COERCION

A professor of virtual culture at New York University, Douglas Rushkoff describes manipulative influence as it appears in advertising, shopping center design, cults and multilevel marketing groups. In these realms, normal needs for affiliation, excitement or power are exploited to influence buying and other behavior, according to Rushkoff, who has been a social thinker, consumer advocate and culture/media consultant to corporations. The title and jacket suggest a victimization plot, but the program actually empowers consumers by showing them how illegitimate influence can be spotted and resisted. Sophisticated listeners may find some of the insights overly dramatic or simplistic. This and frequent hyperbole detract from what is an otherwise well-produced, serious and interesting social science lesson. T.W. © AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/MAR 00]