How has the culture of marketing come to shape the way American’s understand the world and themselves?

Advertising is something that is constantly in front of every American citizen.  Advertising is found on television and radio, in magazines and newspapers, and on billboards and roadway signs.  Marketing has invaded every space of American soil.  It simply cannot be avoided.  This has undoubtedly affected every American citizen.

Advertising has made America very commercial.  The internet is filled with many foreign jokes aiming at America’s commercialism.  So outsiders see it…but how do American’s feel about it?  It would seem that it is accepted.  The marketing strategy works because these companies continue to generate enough revenue and profits to continue advertising.  Some parts of the country have embraced advertising so much, it has literally shaped the culture.  In the south soda is called Coke, a reference to Coca-Cola.  This is stated even in the soda is a Pepsi, root beer, or other beverage.  A waitress would simply ask “what kind of Coke” to verify.

America puts a lot of focus on economics.  Although economics is important to every aspect of life, the value of money and possession of things seems to skew the view on the world.  Not enough Americans focus on giving back to those in need.  Instead more focus is made on personal possessions and status in society.  This is likely due to the commercialism that is constantly attacking the inner psyche from advertising.