Spring Break
Professor writes on tobacco and alcohol movements
Toni Crocilla
Issue date: 1/15/08 Section: News
| |
|
She wrote about the historical propaganda used in the marketing of the tobacco and alcohol industries.
Pennock began doing her research involving such historical topics in her early college years. She moved on to become a history professor so she could discuss the many conflicts that have arisen in history and how they can be interpreted.
Her book analyzes the marketing politics among tobacco and alcohol advertisements between 1950 and 1990.
It encompasses the religious beliefs, political views and social movements that were tied to the regulations in advertisement of these substances.
"My purpose was never to be a supporter or opponent of the industries [of tobacco and alcohol] or of the movements to restrict them, but to seek answers to questions about what these struggles and controversies can tell us about recent American health and consumer politics and business power."
Pennock says that her readers are usually shocked by the cooperation of opposing political groups and activists that worked together in order to set the standards and limits on the ability to market alcohol and smoking campaigns.
Pennock will be offering a course on Consumer Culture in America that will be influenced by her research on marketing history.
"Advertising Sin and Sickness" was published by Northern Illinois University Press and can be found online and through the publisher for $36.
For anyone interested in learning more about Pennock's book or research she has done, she can be reached in person at 1240 SSB, by calling 313-593-5284, or by e-mail at ppenock@umd.umich.edu.
Be the first to comment on this story