Hopping on a complex network of underground trains may seem to be a modern means of transportation but parts of the New York’s subway system have been around for over one hundred years. In the early 1900s the use of electric trains underground was perhaps a timeless leap into modernity; today there is something like 468 stations with an average of over 4 million riders daily. However, if you want to witness and explore the most “up-to-date” techniques or “ideas” of modernity today, head over the Transit museum in Brooklyn and see one of the most impressive examples of the modern mindset: The Gift Shop.
I am not well read on the subject of gift shops but I have come to my own conclusion that this “Exit Through the Gift Shop” lure of consumers has been keeping up with technology in its ‘modern evolution’ since the get-go. Years ago a keychain or a postcard or perhaps even a mug would be a suitable purchase. Alas, the more complex the subway system became, the more complex your choice in memorabilia shopping has become. The infamously intimidating subway line has become so complex that the demand for subway maps has led to the creation of everything from subway map Christmas ornaments to oven mitts. There really is no excuse for getting lost on this subway anymore. Accessibility and efficiency…now isn’t that what the modern is all about?
www.transitmuseumstore.com
One of the pleasures of visiting the old subway cars at the MTA Transit Museum is seeing the vintage ads reproduced above the seats. By the time you get to the final relatively modern car on the IND side of the platform, you've been conditioned to look at the ads. In that final car -- is it too fanciful to note that it's the one in closest proximity to the gift shop given the layout of the museum? -- the ads are current: they show the kind of merchandise that Chani describes and have the MTA's web address. Very tricky, I think.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I think you are right. Subway is something modern... ok, it was something modern in early 1900's in NYC. Exit through The Gift Shop is actually very smart thing, so you can get stuff you want... or don't want =) Anyways you'll look for somthing =) Complexity rises!)
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