The American Experience
A Marriage of History and Literature
Consume, or Perish
The History
Ben Franklin created the original version of this political cartoon, as depicted here, to convince Americans to unite with England against the French during the French and Indian War. During the Revolutionary War this image was repurposed to encourage Americans to unite against the British.
The Meaning
The piece we created is designed to make the viewer consider the relationship between Americans and American consumer culture. The phrase, "Consume, or Perish" may inspire viewers to questions whether they have to be participants in consumer culture to be part of American society. This question is tempered by the image of the Join or Die snake made entirely of tin and aluminim brand images. This snake forces the viewer to consider consumer culture's ability to unites us as Americans.
The Process
The concept for this piece was created entirely by students in the American Experience class during the 2015-2016 school year. It was then designed in collaboration with Kim Fox, a local tin and wood artist. All of the tin aluminum used in this piece was collected by the students, washed, cut apart, and nailed to wood over a chalk template. The art piece has been mounted to the wall in the stairwell by the band room.
Related Articles
These articles will provide additional insight into the issues this piece explores. They examine consumerism and advertising from a complex perspective. Taken as a whole they should be read as neither for or against American consumer culture. Instead, they are designed to help people foster a nuanced perspective that is entirely their own.
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Be aware--These articles are not writtten specifically for students. They reflect authors' perspectives and unique voices as they grapple with complex content.
Related Assignments
Here are some writing prompts that deal with the themes of advertising, consumerism, and rhetoric. These prompts extend the conversation beyond just the Consumer, or Perish art piece.