Trash cans a generation ago were associated with unspeakable things—things which crawled out of the bottom of the refrigerator, out from under the bed, or down from the attic. Children were punished by being told to “Take out the trash” (usually preceded by “Clean your room”).
Today, though, trash cans exist in a new light. Trash cans have become fashionable. No longer are trash cans the stuff of nightmares. Instead, they are touted as being the avenue to wealth. This gradual transformation of the lowly trash can has been the result of two major changes in the sociological fabric of the United States. First is the birth of the lovable Sesame Street character known as Oscar the Grouch. Jim Henson, intentionally or otherwise, created at least two new industries with this unique green Muppet. The first of course, is the sale of anything related to the little curmudgeon. It's interesting to note that Oscar started out yellow, changed colors to orange, and is currently green. This is probably what would actually occur to any creature living in a garbage can.
At any rate, by removing the ugly, bad, smelly connotation from the trash can, it has changed the way America's young adults view trash. Oscar the Grouch has made possible the metamorphosis of the trash can from something to be avoided at all costs, to something to be viewed as a pleasant place to visit. The change in thinking brought about the second great change in the fabric of America's society—the growth of E-Bay.
Children have grown to adulthood realizing that trash cans can be used to supplement one's income. You simply pull treasures out of the trash can and place them on E-Bay. Then someone buys these trash can escapees and pays good money to you. What could be simpler?
