Re: Umm...

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: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Where is the Red and White Suit? : : : : : : : See marketing has so enmeshed itself in our popular consciousness that advertising gimmicks are now international cultural symbols. Does this disturb anyone else? : : : : : : It doesn't because advertising is part of our culture. Advertising impacts culture and vice versa, I really don't see it as a big deal, just the way this culture is. Not only that but the Coca-Cola santa is just the most handsome santa around. Why who could resist that corn cob pipe and button nose? : : : : : So it doesn't bother you that this image was created to manipulate you through the cozy identification of this familiar and lovable character and make you associate it with an unhealthy acidic sugar drink which they are happy to charge you for at a nice profit? Further, it doesn't bother you that every time anyone wants to use that image of Santa Claus in a public forum they have to pay this same mega company royalties? This means what was once a beloved symbol with religious origin is now owned part and parcel by an impersonal corporation whose sole driving force is to make as much money for its stock-holders as possible. All the feel-good stuff they put up is really just an attempt to grab more market share-- to take more of your money. Meanwhile you struggle to pay your bills and raise your family. Just a rhetorical question: How much do you spend on this product every month? Do you know how much it costs them to make it? And then if you proudly display the big poster of this particular Santa (and I used to have one) you have paid them to post their advertising! You effectivley working for them for free. You struggle while making money for them. And the worst part is that you and millions more think that is just all right! This is why I hate the fashionizing of trademarks. : : : : I see your point John, (kat furiously tries to hide her Coke paraphernalia) I agree, it is a total marketing ploy (grabbing nostalgic Coke trays off the wall) In fact I was just telling someone how bad soda is for you (pushing the ceramic Coca-Cola mugs to the back of cabinet) I am sure I pay much more for the product than it costs to produce it, but that's the case in any product you buy. (throws empty 2 liter bottle of Coke in trash) I do enjoy the taste of it, but I don't buy into all that other stuff (yanks the Coca-Cola ornament off the Christams Tree) I do need to pay attention to where I spend my money I don't care to asvertise for them (wipes the counter with a Coke dish towel) : : : : So, you thirsty? : : : : ; ) : : : This was actually very funny. Thanks for the laugh. : : : BTW, I actually went to a lady's house for work where she served homemade soda. It was really cool. I neverthought that this was probably how people did it before it was sold premixed. she just took seltzer water and added whatever type of juice or flavor you wanted to it. Really good, much healthier, and cheaper as well. : : The entire world system is gone mad, and we entertain hope of that world to come. While we must live here, however, focusing especially on certain few of the multitudinous representations of the foundational flaw in all society can be, well, very frustrating, especially if one does not have power to effect a major change; the frustration is to no real avail, except increasing the desire to cloister oneself (and thus decreasing one's ability to live and reach out redemptively toward society). : well said, but ignoring the flaws ensures that nothing will be done. I think you said something to this effect the other night. I actually rant because I have hope. Those who know me well realize that I am not really all that unbalanced in real life. Sure I can go off from time to time, but it is really just an outpouring of the story-teller type. Some people just like to orate...hmmm sounds like another person I know ;) : Besides, I've come to believe that ranters are necessary, like bullwhips driving the massive hered. Without them the herd may just stumble along each thinking the others know where they are going. It takes the few on the outside to scream loud enough for the others to hear. Then the herd moves a little. Or think of a tug boat if you like that analogy better. It has to be way over powered to move the huge barge just a little. What I'm getting at is that though i rant like it's the end of the world, most people will not see it that way. But what I say may stick in their heads and they will think of it next time they encounter what I was talking about. : Still, very true that the lacking the power to change things can be frustrating. That's why it's good to know that i don't actually have to change anything. That's God's job. I just heed my own mind and let other people know what I think.

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