>open my eyes to a truth that's always been there, but I was just too blind/delusional to see
>wonder how many other truths I have denied myself

It's a little depressing and nostalgic at the same time to realize this consumerist culture is the most fundamental culture in the United States, more so than anything else. We were so programed to enjoy this explosion of money hungry colorful slop, and it's still probably the peak of our cultural memory. What a nightmare.