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A recent book came out called Nation of Rebels : Why Counterculture Became Consumer Culture
The authors argument is today's counterculture that aims to fight against the "man" and what he represent (mass- globalization, consumerism, marketing, etc.) is in fact perpetuating these same ideals within their own culture and within the consumer-dominated world. The author's state that in order for progressives to make change happen, it needs to be on a grand scale. Take global warming. Results won't come about by recycling cans alone but through mass consensus of foreign powers we make a difference that will benefit everyone. In cases such as this, they contend that conformity has its good points.
I suppose it does to a certain extent. More kids focus on how other kids perceive them in school by their actions, clothing, or cliques. I imagine kids are still getting their ass kicked for their $200 dollar sneakers or the cell phone they're carrying. Proponents of dress-code in schools will say wearing a school uniform helps build individuality by stripping kids of items of luxury and allowing them to cultivate their independence and not relying on symbols of what is fed to them by mass-consumerism.
I'd like to think that my way of thinking or being is not influenced in some way by some marketing firm or by some corporate executives who forecast what the next trend will be. Don't you find it odd that sometimes you feel you're the only one in the know when it comes to something such as noticing something you hear in a song or perhaps watching a particular program and you feel you are one up on everyone to find out later that everyone was thinking the same way you were!?
A great example of this is I Love the 70s, 80s, and 90s on VH1. You have a show that talks about things that were part of the counterculture in a pop-culture manner. I find these shows unbearable to watch despite my initial addiction to them when they first came around and I guess that's part of the problem. You're basically watching a show that you think you can only relate to but the show wouldn't be on if everyone else couldn't relate to it as well.
First have to start reading Godfather Returns before I can even start on this. For all I know, I can be talking out my ass.
