Sunday, December 21, 2008

Life Before Facebook



Seventy years ago, during the last economic mega-downturn, smart young couples made friends by inviting over their neighbors to play cards.



Advertisers in 1938 pushed products with photo-comics. They didn’t mind harping on our insecurities. They still use the same psychology, but they’re not as obvious about it.
I'll be looking for that fresh, clean pack of Congress Playing Cards under the Christmas Tree.

11 comments:

Unknown said...

Congress Cards -- At least one joker in every pack!

Andrew said...

Man, that couple has like 4 decks of those by this point I bet. You think they'd get something else from friends besides cards they already own.

Unknown said...

That is hilarious.

Unknown said...

Hmm... maybe I could use cell-u-tone finish on my art from now on too.

craigstephens said...

Photo comics are strange and cool. One doesn't see them often now days. I think I might make a photo comic project/lesson for my film making class next term. I've always thought comics were a great way to introduce kids to the story telling concepts that they share with film but drawing is so often a stumbling block for many high school age kids. A project like that would be more collaborative too. The "actors" in the Congress ad are so obviously having a great time!
Thanks for sharing that!

Unknown said...

I think they call photo comics "fumetti". I think it sounds like a great assignment. It could be done very low tech!

Dan Gurney said...

Craig, that's a great idea. I can imagine the students having some great fun with this.

Vertumno said...

The exact name in Italian is "fotoromanzi". Fumetti is the term for comics.

DweezelJazz said...

merry Christmas and wishing you a great New Year. Thank you for your great blog and for all the fun, knowledge and experience that you share.

Unknown said...

Good to know, Vertumno, thanks! I think a lot of people over here are using the wrong term!

Anonymous said...

Craig, just let them loose! I did a photo comic as a party activity once. We ended up having an epic battle over a pair of stylish sunglasses all over the foothills behind my house. High school age kids are still at the point where they love playing pretend (ahem, 'acting') but feel they've outgrown dress-up games.