Media Analysis of CDs Essay

McKenzie E. Lawson
Instructor Wes Deshano
WRD 110-023
23 September, 2013 Culture within America is filled with ever-changing, advancing technologies that are meant to make everyday life easier, and, to an extent, more enjoyable. Whether it be transportation, clothing, or music, society is adapting to the pace and expectations of the people who reside within it. However, the method that an individual chooses to express their preference of each aspect of culture, often times, speaks about their identity. While strolling through compact areas of the city, I can't help but notice a sea of ear-buds located on the passersby who choose to enjoy their music through portable devices, such as iPods or mp3 players. This commonality displays the concept of society that desires easy access or availability. However, why is it that so many individuals have disregarded the various other, perfectly efficient, existing music mediums, such as the compact disc, or CD? The consumer market, specifically the music business, has changed dramatically according to the characteristics of those who enjoy their products. By using the unpopular, outdated methods of music, like CDs, an individual indirectly exhibits traits unique to themselves. CDs, slowly inching beyond thirty years of age, have come and gone in popularity amongst the demand of consumers, yet there still remains a hand-full of people who truly prefer this format. This is so, because compacts discs develop a form of individualism within its users through its versatile ability to represent different attributes of a person. Often times when encountering others using a compact disc, people subconsciously correlate their outdated medium with an inability to keep up with modern technology. Although this assumption may be partially feasible, more times than not, that isn't the case. Musical mediums begin to fade in popularity once they become more common or practical. Eric Harvey acknowledges this tendency through observation that, "thirty years after its introduction, the CD is still everywhere, but its appeal has long faded" (n.p). Once a music format is released to consumers, it immediately becomes a hit and typically lingers in popular spectrum for a substantial time. However, the fast paced society that we, as consumers, adhere to has the constant desire for something new or more advanced. It is because of this expectation from buyers that many capable, yet dated, music tools, such as the CD, have lost popularity. This concept displays a trait within society that limits individuals from being satisfied with traditional forms of media. Those who are more interested in discovering a "better" method of enjoying music are blind to the efficiency of surviving mediums. Yes, the allure and durability of the CD are untimely, however the simplicity of this media doesn't comment on the user's education, but their personal preference to harvest tradition. Common means of experiencing CDs involve tasks that typically tend to be perceived as lame or altogether boring. Whether it be during long car rides, listening to a plethora of song combinations, or jamming out while cleaning house, people enjoy compact discs to create a sense of ease. The modesty of this particular music format, and the reaction it instills within its users, note their comfort ability with an elementary type of media. It displays attributes of the individual, such as the skill to retain appreciation for an outgoing trend that, although not as progressive, still "gets the job done". While iPods, and other portable devices of this type, do, in fact, serve the same purpose, the use of CDs establishes a form of individualism through illustrating a simplistic nature of the user. Along with the quality of simplicity, the use of compact discs create a sense of emotion within the individual that aids in formation of identity as well. When listening to a CD, or music in general, specific connections are made with that song, or

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