When I first watched the clip talking about McDonalds I was shocked. I thought it was really bad when each of the kids could name what Ronald McDonald looked like, but could not distinguish who George Washington or Jesus was. In my opinion it just shows how much McDonalds is exposed to younger children. McDonalds and/or other fast foods are everywhere. . . .they're like on every corner! Well almost. . .thanks to the millions of dollars they spend on marketing. After watching Super Size Me in the past I know how unhealthy McDonalds can be if consumed too much. And that guy was an adult think of what all that unhealthy food can do to a child!
I have to admit I think they do a really good job with marketing even though I do not approve. Having McDonalds in commercials in between shows like Spongebob would really catch a kid's attention. On top of that, I think putting toys in kids meals is also good marketing. They are always gonna wanna go to McDonalds to get the next toy.
I disagree that they're marketing everything towards children knowing how unhealthy their products are. I could blame McDonalds for everything but some of the blame is also towards the parents. I think parents should be able to put their foot down and say no to children who wants McDonalds all the time. They should practice healthy eating more.
ughh ending rant
As a marketing major i find it repulsive that people even consider using effective marketing as an excuse for anything "unhealthy" in their lives. You are so right, parents need to start making the decisions instead of spoiling their children and giving them whatever they want, whenever they want. If consumers were more educated they wouldn't be sucked in by these "advertrosities".
ReplyDeleteI think all parents, by and large, DO make good and healthy and appropriate decisions for their children. But let's not underestimate the power of the media. Perhaps a busy mom allows her child the special "treat" of watching a few mid-afternoon cartoons while she prepares the family dinner. Perhaps she's even previewed this cartoon to make sure it is appropriate for her children. What she may NOT have considered, in all likelihood however, is the number of *advertisements* and the *content* of these ads that her child will watch during this brief sitting. One well-intentioned mother's "treat" becomes a veritable feeding frenzy for advertisers who intentionally work to ensure that mama's little darling begs for sugary cereals, plastic toys, and happy meals until the cows come home...
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ReplyDeleteI would have to agree that ultimately it is the parent's choice to feed their child the unhealthy food choices that are everywhere. However, there is only so much a parent can do when a child is bombarded by advertising from every corner. What is a parent suppose to do.. not let their child watch tv, EVER? That isn't going to happen. Even when the child is at school they are viewing advertisments. It is incredibly hard to get away from advertisements.
ReplyDeleteThat fact that kids can identify Ronald Mcdonald but don't know who George Washington is, is very sad. I agree with you Shakaily when you say that it is not right that they advertise towards kids when they know their food is unhealthy, however they are very smart in doing so. I don't feel like anything is going to change along the line's of mcdonalds because they are definitly not going to change the way they advertise, because they are doing exactly what they set out to do. They want to make money and attract kids in doing so. Its not right in my opinion but it works for them. Callie I agree with you as well, the parents do need to step up if mcdonalds isn't going to do something parents are going to have to. Parents do need to stop giving kids everything they ask for. Shakaily I like your idea if parents start practicing healthier eating habits with their kids, it might help the whole problem out alot.
ReplyDeleteI think it is generally agreed upon that marketing to kids in such a way as to put toys in kids meal is not good. Also, Mariah, I agree that they are not going to stop as long as they don't have to. However, if the laws regarding what a corporation can and can't do to advertise towards their customers change, they'll have to stop. There have been campaigns in the past to accomplish this but have failed.
ReplyDeleteCallie, I think that you underestimate the power of the media. Have you noticed recently that McDonalds ads have been given a new look in which they are given a healthy outlook, even though their food really hasn't changed all that much. I do agree in that I don't blame any of my unhealthy habits in my life on advertising, however when I look at American society I do put partial blame on corporations and their marketing. Both sides need to change, and the way see it the marketing side needs to make the first move towards ethical standards
I am really glad that you made me remember this clip. I forgot about mentioning this is my own blog. I was in complete shock as well. It really disturbed me that the children couldn’t depict Jesus over Ronald McDonald. I fully blame the parents for exposing them to the unhealthy foods that are served at McDonalds. They have the power to steer them away from that kind of negative exposure.
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