On point one, I think that the transformation of the expression can make all the difference, and may not have the dilution effect you claim. For example, is this image any weaker after you've seen this video, or been to this website? I personally do not think so.

My objection to your second point is that I think that Andrei is correct concerning the fact that consumerism and privacy are not at odds, and that strengthening one does not necessarily harm the other. I think the appropriation of metaphors can be used for both profit and privacy. For example, if this company used the big brother metaphor to sell it's products, wouldn't that help both consumerism and privacy? Also, to take the castle example, how does wanting a modern castle with flashy items make us less wary of privacy violations? Does wanting cameras for your home so that you know if someone is in the woods watching you defeat your privacy?

Let me be clear that I do not think that my objections necessarily defeat your thesis, I am just trying to point out some holes that I perceive in your argument. Thanks for an interesting essay. -- JustinColannino - 20 Mar 2009