due to their size. Following their previous iconic Apple headphone look, they are smooth and pearly yet without the always tangled wires dangling from the earpieces. This is a new form of technology and by far one of my favorites mainly because of their convenience. These tiny headphones and their palm sized plastic case have become a part of my everyday look. From their 24 hour battery life to the access to siri without even touching your phone, these are just some of the many surprising features of such a small yet technologically advanced product. Its slick features make it seem very futuristic. The pure white smoothness make me clean them with every drop of dirt. With a case designed to store them, it is difficult to lose and convenient to carry. The small case rarely needs a charge making it a permanent object in my coat pocket. I never have to go without headphones
Denounced for being over priced however, has been one of my best investments. I can definitely say in the few months I have owned them they have gotten more use than any other pair I have owned before. No more getting tangled up in so many of my daily activities. Lifting at the gym I can finally place my phone down and don’t have to detangle myself in wires and pocketless leggings to find a place to store my phone. Walking around and being able to not have wires getting caught in my jacket or pulled everytime I turn. Music is a very important part of my life and these headphones have given me access to this in any situation. Overall, they are great product even at the cost.
The Materials of History, Thought, and Art 
I really appreciate your devotion to your air pods, despite the criticism and hate they’ve received. I appreciate your sense of humor about it. As I admitted in class, I too am an air pods user, however my brother got them for me for Christmas—it was a good year to get the brother who works in finance for secret Santa, as I don’t think I would have purchased them if they weren’t a gift, I think I would have just stuck to my wire ones.
I think you grasp that certain ability that Apple has at marketing their products. They create a demand and a desire for their clean, white, seemingly simple technologies. There is a magic about their products, and a certain alluring nature. I definitely agree with your description of the pods being so convenient. It feels like a luxury to walk around when I’m home, and have my phone in one room and me moving about, not having to worry about carrying my phone or the wires.
It’s funny though, I do feel a bit self-conscious or like I’m being judged when I wear them. However, I find that when I’m in the city, and am more anonymous I tend to wear them. But when I’m here in New Paltz, I use the wire headphones. I usually use my air pods at my house if I’m cooking or cleaning.
I also appreciate your description of the path that the pods take just to get into our possession. I think it’s important to be an informed consumer and know the story of our stuff. But, when it comes down to it, I think the air pods are convenient, sleek, and I think the sound quality is better. Like you stated, music is also very important to me and a huge part of my everyday life, and that’s when I am happy I was so graciously gifted them.
Rachel,
I loved reading this blog post! You really used a lot of your own voice and humor to make the topic interesting to the reader. With that, I was drawn to read yours for the reason that I, personally, do not own any objects as new and “relevant” as these AirPods. I do appreciate that you are proud to were your objects, though. The story of how you worked hard to make enough money to purchase them shows just how badly you wanted those AirPods. This mentality, of working to make money for the luxuries we want, is exactly what we talk about in class. I think that your story positively reflects what consumerism really is!
I have wanted Airpods since they came out. I know so many people made fun of them but they are so useful. I hate walking to class and through the city with my scarf tangled in between the wires. They are super useful and a good investment. It’s incredible to see how far these pods travel before the hit the market. I do wonder who manufactures them and if they are paid well for their services. Do they have to be charged? I really liked your description on how Airpods are made and where it is shipped. So glad you were able to make this purchase and hopefully I can too in the future.
I have to admit that I am not a fan of Airpods, but I think it is mostly because I know I would lose them if I ever got them. You made some good points at the end about how you don’t get tangled up anymore in your daily activities – I may have to think more about maybe investing in some Airpods. I also appreciate how you acknowledged Apple’s claim that its workers are adequately paid; I was also suspicious in my post about Timberland whether or not their workers were truly being treated well and worked in good conditions. I simultaneously liked the fact that I was ordering from a company which supposedly does a lot to help out its workers, but was also concerned at how obnoxiously they advertised their charity work.