By: Helen Dotchel

Brands surround us. They are associated with nearly every single consumer product. This extends to everything: clothing, food, pillows, travel supplies, pens, etc. There is now an immediate association of items with brands. Adidas, Nike, Crocs, Skechers, and Asics – These names are all associated with shoes in people’s minds. When someone thinks of macaroni and cheese, they think of Velveeta or Annie’s. There is no limitation on branding either. When someone thinks of water, a basic necessity to life, they think of Aquafina or Dasani. In the 2012 movie, The Lorax, the main antagonist sells air to the people who reside in his town, under the name “O’Hare Air.” When I was twelve, that seemed ridiculous, but is selling water under a brand name any different? 

How do people feel knowing everything around them is branded? Bella, a freshman, said “Brands are everywhere. You can’t escape them. I buy clothes based on the brand, even over the quality. My personal favorite is Brandy Melville.” Mostly, people have just accepted that everything seems to have a brand. Buying things based on the name can be more important than the actual item. Multiple people admitted to buying things simply because they were brands like Apple or Nike. 

 Dani, another freshman, shrugged “Brands control how people dress, and eat, and wear makeup. They influence people’s thoughts.” Brands are major influencers. Many brands endorse and sponsor important people like politicians or celebrities. This can help influence how people think. People also influence brands, however. Some people commented on how family members boycott brands based on political views. People now use brands to express their opinions and views.

Some people; however, seemed to try and avoid brands. “I just buy whatever I need. I never really think about the brand. The only brands I care about are food brands. I want quality food,” said Brianna. This approach seemed to be rare. Nearly every person I talked to could talk about their favorite brands. Personally, I believe brands can be both a force of good and evil. It is up to the people to support the right brands.