Branded Chunk #2

Inspired by the commercialization of youth and also by the signs of resistance to it, Quart decided to write Branded. The term brand suggests both the ubiquity of logos in today's teen dreams and the extreme way these names too define teen identities. Quart 's hope is that these stories of kid branding will help to increase understanding of a dangerous consequences of the current materialism. The influence of kids has expanded. " Kids are the most powerful sector of the market, and we should take advantage of them"( Pg 47) People use kids to benefit their business omitting the consequences that will later have on the child. In today's society, we tend to forget that tweens/ teenagers are just children who are still finding their way around this chaotic world. And with peer pressure and frantic pressure to dress in the " in crowd" is constantly surrounding them. However, their are people who recognize the crisis of selling children, - the anti marketers. The majority of the protesters were holistic bright-eyed mothers. " The First Amendment argument for the marketing of the mercial and violet material to kids serve the interest of industry, not the interests of children" (Pg 56) states Diane Levin. Additionally, the media has been portraying the stories of insiders: Clueless, Bring It On, Legally Blonds, and Varsity Blues. Many teens allow these Teen Blockbusters movies to guide them.

Questions:
1) Are people aware of the silent crisis of branding or are they ignorant towards the fact?

2) If a teenager volunteers to be featured as a product to raise money and popularity for the business, is it still considered negative?