Coca-Cola culture

Jeanne Triner

This volume in the Icarus World Issues series is a fascinating collection of nine essays and one work of fiction focusing on the ways in which America's products, from cigarettes to movies to Disney World, have influenced the way other countries perceive the U.S.--and themselves in relation to us--as well as the way we perceive ourselves. Each of the contributions is well written, and the editors have done a nice job of choosing a variety of perspectives and styles to keep the younger reader interested and the viewpoints fresh. Of particular interest to teens are pieces about the movie industry's response to the Communist threat, the depiction of Native Americans in advertising, and the beginnings of the rock movement in China, all of which might inspire some new topics for student speeches and reports. Since the essays are written on an adult level, the more subtle insights may escape all but the very best high-school readers; however, with some adult guidance the possibilities for discussion are almost endless. Though focusing on the worldwide impact of American culture, the material also provides an excellent opportunity for integration of multicultural concerns. Share this with teachers who are looking for something to challenge their better students.