I don't work at a cubicle right now, but I can't think of cubicles without thinking of the opening shot to The Rapture. The movie looks mighty dated nowadays. But the opening tracking shot of row after row of fluorescent lit cubicles still sets the tone of the movie brilliantly, as it introduces Mimi Rogers' search for meaning in a repetitive & numbing world. I just found a great summary of the scene, with plenty of cubicle photos, here: http://blogs.suntimes.com/scanners/2006/07/opening_shots_the_rapture.html I start a new cubicle-based job in September, so will hopefully post a personal cubicle photo (with less existential dread) for the 41st anniversary. Keep up the good work everyone!

Posted by Mario's Daddy, 7:14 a.m. Wednesday, May 14 2008 Permalink

THREE JEERS FOR THE CUBICLE ON ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY Who put up the first cubicle? Let's agree it wasn't Rubikle. But we do know the fuzzy date, Sometime in nineteen sixty-eight. That's when half a fence arose Separating some from those Ready and willing to distract Workers from their working act, Cutting production, sinking quotas, Bringing joy to rival gloatas. That at least is what the bosses Told themselves would limit losses Unaware their production troubles Stem not from conversational bubbles But rather from the office medium Bringing on unending tedium. What then has the demi wall Accomplished? Really nothing at all. Fences that are six feet high Are as redundant as "pizza pie." Better to cover mouths with gags, Bosses, and cover heads with bags. That's the direction you need to go-- Build another Guantanimo.

Posted by Leon Freilich, 6:36 p.m. Wednesday, May 14 2008 Permalink

I used to be a temp worker designing the adverts that went into the phone book. The labor structure was that the employees worked the day shift and were able to decorate their cubicles. The temp workers worked the night shift in someone else's cubicle, so it was weird working in someone else's cubicle, and seeing their family pictures, their child's face screen-saver everyday. The person I shared with would get upset because the computer's mouse was not exactly where she had left it! After about 6 weeks, I couldn't take it anymore, and left for greener pastures. Fast forward 8 years later, I am now working with my wife and she keeps talking about how she wants her own cubicle in our small two person office!

Posted by steve Reeder, 7:04 a.m. Friday, May 16 2008 Permalink

I never thought I'd feel nostalgic about a cubicle. I first worked in one last year after years having a private office with a door that locked. I hated the new lack of privacy. However, I was recently relocated to a computer along a long row of computers. Now, when I look left or right I see other people in front of their computers. With a cubicle, I saw walls, albeit ones that didn't reach the ceiling. At least there was an allusion of privacy. I miss my cubicle.

Posted by Michael Antonoff, 9:48 a.m. Friday, May 16 2008 Permalink

What creative cubicles! These would be great as part of an exhibition on modern American work life. Looking forward to week three.

Posted by CLS PDX, 12:50 a.m. Saturday, May 17 2008 Permalink

Please return Morning Edition to wnyc at 6 a.m. Please pilot test The TAke Away somewhere else. Thanks.

Posted by Joanne, 9:51 a.m. Saturday, May 17 2008 Permalink

Off topic, Joanne. [[Comment partially removed. Personal attacks will not be tolerated. - http://www.thetakeaway.org/about/comment_guidelines.html]]

Posted by Mark Jeffries, 5:05 p.m. Sunday, May 18 2008 Permalink