Harvey and His Stuff

While I was reading Darkmans there was one section that I really thought connected to the ideas and critical theories we have been reading in class. In Part 2 the chapter called "Abacus Builders LTD" we get a full description of Harvey Broad. And by description all I mean is a list of the products that he has coated himself in, this man is nothing but a walking commercial for useless construction themed paraphernalia. From his "builder's buddy" which is a "kind of  construction worker's gun holster" to his flashlight, "totally water and shock resistant. Blasts out 500 Lumens"  and cost $392 (175). So I have never worked construction but if you need a flashlight that can resist shocks, someone probably didn't do their job right. The flashlight is also military grade, or so it is marketed. Not only s he decked out in ridiculous gear but he is obsessed with the fact that it all relates to American products. His wrap around sunglasses are from QVC and his truck has been modified by Bob Chandler, "a folk hero of the American car industry" (176). Harvey identifies with the idea of rampant consumerism intrinsic to the world's view of America. Not once does the narrator stop to give us a glance at what Harvey actually looks like, he is only defined by the products he has and how luxurious, or difficult they were to achieve. This man truly exists in the sweatshop, but not once does he stop to think about the origin of his products. Those QVC sunglasses were most likely made in a factory in China with grueling conditions and hours. His flashlight claims to be the "first choice of the American military" (175) but I would wager it just said that on the front of the box (although it would make sense that the government would spend that crazy amount of money on a so-so torch) to entice consumers with some small connection to the military. He does not even say what branch, just "the military" and how "they don't screw around" (175). This is a man that capitalism has possessed, he is only the value of the things on him, or the narrator only sees fit to define him by what he can purchase.