Chapters 11,12, and 13

I always knew that when you bought brand name products you where paying for the name not the product. This is proved in chapter 11 with the example of designer jeans. We pay more than $150 for “the same inexpensive denim that has outfitted farm workers since the 1800’s”. Why is that we pay top dollar for brand names? When we can buy generic brands for a lesser price? I know that when I go grocery shopping I feel the need to buy brand names because I feel as though I am getting more for my money or that I will like how that brands bread tastes over that of the other. To be totally honest I don’t think that I can stop buying my Bath and Body Works soap- it just smells to good. And maybe thats a part of the problem.
I’ve heard the term “Public Relations” before but I had never though anything of it or what they did. I was intrigued to learn that they are the people that change your view on a product such as denim jeans and Tylenol. After reading Chapter 12, I am left wondering how often my mind had been changed by PR.
When I think of Disney, I think of the movies I grew up with- Snow white, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, etc. But today it seems like Disney owns the world. They create movies, own several theme parks, and own several TV stations. When I think of the Disney corporation I think of children’s movies, not ESPN and ABC. Whatever Disney is doing, they are doing it right.