Just stop and think. A half-billion dollar sect of the toy industry is controlled by the underdeveloped minds of a generation too young to remember the first episodes of Full House. Fidget spinners have dominated the toy market, quickly becoming the hottest trend, bringing pandemonium to schools, homes, and social media accounts across America. They were first invented in 1993, by Catherine Hettinger, who designed them for people with ADHD, autism, and anxiety as a way to manage symptoms (Calfas). In the early 2000s, Hettinger pitched her prototype to a large toy company, who initially turned her down, leading to her to losing the patent on her idea and funding to promote the product. Then, in the late spring of this year, they resurfaced
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As a generation, we place a spotlight on the social benefits we reap from playing with these distracting fidget demons, rather than promote their beneficial qualities, celebrating their pure intent. This is an example of selfish pursuit, and justifies why our beloved spinners have been banned in some schools. We buy into a culture of trends, often disregarding practicality, affordability, and original behavioral intent.
This look at consumerism unearths an intrinsic value of humanity: to belong to a community, a want to be relevant and support modern trends within styles and values.
A trend is a change in a social process such as style or taste, that is initiated by a trendsetter, often someone who personifies innovation (Q & As on Trend Forecasting and Trend Process). An aspect of trends that makes them so popular is that they embody the core beliefs, styles, and taste of any generation. When thinking of my elementary school days I am reminded of rolling Heelys on the sidewalks, trading Silly Bandz with friends, and feeding my Webkinz. These trends represent a youth culture embracing community and childish fun. By accepting a trend, one shows they are keeping up with the times and seek to conform to a distinct social group. People that continue to support fads and trends propel the effects of
As a generation, we place a spotlight on the social benefits we reap from playing with these distracting fidget demons, rather than promote their beneficial qualities, celebrating their pure intent. This is an example of selfish pursuit, and justifies why our beloved spinners have been banned in some schools. We buy into a culture of trends, often disregarding practicality, affordability, and original behavioral intent.
This look at consumerism unearths an intrinsic value of humanity: to belong to a community, a want to be relevant and support modern trends within styles and values.
A trend is a change in a social process such as style or taste, that is initiated by a trendsetter, often someone who personifies innovation (Q & As on Trend Forecasting and Trend Process). An aspect of trends that makes them so popular is that they embody the core beliefs, styles, and taste of any generation. When thinking of my elementary school days I am reminded of rolling Heelys on the sidewalks, trading Silly Bandz with friends, and feeding my Webkinz. These trends represent a youth culture embracing community and childish fun. By accepting a trend, one shows they are keeping up with the times and seek to conform to a distinct social group. People that continue to support fads and trends propel the effects of