From the series of “I remember”s from Joe Brainard’s handout, there are many recurring structures in most of his statements. If I have to pick, below are three of my favorites, some of them has a certain similarity in concept, or at least, the way I read it.
In this paragraph, Brainard curated a small series of words. I enjoyed how he wrote about objects and people, instead of situations or feelings. He leaves the emotion open for his readers to identify. Although his readers’ emotions might differ slightly from his own’s, Brainard’s audience is still able to relate with him, without feeling as if a feeling or point is being imposed onto them.
Brainard also used words that carry with them a certain time period – “milkmen”, “Guest towels” and “Avon ladies” bring the readers back to when these were really popular and common. The words addressed the shift in time, throughout the paragraphs of memories. Similarly, this concept was used in the following “I remember” as well.
“Blue Suede Shoes” signified a certain period of trend, probably made popular in the 50s by Elvis Presley.
Brainard once again relates with his audience with such subtlety. Even though blue suede shoes were not part of my generation, it reminded me of those little trends that everyone was crazy about when I was a little kid, such as friendship bracelets or SPI school bags (which reminded me of home).
I found the next one really amusing.
What makes Brainer think that he is on the “top” side of the world? What makes people think that they are the “normal” ones? I found it amusing because I am from exactly on the other side of the world and I have thought the same. Perhaps, the idea of basic human psychological instinct making people feel that they’re the “right” one, was how I could relate with Brainer.
