Nation of Rebels: Why Counterculture Became Consumer Culture

In this wide-ranging and perceptive work of cultural criticism, Joseph Heath and Andrew Potter shatter the most important myth that dominates much of radical political, economic, and cultural thinking. The idea of a counterculture -- a world outside of the consumer-dominated world that encompasses us -- pervades everything from the antiglobalization movement to feminism and environmentalism. And the idea that mocking or simply hoping the "system" will collapse, the authors argue, is not only counterproductive but has helped to create the very consumer society radicals oppose.

In a lively blend of pop culture, history, and philosophical analysis, Heath and Potter offer a startlingly clear picture of what a concern for social justice might look like without the confusion of the counterculture obsession with being different.

Author: Joseph Heath, Andrew Potter
Publisher: Harper Business
Published: 12/14/2004
Pages: 368
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.63lbs
Size: 8.10h x 5.30w x 0.80d
ISBN: 9780060745868

Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 11/01/2004 pg. 1038
Publishers Weekly 11/15/2004 pg. 51
Library Journal 11/15/2004 pg. 77
Booklist 12/01/2004 pg. 622
Christianity Today 03/01/2016 pg. 53

About the Author
Heath, Joseph: -

JOSEPH HEATH is director of the Centre for Ethics at the University of Toronto, as well as professor in the department of philosophy and the School of Public Policy and Governance. He is the author of five books, including The Rebel Sell: Why the Culture Can't Be Jammed (with Andrew Potter) and Filthy Lucre: Economics for People Who Hate Capitalism. He lives in Toronto.

Potter, Andrew: -

Andrew Potter is the coauthor of the international bestseller Nation of Rebels. A journalist, writer, and teacher, he lives in Toronto. Follow him on Twitter (@jandrewpotter).