One person may have many brands, but no brand may have a person.

Our culture and economic system beckons people to become subservient to brands. Brands attempt to possess as many people as possible. People determine a brand’s value. Individuals then attempt to turn themselves into brands, which they perceive as more valuable than themselves.

As soon as one tries to become a brand, one loses one’s ability to see. Vision is narrowed. Awareness collapses. Tyranny pervades. All decisions become either overtly or covertly in service of The Brand™.

Brands have many names, wear many costumes, and whisper many friendly, “encouraging” words. Just remember: They are a paper bag of french fries. Eat them with salt and ketchup before they get cold, if you like, before disposing of their greasy trappings. They are nothing.

One should have one’s own newspaper. One’s own art gallery. One’s own talk show. One’s own fan club. One’s own garage sale featuring carnival rides.

If one wants.

One may have as many brands as one may hold in one’s clutches.

Brands are commodities, people are not.