The Burning House is a unique Tumblr that asks its readers to submit a photo of what they would want to save if their house burned down.
“It’s a conflict between what’s practical, valuable and sentimental. What you would take reflects your interests, background and priorities. Think of it as an interview condensed into one question.”
“Oh I absolutely can not live without my moleskines, typewriter, copy of The Catcher in the Rye and Coldplay’s Parachutes! CDs are irreplaceable this day and age.”
So many people just desperate for authenticity these days.
I know it’s early in the day, but I think Pinder won the internet with the last line of his post above.
Also, as someone who has now become far too familiar with the insanity that is a house fire, let me tell you what you actually have time to pull out of a burning house: THE OTHER PEOPLE IN THE HOUSE. THAT’S IT.
If you actually think you’re going to have time to leaf through your bookshelf (Hmmm… do I want to take Catcher In The Rye or The Great Gatsby?) and your CD collection (because it’s 2001, apparently) and then stop to pick up your bulky typerwriter (what?!) from your desk you are grossly over-romanticizing the idea of your home burning down. It’s pure fucking terror and chaos, not a Bright Eyes song.
If anyone actually considered risking their life for a Coldplay CD, I’d suggest that they kill themselves immediately, but isn’t taking the “what would you save from a house fire” question at face value a bit daft? It’s just a romanticized/cliche way of saying “if you had to get rid of all of your shit, save for a few material possessions what would you keep?”
Like, if someone asks you what your top 5 “desert island records” are, the only two actual rational answers are “why would I grab a record player and some 12”s, you fucking fool?” or “five volumes on tropical survival techniques,” but it’s generally accepted that you’re just being asked what your favourite albums are.
From following much of Burning House, some form of photographic equipment is always included. I guess everyone is...