Didn’t we HATE the old lady that gave apples on halloween?
Today CNN reported that Masterfoods would stop marketing its products, for children under the age of 12, by the end of the year. This includes the marketing of products like M&Ms, Mars, Snickers, Twix, Skittles, Starburst, and Milky Way in both print and new media.
It is safe to say that there is a problem in this country with obesity, but could this be the first step to an involuntary ban on advertising for high-fat, unhealthy foods? Think cigarettes. Certainly, I can’t think of a redeeming factor for the cancer-stick, but isn’t it a bit unfair for the companies to be banned and fined for doing their job?
Maybe I just don’t like to be told what I can and cannot have—after all, trans-fat makes freedom fries delicious—but I am not siding with the cigarette manufacturers or candy makers. Maybe instead of pulling advertising from “bad” products, companies should work on educating consumers (See Philip Morris USA) on good and bad decisions and let the consumer dig (or eat) his or her own grave?
February 5th, 2007 at 7:49 pm
Obesity is a product of the values of our nation. I wonder why the government has yet to enforce a “recess” for adults. I have met so many lazy kids lately that I think if the parents showed them how to be less lazy, maybe it would have some sort of impact on obesity. Gyms at work? There’s an idea
February 6th, 2007 at 10:53 am
What we put in OUR bodies is a PERSONAL decision.
When we start allowing government and other organizations to dictate what is published we have basically said that censorship is acceptable - regardless of the subject matter. It started with cigarettes and will continue to permeate through many other aspects of life.
The bottom line is that we, as adults (or as parents), decide what we or our children consume. Companies can offer healthy lifestyle programs, gyms at work, and just about every other opportunity for people to “get fit”, but the ultimate decision must be made by that individual.
Using the excuse of stupidity is no longer valid with the advent of restaurants and food product nutritional information on just about everything that we could possible consume (heck, I’m pretty sure that there is a nutritional label on dog and cat food now!).
How many times do people have to hear the words “eat healthy and stay active” before they do something about it. There are no magic pills in life - not in regards to food, our health or lifestyle.
I know that it has been said before, however we are indeed a society of immediate satisfaction. We suffice some need and deal with the consequences later - especially with this situation.
As adults, we only have ourselves to blame for whatever shape we are in - NO ONE ELSE.
February 6th, 2007 at 11:01 am
I agree that it is ridiculous. The problem as I see it is that our nation as a whole overindulges in many things, and for some it is food that makes them fat with little exercise to balance it out. And yes, gyms at work would be great. Or just doing work that requires actual physical exertion would be great too! Just think of all the farmers… even in the U.S., most of them are not obese. But instead people prefer to whine, and attack advertising. If anything, let’s attack the “image” advertising that implies that products will give you something that they can’t. Chocolate at least is enjoyable! In moderation!