I dont think any single product can represent our whole society.
But as for one that gets close, i would say the iPod.
It is an item that is not necessary for survival, and yet people still treat it as a MUST HAVE. It is in popular culture. And because a lot of people want one - some just to be cool - people are conforming to the 'in' product of the time. A conformity that is attempted to be off set by the many different ways to 'personalise' your iPod through futher purchases.
Also, the fact that the iPod allows you to personalise the music you listen to, wherever you are in the world, it reinforces that disjointed aspect of society - you are happiest in your own private bubble, away from other peoples likes and tastes, where you get to decide what goes on - shown with people's private choice and control of music in their iPod.
EDIT: VV
I suppose it also shows commercialisation and industrialisation on the back of technological advancement. It shows the nature of our society also in the fact that the week its out of the box, its probably already obsolete - not as bad as computers in general, but getting there.
Last edited by Iron_Sentinel (2006-11-22 23:18:18)