The nickelodeons were not just proto-theaters, they were, in fact, the first step in introducing a new medium to the public. While nowadays the introduction of new media is a process in which the content is first thoroughly digested by experts before it finally ends up with everyday consumers, film, on the other hand, achieved great success with the common public from very early on. This case for early adoption can possibly be explained by stating that the first film public was one that had grown tired of old media, and so, film, a never before seen …show more content…
Reminding a hopeful, poor and culturally diverse audience of the ideals that had brought them to this country. This approach hit the nail on the head, if one was to start a nickelodeon for early 20th century America, that would be the way to go.
It can be said, that the nickelodeon owners themselves were perfect representatives of America's fixation with success. They were ambitious, young, and ready to embrace a completely new and unproven medium, gambling their lives on the possibility of success and riches.
There is a clear parallel that can be established between America and film. Film was, for turn of the century americans, a projection of the american dream, and is, in all regards, the epitome of american society. A place where rebellious innovators, fueled by a dream, a dream unaffected by the benefits of inherent wealth and status, can turn ideas and hard work into profit and wealth.
Thus, a place where innovators can establish themselves as leaders of culture, without, to some extent, having the gap ever close on new