Dangerous Design

           Beyond their violent employment, weapons have broad reaching iconography in Western culture.  A symbol of power, of dominance and of masculinity, the weapon has been idolized in entertainment media and even infused in modern design. 

There is a series of works done by the late Philippe Starck, who has taken inspiration from weaponry. This 18k gold-plated pistol, for example. Although it may rest at your bedside, and it may not ward off any intruders,  the Bedside Gun Lamp brings character and high style to any room in your house, bedroom or otherwise.  Initially designed in 2005, Starck said that “design is my only weapon, so I use it to speak about what is important”. 

           Now although the design itself may not be a dangerous one, it is nonetheless inspired by weapons of violence and goes to show how desensitzed society has become. By having weapons of violence on display in a household it may propose the idea to children that weapons are acceptable and should be used. Weapons may seem like a symbol to power to some but ultimately they are a symbol of death and violence. So once again this design in reality is not dangerous but in actuality the seeds it plants are deadly.