Here’s a Brand, There’s a Brand, Everywhere there are Brands

During our class discussion of brands, I noticed not very many people had anything positive to say about how brands are everywhere. After doing the readings how our young are now “branded for life,” I had to sit back and ponder this.

It made me wonder why everyone hates on brands so much. Is it because it “runs” their lives, or because if they don’t wear or use the “correct” brand they will be shunned by society or by friends? And why are these writers in the readings so anti-branding?

I guess I am looking more into this as nothing to hate because I am a future advertiser. Or because I understand in depth that get those loyal followers you must start younger and younger these days. Advertising and branding have had to re-evaluate their strategy on how to get these future ‘loyal’ customers. When we were younger we were introduced to brands mainly by our parents, and became loyal customers by trusting what our parents, well at least I know that’s how it was for me.

Brands have always been around, and will always be around, they are just heavier and more obvious in today’s media where advertising is literally EVERYWHERE.

In the reading, “Branded for Life,” Noel Paul proclaims, “parents are becoming increasingly aware of marketers’ efforts to reach children wherever they go, and that they realize consumption is defining the context of childhood.” I guess it just baffles me why parents are just now, realizing this revelation. I know when I was a kid we were aware of this idea of brand consumption. I do agree with the articles though when they state that advertising and branding is getting to kids are younger and younger ages.

While the idea of brand consumption at a young age might determine a kids communicate and social roles as they grow up in places such as school, I don’t think it’s something that we should fret, or go so far as to monitor kids TV time or access to advertisements. It’s something they, along with adults, should embrace. It’s not going away.

I think for some of these kids that are able to understand the things advertisements and brands are trying to get across to future buyers, it might be beneficial to them later on. It creates awareness and loyalty as well as advanced social skills.

As I have gotten older, I know brands, while some I will always be loyal to, don’t define who I am. I don’t care as much anymore about ‘brand name’ clothes as I did. I take those brands I used to use, and find ones that are similar, but cheaper.

Once again, this opinion comes from an Advertising major so take it or leave it, either way; brands are getting me a job later on.