Culture is public enemy #1. People with culture buy quality merchandise, expect competent sales people to assist them in their purchase selection. People with culture are not easily swayed by glitzy advertising, peer pressure, or keeping up with the Jones’s.
Modern commercialism is anti-culture. They promote the illusion that buying their products will give you culture; a far, far better culture than the real sophisticates espouse. This happens by the same principle that the “parents: the anti-drug” and similar ads make it seem like they are helping parents fight drugs; but, in fact, are an advertisement for the drug culture ~ that’s how the kids see it, being rebellious youngsters already. Likewise for the anti-smoking ads. To the normal viewer they are what they say they are; to the real targets for the ads, they are advertising their product, just like always. Even more so, in fact, because the sophisticated below-the- surface subterfuge really appeals to lots of people ~ the under educated, under employed, and otherwise discontented folks.