Nobody is saying that. But advertising culture wasn’t nearly as strong. Brand identity wasn’t as strong. Planned obsolescence didn’t exist. The fact that in modern America we even manage to market communism for profit really shows how strong consumer culture is.
Sure.
A joint of mutton doesn't become obsolete after it's eaten.
I can think of several brands I saw ads for as a child, just by going to the movies.
Bovril, for instance. Created in 1889.
Cinzano, first introduced in Italy in 1757. That's not a brand? And after you drink a bottle, you have to go buy another.
It's easy to find other examples.
Hennessy Cognac, 1757. Created in Cognac, a town in France. Also a brand. Brand identity, right? It's a brand with such identity that people think its a drink. Same with Champagne, btw.
This article is specious nonsense written by an ignoramus.
If you just ignore the fact that it's premise can be proven wrong in five minutes of internet searching, I'm sure it's full sound and fury.