I feel as though "Shoplifting from American Apparel" by Tao Lin was written in a 1st person monotone. There is something appealing (maybe interesting?) about the book that keeps the reader wanting to know how it ends, yet also very depressing, boring, and with no real intentions. There is no real analysis that can be made, or any attempt from the author to show any form of "coming of age" theme. However taken from a different perspective, I believe the author is trying to convey the way in which today's generation views their reality; in an awkward, facade and emotionless state (as he writes within that state as well).
Sam is a writer living a mundane life in New York City. He spends most of his time, much like many teenagers do today, online. His friends are mainly all virtual and have never met, yet he sees no faults in this. He does very little to show any emotions, especially in situations in which you would expect it. For example he kisses his ex yet stares at her afterwards with a blank expression. Its almost as though the author is mirroring the loss of chivalry onto the public in an effort to portray his views in trying to express how today's society is belittling what generations in the past considered to be enduring and affectionate. Even the simplistic, such as friendship.
I would say that both Tao Lin and Warhol use unlikely yet clever methods of writing to convey their ideas on reality. Warhol compared the public's reality of advertising and art to his own view of what art should be and stand for. Aside from advertising. Yet he expressed how he felt that the two were beginning to merge and become unidentifiable from each other. It seems as though Tao Lin is doing the same with human relationships and emotions. Before technology, human relationship was valued. Real time (face to face) communication, touch, kiss, hug, anything from the another being stimulated a reaction of elated feelings. Yet in today's society the line is beginning to blur. Virtual friendship and communications have became the norm, while a hug has become meaningless.
2 comments:
i agree with you that Lin is trying to get a message through about today's generation and their views on reality. i think that part of what Lin is demonstrating is that technology is sort of removing the value of human interactions. In addition, Lin also presents young Americans as highly dependent on technology and obsessed with brands.
I agree with you! it made me want to keep reading despite it being depressing, boring, and no intention. And even though the author didn't show any forms of "coming of age" theme, this whole book still made me think about The Catcher in the Rye.
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