In junior high

In junior high, we sat through convocations on the dangers of Communism--in retrospect just reactionary silliness and empty fear. We were taught to believe our American values were at risk.

Little did we know that, in fact, American values were already under assault by increasingly sophisticated corporate marketing. This is what we needed convocations about, because this is what was beginning to erode freedoms and values.

We were not taught how visual language works so we could unravel images that were impacting our thinking and behavior. We learned to poison our way to the perfect lawn. We needed multiple, expensive surgeries to hold off aging. We were conditioned to desire anything flavored and scented. We deserve what others have, and we are worth it. Only the best for us.

Pepsi commercials are not bad enough—dancing, beautiful young people, spectacle, maybe even a disabled person here or there. Love sells cars, fast food and more. But now a car commercial asks a guy if he wants to be a good person and a good father. A rousing No! as he speeds away in an expensive machine, driving like an immature adolescent.

We take on the values of corporate America and fail to realize that the choices we think are freely made are often the consequences of manipulative marketing.