THE PLASTIC SALESMAN
Most American salespersons are not the pushy articulate persons we think they are. They're the millions of quiet, attractive, successful and underpaid salespersons who stand motionless in stores on display day and night. The plastic mannequin is an interesting study, a human form that sells day and night and that's wearing the latest in fashion and demonstrating the male and female ideal? The smug and confident plastic Mannequin.
For years I've looked at mannequins wondering just how representative of Americans they really are. One thing we can count on, the mannequin has to reflect political correctness and the correct mannequin has to be content with being the background committed to the role of enhancing ... never the star!
Simply a lifelike yet unknowable plastic object
The male mannequin has to project the image of being virile, tough and masculine while the female must be pale, thin, petite and above all sexy! Built into the display is a subtle body language that finds itself as part of the sale. While we focus on the garment the mannequin is quietly endorsing the product.
Isn't it interesting how we can be subtly influenced by a piece of skin colored plastic?
In one sense mannequins have no expression . .yet they really do. Every mannequin I have ever seen has the body language and facial expression of cool, sexy and confident. Ever see a smiling mannequin? It's rare indeed ... and of course you have never seen a happy mannequin.
Mannequins are there to project and endorse status quo. A happy people we aren't.
Every cool mannequin I see makes a statement to me about the real American dream, at least for the young ... to be someone who is seen as confident and cool.
Or maybe to be someone who is really not someone at all ... just a hunk of meaningless cold plastic looking for the nearest mall.
