Mike Rossmassler

Personal Inventory:
Clothes
Black Converse Shoes
White gym Socks
Black Gap Pants (purchased at a thrift store)
Black Boxer Briefs
Studded Belt
Iron Maiden Belt Buckle
Black Warriors T-Shirt
Pure Pwnage Dog Tag
Blue Counting the Days Sweatshirt
Red USC Polo shirt (in a bag in my backpack)
Black Jansport Backpack

Tools
Black CRKT Knife
White Bandana
Duct Tape Bound Daytimer
Credit Card sized Bottle Opener
Roll of Duct Tape
heavy duty Earplugs and keyring container

Access
2 House Keys
1 Car Key
1 Computer Case key
Various Keyrings

Communication
Cellphone

Electronic Equipment
External Harddrive
Laptop Case
Tablet Laptop

Currency
67 cents in change
Bank Card
10 dollars

Permission Devices
Drivers License

Identification
Business Cards
Business Cards from Industry People

Discount Cards
Ralphs Club Card
Chinese Food Card
Gamestop Card

Insurance Cards
Car Insurance Card
Health Insurance Card

Food:
Tums
Gum

Marking Utensils
Art Pens
Pencil

Information:
Game Coding Book
ATM Receipts

Analysis:
Looking at the collection of objects that I had on the day of examination, it would seem to me that the majority of them are multi-functional tools that stress adaptability. The tools in my possession, consisting of a knife, a bottle opener, a bandana, a roll of duct tape, and organization book and earplugs, are a reflection of the need for correct response to a wide variety of situations with a minimum of response time. It shows that I need to be able to solve problems correctly with little time spent on preparation and execution. As such, I carry objects which can serve multiple purposes and are of great use in a variety of everyday situations. Furthermore, a number of objects (a computer, a hard drive, writing implements, books, receipts and identification cards) relate to the storage, retrieval and transmission of information. This indicates a society in which access to information is highly valuable. Moreso, it shows a tremendous disparity in the media that the information is stored on. I carry both digital and analog media, with no easy way to synchronize the information between the two. This observation is interesting when contrasted against the impression given by the tools that I carry. For on one hand, it seems like our society values adaptability, but at the same time, stratifies the data that must be dealt with at the same time. This seems counter-intuitive, as data dispersed across a number of different media makes location of specific datum difficult, without a clear organizational structure. Looking at the clothes that i wear, it would seem that i have great interest in music, given that my belt buckle, shirt and sweatshirt all are merchandise from three different bands. An analysis of the music played by the indicated bands would indicate a culture wherein violence is commonplace and life a daily struggle. However, an in-depth investigation would indicate that this violence is not meaningless, and that the belief is that life is worth living for the struggle and sacrifice. This also indicates a significant freedom in that I have the means and opportunity to purchase and wear items supporting groups that advocate change in the existing power structures. Overall, i feel that objects i carry with me indicate that our society is one of constantly changing situation, requiring immediate information access and yet still allowing for great freedom in expression. The abundance of music-related clothing and earplugs, used for concert situations, would indicate that music is a significant part of the culture.
The clothes very nearly form a uniform. They are all black, indicating an association with a subculture that is identifiable by a similar dress. As with all costumes, identification is important in establishing connection and dominance. Extracting an understanding of the culture from the bands advertised by the clothing is slightly more difficult, due to relative obscurity of the bands and complexity of their relationships to music and the public. The band Iron Maiden show a profound grasp of ancient and modern myth, as well politics and societal structures. The band Counting the Days are associated with a genre called "posi-core," focused on the overcoming adversity, brotherhood and positive values and life views. The band The Warriors are a socially conscious band who deal with political and social inequalities, as well as personal betterment and positive collaboration. Overall, the conclusions that can be drawn from the clothing seem to indicate that these particular genres of music serve a purpose other than simply entertainment; attempting to inspire change through thought and positive action, and violence as a means of preserving safety and equality, rather than a tool for personal gain. The earplugs, used as a safety device at concerts, indicate that the bearer has an interest in personal health, and that the noise levels at the concerts are very high, presumably to heighten cathartic response,