Why Do We Like to “Appear” Rebellious?
Author: DavidJones // Category: Ethics, Pop Culture, Youth Culture
I just read about a new product on the market. It’s called “Blow.” It looks like cocaine, it’s packaged like cocaine, and in some ways it has the effects of cocaine. What is it? A new energy drink…or at least that’s what they say. The mix is sold in a small vial and is measured in grams. A small mirror is actually included in the package so buyers can grind the mix down to a powder before pouring it into a water bottle. The caffeine content is equivalent to 2 Red Bulls and 3 cups of coffee.
Hearing about that brought this question to my mind: Why is our culture so obsessed with “imitating” things that seem taboo?
For instance, when you were a kid did you ever buy candy cigarettes? If you had them, what’s the first thing you did? I bet it wasn’t throw them in your mouth and chew them up. I bet you put the stick between your fingers and pretended to smoke.
Ever known anyone who bought root beer in bottles because it resembled real beer bottles? It’s almost like that bottle of IBC gave them credibility (in their own eyes) and made them appear rebellious and cool.
Whether it’s snorting Smarties, drinking “Blow,” smoking candy cigarettes, saying words that “sound” like cuss words, or trying to appear “cool” to others buy drinking root beer out of a bottle, our culture really seems to enjoy dabbling in the thought of rebellion without completely crossing that fence.
Any ideas why? Your comments are welcome!
(Thanks to nbclosangeles.com for info)
Tags: Blow, candy cigarettes, energy drink, IBC root beer, rebellious
October 7th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
I think those things exist for Christians.
October 7th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
I think the marketing behind it is a clever way to make a quick buck. If you see a can of that sitting in a store, you are going to wonder about it. You might be too embarrassed to just pick it up and look at it, but you will definitely read about it online later to figure out why this cocaine is being sold in stores. Now what do you do next? You tell people you know about it because it’s interesting. It’s a quick way to get the word out and develop interest in a product fast. People always wonder about stuff and are curious. Human nature drives us to want to sin. It may not be drugs, but I’m sure everyone’s wondered what it’s like.
I for one was the kid who just threw candy cigarettes in his mouth and chew em up. I never knew big league chew was supposed to imitate tobacco either. I can tell you, candy cigarettes are a good thing for some idiots though. My neighbors used to try to look like they were smoking by picking up cigarette butts and putting them in their mouths. Candy is much more sanitary. You gotta look out for kids like that and provide a safe alternative to their stupidity.
Also, you spelled “by” wrong in one of your closing sentences.
November 18th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
I used to eat Big League Chew as a kid because it was GOOD. Not because it looked like tobacco.