Questions: Coca-Cola was initially marketed in the 1860 s as a patent medicine, which was designed to offer the energy boost of cocaine without the vices of alcohol. The new beverage was invigorating and popular. Today, however, cocaine is not just banned, but widely demonized. This is an example of A. mainstream culture once approving of behaviors that are now considered deviant. (B) the tendency of the United States to become more regulatory. (C) the emergence of a counterculture. (D) conflict between the economically powerful and the rest of society.

The answer is A. mainstream culture once approving of behaviors that are now considered deviant.

This option is correct because it directly addresses the historical context provided in the question. Coca-Cola was initially marketed as a patent medicine containing cocaine, which was socially acceptable at the time. Over the years, societal norms and medical understanding have evolved, leading to the current view of cocaine as a dangerous and illegal substance. This shift exemplifies how behaviors once accepted by mainstream culture can later be deemed deviant.

While increased regulation is a factor in the banning of substances like cocaine, this option does not fully capture the essence of the example provided. The focus of the question is on the change in societal norms rather than regulatory tendencies.

This option is not relevant to the context of the question. The example given does not describe a counterculture but rather a shift in mainstream cultural norms and values.

This option does not apply to the context of the question. The example provided is about the change in societal attitudes towards cocaine, not about economic conflict.

Therefore, the most accurate answer is A.