Lesson 12: Popular Culture



The mass media shows us an unrealistic amount of "perfect" people and so we normalize the idea that this is how we are supposed to look. The magazine from where this picture is from is full of pictures of very fit and attractive women.




Advertisements are meant to make the consumers think that they can't live without that product. This ad for oatmeal says that "For once, everyone can get their own way." Getting our way is a a very appealing thing to consumers.



Heinz is a very well known brand and so people will automatically purchase Heinz ketchup even if the competitiors is better. This is known as brand recognition and as a society we do it constantly.



The average houselhold amount of credit card debt has gone up 15% since 2000. This represents the idea that everyone wants to live like a celebrity and they accomplish this by using credit.

Brand recognition is very important to consumers. An unbiased study showed that people preferred the taste of McDonalds coffee over Starbucks.

This picture shows a good example of popular culture. His shirt has a character from the popular television show Phineas and Ferb. Even if there is no context, most people will know what show the character is from.