The Hearing Aid's Pursuit of Invisibility
The device has a history of shaming, rather than helping, the hard of hearing. An Object Lesson.
Object Lessons
Articles published in partnership with Object Lessons
A Century of Highway Zombies
Since the 1920s, “highway hypnosis” has lulled drivers to disaster. An Object Lesson.
Dollhouses Weren't Invented for Play
Before they were toys, “cabinet houses” and other miniature homes were used to show off wealth and teach domestic roles. An Object Lesson.
How Real Cheese Made Its Comeback
After decades of Kraft Singles, more Americans than ever are hungry for artisanal varieties of the past. An Object Lesson.
The Call of the Billboard
The roadside battle for people’s attention has been raging for more than a century. An Object Lesson.
Why Flash Drives Are Still Everywhere
The secret of technological process is that leftover devices never truly get left behind. An Object Lesson.
The Military Origins of the Cardigan
The popular sweater has a revolutionary history that includes Riot Grrrls and Coco Chanel. An Object Lesson.
Where Do Flags Come From?
Since ancient times, civilizations have carried staffs, crests, and banners to declare their identities. An Object Lesson.
The Enduring Unpopularity of the Female Condom
The internal condom saves lives, but it has been criticized from the start. An Object Lesson.
The Rise of the Beer Can
Aluminum revolutionized America’s beverage industry, but at what environmental cost? An Object Lesson.