Rebel Sell: Why the Culture Can't Be Jammed

With the popularity of Michael Moore, Adbusters magazineand Naomi Klein’s No Logo, it’s hard to ignore the growing tide ofresistance to our corporatecontrolled world. But do these vocal opponents of thestatus quo offer us a real political alternative?

In this lively blend of pop culture, history and philosophicalanalysis, Joseph Heath and Andrew Potter argue that this counterculturalopposition to "the system" has not only been unproductive but hashelped to create the very consumer society that radicals oppose. Thisthought-provoking book will enrage and entertain today’s counterculturalrebels and their opponents on the political right.

JOSEPH HEATH is Associate Professor of Philosophy at theUniversity of Toronto. He is the author of two books: The Efficient Societyanational bestseller and a Globe and Mail Best Book of 2001and CommunicativeAction and Rational Choice. He lives in Toronto.

ISBN: 9780006394914
Format: Paperback
Pages: 384
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: July 18, 2005

“[Heath and Potter] are the genuine article: intellectual martyrs fighting the good fight.” — Rex Murphy“This is controversial stuff. . . . A thought-provoking look at the effectiveness of ‘sticking it to the Man’ . . . Recommended reading for anyone with an interest in social justice and the evolution of economics.” — Calgary Herald“An incisive and witty indictment of consumer trends.” — BusinessWeek“The counterculture is not just a failure, but a harmful illusion.” — The Globe and Mail“A brave book.” — The Guardian (UK)“Joseph Heath and Andrew Potter argue convincingly--and just snidely enough--that while the counterculture purports to be a force against capitalism, it’s more like oxygen feeding the fires of consumption.” — Eye Weekly“A compelling read, proposing ways for us serfs to combat the brandlords.” — Focus“I thoroughly recommend The Rebel Sell.” — Grayson Perry, Winner of the Turner Prize and Author of The Descent of Man