Jean Kilbourne and Marketing

In Jean Kilbourne's interview with Campus Calm, she raised some very important points. She mentioned the targeting of younger and younger audiences for brands and products. I had heard of the tobacco companies attempts to target children with toy cigarettes and a Camel Joe cartoon show, but that they were shut down after the full effects of cigarettes and tobacco came out.
I remember getting my first letters from credit card companies and my parents firm no as they cut them apart. Instead we went and got a debit card, so that I could realize how much things really cost. When you only make $6.75 a hour, and you work out that to buy a $20 shirt would cost almost a whole day of work (4 hours a day during high school), you quickly have to think about what you want.
I liked her insight in how all of the tobacco, alcohol, gambling and clothing companies make so much money off of your being insecure. I've seen this a lot, coupled with the brand name loyalty, in some of my friends with the Hollister, American Eagle and Abercrombie brands. There is nothing wrong with any of them (except maybe with the highway robbery they use), I own several of each, but some get so wrapped in that brand that is all they will wear. They are like a walking billboard advertising for the company.
Secure and independant? I don't think so. More like a minion for the company.