Nice theory. And if it weren't for television, none of that would be possible. Television opened up channels of information for illiterates . . . the line between adulthood and childhood was smashed. Marketers were able to target the youth. I think that's about half of the explanation of the suckiness that's going on. The root? Evil multi-national corporations.
I would add to your thought that it would have been radio, followed by TV, and now of course the Internet that influences what is cool. I use an amazing documentary by Frontline called the Merchants of Cool which dives behind the scenes of the INDUSTRY that perpetuates cool...it's a few years old now but it still hits home how even a music concert is used to sell things like Coca Cola, other music, clothing, etc.
Also of value is Dr. Suess classic book: The Lorax - which takes stab not only at the foolishness of consumerism but also how it affects the environment.
Nice theory. And if it weren't for television, none of that would be possible. Television opened up channels of information for illiterates . . . the line between adulthood and childhood was smashed. Marketers were able to target the youth.
ReplyDeleteI think that's about half of the explanation of the suckiness that's going on. The root? Evil multi-national corporations.
I would add to your thought that it would have been radio, followed by TV, and now of course the Internet that influences what is cool. I use an amazing documentary by Frontline called the Merchants of Cool which dives behind the scenes of the INDUSTRY that perpetuates cool...it's a few years old now but it still hits home how even a music concert is used to sell things like Coca Cola, other music, clothing, etc.
ReplyDeleteAlso of value is Dr. Suess classic book: The Lorax - which takes stab not only at the foolishness of consumerism but also how it affects the environment.