My husband and I went to see a movie on Saturday and we were talking about how the commercials have taken over the preshow. There are more commercials and visuals brought to you by whatever company than trailers anymore. Remember when there weren't any commercials at the movies? Okay, I know, I'm old... Good point about Brave New World and consumerism. We get closer every day! Oh yeah, and then there was the guy on tv this morning that is auctioning off advertising space on his forehead....

I LOVE that, Gypsylee! What a great story.

I agree with all of you and have little to add. You've all given great arguments.
There is a great book that addresses this issue, especially from a writing/publishing point of view. It's called Mao II by Don DeLillo. It explores mass consciousness, society's preoccupation with celebrities and the homogenization of art/culture.
As for reality shows, they are the death of decent television. What spooks me is that they wouldn't have such a prominent place in our media if there weren't so many people watching them! Why are people so fascinated with this garbage?

suec wrote:

Fantastic point! Symbolically speaking, perhaps he represents spirituality (and his curse on Switters, the trials every human endures in life to grow spiritually) - spiritual enlightenment cannot be purchased, only earned. Not only is it free (economically,) sometimes humans resist the real thing! No amount of money placed in a collection plate will relieve a person of the hardships of their own particular journey. (Or maybe I've just gone off on a tangent and I'm way off base. )
There is a lot to think about from this scenario. It says a lot about organized religion and the role money plays within these organizations.

My goodness, Abigail, I think you just solved the whole point of the story!

Your observations are absolutely brilliant!

Oh I'm not sure about that, nebraska.
But I'm glad you find some value in it. Thank you.
I confess, I read FI so long ago, that sometimes it's hard for me to remember the details to take part in the discussion. I had hoped to re-read it, but I've had too much reading for my courses, I haven't had time. I wouldn't have remembered the significance of the passage without SueC's reminder. Thanks Sue!

Could have fooled me, Abigail.

Okay, another confession:
I don't have the book to refer to, I read a library copy. My trick is to go on Amazon, and sometimes they have the "Search inside this book" feature. So I've searched for passages when my memory fails me. --The poor college student's approach to Book Clubbing!