Prison life enters marketing as demand for consumer rebellion rises
Implications - As the cultural attitude toward law breaking becomes more lax with specific regard to media and celebrity culture, trouble with the law and being sent to prison is being rebranded as acceptable, tasteful and even celebratory market-wide. This acceptance of shortcomings welcomes those on the sidelines of society back into relevancy and lowers the standard for acceptable behavior amidst younger generations. A fascination with incarceration signifies a true extension and fruition of the "bad boy" image that has been played up previously, but never idolized in such blatancy.
Trend Themes
-
Prison Chic — The cultural attitude towards criminality in media and celebrity culture is being rebranded as tasteful and celebratory.
-
Extreme Immersion — Tourism is extending to immersive experiences that simulate the life of a prisoner in a military jail.
-
Compassion Art — Artists are expressing empathy towards death row inmates through photography, using the final meals and heartfelt letters to create unconventional portraits.
Industry Implications
-
Fashion — Businesses have the opportunity to create collections inspired by the trend of rebranding prison culture and dressing models to look like prisoners.
-
Tourism and Hospitality — Hoteliers can capitalize on immersive experiences that simulate life in a military jail, complete with uncomfortable bedding, prison food and verbally abusive guards.
-
Art and Photography — Artists have a unique opportunity to use their craft to raise awareness and express empathy towards death row inmates through unconventional portraits.
