Question

how did coke become basically seen as an american value? how did this help and hurt coke (and in some ways, america itself?)

Answer 1

Do you mean --

Coke as in Coca Cola?

coke as in cocaine?

coke as in a type of fuel?

Answer 2

I mean coke as in coca cola

Answer 3

It would have been clear if you'd capitalized Coke.

http://xroads.virginia.edu/~class/coke/coke1.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coca-Cola