Ask DB1: The Ubiquitous Red Cup
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Dear DB1,
I have a dilemma on my hand.
Whilst visiting our house during Mother’s Day, my inlaws were kind enough to bring food and beverage for all to enjoy. Unfortunately their choice of disposable cups was the “solo” red and white cup. Yes, the Ubiquitous Red Cup aka URC.
While I know that this is just an ordinary plastic cup, it also signifies so much more. My family isn’t douchey, that was just the arbitrary selection of cup. At first, I wanted to throw the cups into the recycling bin but they are durable and re-useable. At the same time, I just can’t stand them in my house.
I just don’t know what to do with this floating signifier? Thanks for your time.
-Baleen
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The imporance of the URC as organizing structure, as pastiche icon of our HCwDB simulacrum, is simply to fixate on the specific to reveal the projection of the self onto the “Other.”
The solid red color, a primal projection slate. The disposability, an indictment of consumer culture. The lack of name brand, a reminder of the everyday beneath the market branded.
To be reminded of these through this semiotic trigger system is to be awakened from culturally imposed somnambulence. You should thank your parents. For they have inadvertently provided a totem to configure your presence in the real.
Yup. It’s early. I need a coffee.
