Category Archives: Consumer Nation

Our Cultural Dead Zone

Posted on December 13, 2011 at 7:14 am by Bob Cesca

Kurt Andersen wrote a brilliant piece for Vanity Fair in which he examines our 20-year cultural stagnation. We’ve all observed this, I’m sure, but Andersen dissects it nicely. Simply put: other than technology, there’s nothing significantly different in our culture … Continue reading →

Posted in Consumer Nation | Tagged , | 41 Comments

The Definitive Last Word on Black Friday

Posted on November 26, 2011 at 9:01 am by Bob Cesca

Via Chez, here’s Salon’s Andrew Leonard: “There is a point in our culture beyond which camp and kitsch no longer make the least ironic sense, where consumerism loses its last mooring to civilization, where even seemingly legitimate protest devolves into … Continue reading →

Posted in Consumer Nation | Tagged , | 12 Comments

Genuflecting to Our True Leaders

Posted on November 25, 2011 at 3:02 pm by Bob Cesca

Violence! Massive crowds! Police brutality! Terror! Injuries! It’s not an Occupy protest or another nation demanding freedom from oppression. It’s Thanksgiving night at Walmart. Naturally, Americans can’t be dignified and civilized about our obvious consumerism. Every year, we embarrass ourselves … Continue reading →

Posted in Consumer Nation | Tagged , | 14 Comments

The Amazon Store

Posted on November 27, 2009 at 7:18 am by Bob Cesca

Amazon has some really great deals for Black Friday. And, as always, feel free to use my “Bob Recommends” Amazon store on the right side of this page for shopping idears. Oh, and if you dig vintage clothing, my wife … Continue reading →

Posted in Consumer Nation | Tagged | Comments Off

The Walmart Casket

Posted on October 31, 2009 at 12:48 pm by Bob Cesca

At first, I thought this was an Onion joke. But no. Walmart is selling caskets. Here’s the actual product description: Generously sized, the Star Legacy’s Regal Wide Body has extended dimensions width combined with an adjustable bed. Exceptional quality, sleek … Continue reading →

Posted in Consumer Nation | Tagged , | Comments Off

Okay, I Quit

Posted on March 2, 2009 at 8:38 am by JumpyPants

The Snuggie has sold four million units. Four million Americans looked at this hunk of shit and said, “Yes. I must have a blanket with sleeves. And no. I don’t have any self respect.” (Source: Pandagon)

Posted in Consumer Nation | Tagged , | Comments Off

My Quiet McRevolution

Posted on December 14, 2008 at 9:10 pm by Bob Cesca

by Lee Stranahan, cross-posted at LeeStranahan.com I know that there are million reasons not to frequent McDonald’s restaurants. There are nutritional reasons. There are political reasons. There are environmental, ethical, and anti-corporate reasons. I have stopped going because their customer … Continue reading →

Posted in Consumer Nation | Comments Off

Further Reading About Barbie, Sorta

Posted on December 4, 2008 at 12:43 pm by Bob Cesca

by Lee Stranahan The issues of intellectual property rights and how corporations use government power to make money that I hinted at in my Barbie / Bratz post have been on my mind a lot lately. If you’re interested in … Continue reading →

Posted in Consumer Nation | Tagged , | Comments Off

Corporate America Screws Little Girls

Posted on December 4, 2008 at 11:41 am by Bob Cesca

by Lee Stranahan I have a nine year old daughter. She loves Barbie. I’ve ended up shopping for fashion doll accessories a lot more than any 43 year old man should have. So I also know all about the Bratz … Continue reading →

Posted in Consumer Nation | Tagged , | Comments Off

Civilization

Posted on November 29, 2008 at 9:15 am by Bob Cesca

This has happened before, so why does Walmart keep running sales like this?

Posted in Consumer Nation | Tagged | Comments Off