Many attack pop culture as a crude ΓÇ£sexualΓÇ¥ and ΓÇ£celebrity-basedΓÇ¥ culture that is purportedly bringing about the end of moral values. Renowned semiotician Marcel Danesi adds his signature insight to the debate by delving deep into pop culture through a consideration of symbols. DanesiΓÇÖs treatment of letters, such as the X in ΓÇ£X-Rated,ΓÇ¥ the ΓÇ£iΓÇ¥ in ΓÇ£iPod,ΓÇ¥ and other such symbols, reveals an ancient mythic structure that blends the sacred and profane dimensions of human psychic life. Danesi takes the reader on a remarkable exploration of the radical turns in American society, a society in which the search for pleasure and sexual expression often reign supreme. X-Rated! is a fascinating trip through what gives pop culture its secret appeal.