House Hunting

Lahmer had the ability to give a reader insider insight, Owens showed images of one looking in the community and now Hido explores an almost investigative journalism approach. The pictures beg the question of what is happening behind closed doors of these apparent and ideal flawless lives and homes. Hido makes a reader wonder what is happening when the lights turn out and personal sphere is brought to point. Together, the three views, seem to touch on the ideals, perceptions, and realities.

Bill Owens, Suburbia

Owens pictures are fantastic and truly capture a piece of the social fabric. One gets an impression that Owens felt as if the suburbanites had plenty of leisure time. Pictures do not show the working life, instead they choose to focus on the relaxed lifestyle. Lahmer gives a glimpse into the toper wear parties and Fourth of July celebrations. Showing you just enough to make you wonder and ask questions as to what else happens in suburbia.

Slowly, Calling the Burbs Home

Lahmer approaches the suburban lifestyle from a different perspective. Lahmer, once a city dweller, has a somewhat negative pessimistic view of the new lifestyle. Only thru time does Lahmer truly appreciate the finer subtleties of a life that has become to be. Events and regularities that were so unimportant have become direly needed to maintain the accepted life. The impression that I induce from the readings is Lahmer approaches from and insider position, while Owens approaches from and outsider looking in.

Loveable K'Mart

So many times it seems that the regularity of life can sway us from realizing the little, unimportant items that exist in front of our nose. The K-Mart that was described in the essay in so many ways hit home. My useful K-Mart in Santa Rosa is stashed away deep on Cleveland Avenue, an eternity away from a 24 Hour Fitness. The store appears desolate, but seems to have what the consumer needs, as even I find myself cruising around the isles, looking for the most random items. The story truly connects you into the way we find ourselves psychologically categorizing, creating pre-existing stigmas.
Flea Markets offer so much to learning about the complexity of the cultural landscape. The people within the market and the stories behind the items being sold, offer great opportunity to show light into unchartered worlds. The conversation that can begin with a simple negotiation can truly be enlightening. One can learn so much by socializing and conversing within such locations.