Technology convergence in the music and film industries is evident in the creation of the iPod and opportunities for legalised TV and movie download. Users of such modes of technology are now able to customise their iPod and computer files to suit their individual tastes with a greater ease of access. Customisation of music on iPods has particularly created another platform for which people can express elements of their identity.
While I agree insight into a person’s character can be gained through drawing connotations from one’s choice in music genre e.g. interest in ‘screamo’ music may connote a ‘darker’ side; I do not believe entertainment choices such as music and film can completely define a person’s identity, similarly to fellow blogger Janicke-Walle. Levy (2006, 32) argues a stronger correlation between people and their iPod’s stating that browsing someone’s iPod “is not merely a revelation of character but a means to a rich personal narrative, navigated by click wheel”.
With many songs on my iPod having only been listened to on a rare occasion or in fact, never – how can this be considered a revelation of a deep personal story? It seems aspects regarding my character can only really be viewed at a superficial level, regardless of whether or not someone is looking at my ‘top 25 most played’ playlist.
Laughparty.com. 2005. “President Bush’s iPod”. Image. Accessed March 21, 2011.http://www.laughparty.com/view.php?id=1139&type=1&sort=0&cat=26
Levy, Steven. 2006. “Identity” In The perfect thing: how the iPod shuffles commerce, culture and coolness. Simon & Schuster: New York. Accessed March 21, 2011. https://cmd.library.qut.edu.au/KCB201/KCB201_BK_272671.pdf
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