After watching QI this weekend I started doing a little bit of cursory research (read: Wikipedia) into Edward Bernays, a man regarded as one of the most influential pioneers in the advertising world. He "invented" the Bacon & Eggs breakfast by popularizing it through physicians recommendation (5,000 doctors agree) and also managed to convince women that smoking was empowering, not disgusting. His story, and techniques, are pretty fascinating. I suggest doing a little reading up and thinking about how far his influence has stretched... and potentially how awful of a trend he helped to begin through the power of marketing.