The Problem with Merch

The video explores the cultural and economic rise of branded merchandise, or 'merch,' as a form of self-expression and identity. It discusses the historical context of conspicuous consumption, the evolution of consumer goods, and the emergence of the aspirational class. The video highlights how merch has become a new form of conspicuous consumption, reflecting cultural values and social belonging, and how brands have adapted to this trend by focusing on identity and community.

What is the primary reason people are now willing to pay for merch?

• To remember a concert

• To show off their wealth

• To express their taste and values

• To support a charity

What term did Thorstein Veblen coin to describe wealth-establishing purchases?

• Aspirational Spending

• Cultural Capital

• Luxury Acquisition

• Conspicuous Consumption

How did the second Industrial Revolution impact consumer goods?

• Made them more expensive

• Limited their availability

• Decreased their cost

• Increased their exclusivity

What innovation in the 60s helped merch to explode in popularity?

• Laser Printing

• 3D Printing

• Screen Printing

• Digital Printing

Which company wondered if merch could become a bigger business than their actual business?

• Nike

• Hard Rock Cafe

• McDonald's

• Disney

What does modern merch primarily convey about a person?

• Their political views

• Their wealth

• Their cultural savviness and values

• Their education level

What has branding shifted towards in recent years?

• Reducing production costs

• Focusing on sustainability and community

• Enhancing product exclusivity

• Increasing product utility

What role do modern brands play in society according to Adam R Vinson?

• They are only important for marketing

• They are central to identity and social relations

• They are outdated and irrelevant

• They are purely commercial entities

How do brands target communities according to the text?

• By creating a sense of belonging

• By increasing advertising

• By focusing on product quality

• By offering discounts

What is a significant reason millennials focus on taste and merch?

• To achieve economic success

• To compensate for lack of traditional success markers

• To save money

• To follow trends