How did consumerism, which might seem to be a neutral force, become a tool for Cold War rhetoric?

In crafting your initial response to the discussion this week, please consider the following questions in your response:
In the first part of your answer, consider the expansion of European prosperity and the rise of consumer and artistic culture. How did consumerism, which might seem to be a neutral force, become a tool for Cold War rhetoric? What is the relationship of consumerism to the nature and reasons for youth rebellions in the 1960s? In the second part of your response, think about how Prague Spring revealed some of the inner failings of Communism, and contributed to mounting discontent from within the Eastern Bloc? What was the Brezhnev doctrine, and how was it related to the Prague Spring? How did the Prague Spring differ from the earlier Hungarian Revolution of 1956, which was similarly suppressed by the Soviets, despite great popularity within Hungary? Be sure to cite from the readings this week in your response, including the primary source readings.
By the end of the week, respond to at least two of your classmates. Do you agree with their interpretation, and why or why not? Be sure to cite from the readings in your peer responses as well.

Resources:
http://www.historydoctor.net/Advanced%20Placement%20European%20History/Notes/social_transformation_in_europe_after_WWII.htm

https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/mod/1968brezhnev.asp

https://journals.muni.cz/cepsr/article/view/4401/3441

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