Our children suck from the teat of the corporate medusa from birth...

[Virginia Dare]

they are never weaned. The newer generations are fed a constant supply of marketing swill from day one. The only worth they have to society is their ability to consume. There is no self satisfaction unless you own as much if not more than the next guy. Last year's crap is disposable, you've got to have this year's crap. If the advertisers tell you that you have to have it, then by God you do. How will it effect them mentally? I often wonder.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/27/AR2007032702237.html

An Ocean Of Promotion
For Spring Breakers, the Selling Never Stops

By Libby Copeland
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 28, 2007; Page A01

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. -- The sand is white, the water is blue-green, and the nation's college students are celebrating the proud rites of spring as they always have, with Keystone Light and wet T-shirt contests. What more could they possibly need?

More. So much more.

Behold, the marketers of spring break have descended, transforming the beach into a corporate wonderland. There's a Geico gaming tent and a Neutrogena spa, and the Trojan booth offers pina-colada-scented oxygen you can inhale through a tube. There's free mouthwash and chewing tobacco, free sunblock and tampons, and after a free massage, you can make a delightful lunch out of Jack Link's beef jerky and 180 energy drink. So very free!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/28/AR2007032800596.html

Forced Feeding
Researchers Say Commercials for Candy And Fast Food Hit Kids in the Gut

By Sally Squires
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, March 29, 2007; Page D01

Sex and violence are what parents fear their children will consume on television. But a study released yesterday finds that food is the top product that TV serves up to kids and teens.

The study, done in 2005 by the Kaiser Family Foundation, is the largest examination yet of television food marketing to young viewers.

"Food is the number one product advertised to kids, followed by media such as music, video games and movies," said Vicky Rideout, a vice president of the foundation and director of its Program for the Study of Entertainment Media and Health, which commissioned the study done by Indiana University.

[bryant69]

1. I can't get no satisfaction

At any rate this problem doesn't seem solvable except by dismantling our economic system.

or to put it another way, it's not a problem it's just the human condition, circa 2007.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[cali]

2. Yep.

And that's why I didn't have TV when my kid was little. (Actually, I still don't). I'm also glad that he grew up in Vermont which is a pretty good environment for a kid.

[Virginia Dare]

7. So how do you deal with the "real world"?

When you go to say, New York City, are your synapses crying for mercy, or do you able to just keep it shut out?

[cali]

8. I like the occasional city hit

I get to Montreal more often than NY, but yeah, it's definitely a huge culture shock for me now. I'm always so grateful to get back across the state line. It is a little haven to me, and a very nurturing place.

[whistle]

3. "pina-colada-scented oxygen"???

...What is that used for?

[Virginia Dare]

6. Absolutely nothing, you just buy it...

it's cool, so it's something you have to have...:shrug: :argh:

[baldguy]

4. We're living in a William Burroughs novel

[seemunkee]

5. Branded: The Buying and Selling of Teenagers

excellent book on the subject, my son actually recommended it to me.
http://www.amazon.com/Branded-Selling-Teenagers-Alissa-Quart/dp/0738206644