James Twitchell
interviewed by Mike Agger on July 11, 1996
Total amount of advertisments you will see today: 3000
James Twitchell's book "Adcult USA" argues that advertising has become the pre-eminent meaning making system of our culture, replacing art and religion as the primary shaper of our shared societal values. Whether or not you agree with his conclusions, Twitchell makes a powerful argument that we cannot simply classify advertising as degraded or unworthy of attention. Instead, we need to understand how it functions as one of the most influential institutions of our modern age.
Adcult vs. Highcult:Is our common culture ad culture? Take our high culture vs ad culture quiz to see how you compare to other Tripod members.
Why religion and advertising are kindred spirits:
"I don't want to make the Pillsbury Doughboy into the crucified Christ, but I do want to say that there are some interesting and provocative similarities."
Why advertisers try to be your friend:
"The whole concept of the generation gap was created by advertising."
Why wearing a Polo shirt is like casting a spell:
"We do not like to think that we are susceptible to magic and that the major organizing principles of our lives are the principles of magical thinking."
