7.2.6. The Biography of a Commodity

Think of a particular consumption item in your own home, such as a television set, a motor cycle, a carpet or a piece of furniture. Try to imagine what the life-history of that commodity would be. Write about it as though you were that commodity and were writing an ‘autobiography’.

In this chunk, you are encouraged to consider an everyday object you use, like a television or a piece of furniture, and think about its 'life story.' This involves imagining the experiences and changes it has gone through, just as a person would reflect on their life history. By writing from the object's perspective, you gain insights into not just the item itself, but also the broader implications of its existence in society.

Imagine your bicycle could talk. It could tell you about the adventures it has had—like the journeys to school, the rainy days you've had to cycle through, and even the neglect during winter when it stayed in the garage. Thinking this way helps you appreciate how the bicycle not only serves a function but also interacts with your daily life.

What are the circuits of exchange through which it has moved to get to where it is now? Can you trace the social relations through which the item was produced, traded, and purchased?

This part focuses on understanding the journey of the commodity from its origin to your home. Every item undergoes a series of transactions involving various people and processes. For instance, consider the journey of a smartphone—it is created in a factory, imported or distributed through retailers, and finally purchased by a customer. By tracing these steps, you learn about the economy, labor, and the various relationships involved in bringing products to consumers.

Think of a chocolate bar. It begins as cocoa beans harvested by farmers, who sell them to manufacturers. Those manufacturers process the beans into chocolate, package them, and distribute them to stores where you can buy them. Each step represents a connection to different people and cultures, much like a chain linking different communities.

What is its symbolic significance, for its owners – i.e., for you, your family, for the community?

Here, the focus is on the deeper meaning of the commodity beyond its functional use. Consider what the item represents to you and those around you. For example, a family heirloom such as a watch may symbolize heritage, nostalgia, or familial bonds. Every object can hold unique meanings based on personal experiences and societal values.

Imagine a simple wooden dining table in a family home. It may not just be a piece of furniture; it might symbolize family gatherings, celebrations, and memories shared over meals. This transforms the table into something cherished rather than just a physical item.

If it could think and talk, what would your television set (or sofa set, or motorcycle…) have to say about the people it meets or sees (like your family or other families or households that you can imagine)?

This chunk encourages the creative exercise of giving a voice to the commodity, enabling you to explore its perceived thoughts and feelings about the people who interact with it. By envisioning its perspective, you can foster a better understanding of the relationships and moments that are associated with the object.

Imagine your home computer could speak. It might share stories about late-night study sessions, frustrated moments when the internet is slow, or joyful hours spent video chatting with distant friends. This highlights how the computer is part of your life and memories, connecting you to experiences and emotions not just data.

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