Some people think that the extreme commercialization of America influences us in subtle but powerful ways- in ways that do not enrich our lives and that may actually be to our detriment. It's easy to see that we are all susceptible to commercial influences to a degree. Some experts are especially concerned about how very young children are affected by these influences. Research has shown that by six months of age, babies are forming mental images of corporate logos and mascots. By the time they're three years old, most American children are making specific requests for brand-name products.
Children are aware of brands and status items before they can read.
Afterward, the kids told interviewers that they wanted the cereal because it had a chocolate taste, it would make them smile, and Fred Flinstone and Barney Rubble recommended it. One-third of the kids say that hey thought Fred and Barney were experts on nutrition. Also, both young people and adults sometimes shop to relieve boredom or loneliness. In recent years, the news media have reported several stories in which young people committed violent crimes to obtain heavily advertised status symbols. His body, minus the sneakers, was found in a field.