We Know Best

Last week, we talked about how the federal government and Disney Corporation have decided that children’s programming should not run any ads for foods or drinks that are not totally nutritious. My questions are: Why? Who? How? What?

Why?

Why pull these ads from children’s media (owned by Disney)? Won’t the kids see the Forbidden Non-Fruits in ads on other channels? On line? On billboards? In stores? Won’t kids see the cheez puffies, pizza nummies, and the multitude of sugary tastiness in the food aisles anyway? Also, won’t kids learn from family, friends, neighbors and teammates about all those verboten victuals?

Who?

Who will decide which food/beverage ads are okay to air and which promote ‘bad’ food choices? What will their qualifications be? Will there be one person, a panel, or a committee? Will the decision maker(s) have to show they have no economic, political, or cultural bias for or against any products?

How?

How will a food or drink be marked as ‘junk?’ Will there be ‘scientific’ criteria or will the decision be based on popular opinion? Will the science be REAL and credible, or will it be based on the biased subterfuge study of the week?

What?

What exactly will be marked as ‘junk’ food? The stereotypical Fatty foods like potato chips, candy and pop, or will the list expand to include juice beverages that are 10% juice and 90% high fructose corn syrup? Is pizza on the ‘No Ads’ list or does it get a pass for having grains, veggies, dairy, and meat? Will all those kids cereals with crunchy bits or marshmallows still be part of a balanced breakfast or will they be banned from the airwaves?

FCC Fun And Games

The Federal Communications Commission already has rules in place about children’s programming and what types of ads can run during those broadcasts, such as no ads for movies beyond Rated PG, no liquor ads, nor ads for questionable dating services. The advertising and broadcast corporations already have their own rules as well.

Some may argue that when cigarette ads were banned from television, it decreased the number of smokers and was for the good of all. Yet we also have scientifically established cause and effect (not causation and correlation – big difference), that smoking cigarettes causes certain diseases. One can stop smoking, but how does one stop eating?

Midwest Common Sense Time

Since when do individuals need the government or the media to tell us what we can and cannot eat or drink, or more importantly, what options we may choose from? Since when do we need these entities to tell us what we can give our children? It should be the PARENTS’ decision what their kids can and cannot eat, no one else’s.

What are your thoughts on government/media controlled food and beverage options?

Next Week: Weight Shame starts at birth.

Born and raised in Northeast Ohio with her BA and MA from the University of Akron, Mary has 20 years experience in the corporate sector working for local companies and Fortune 500s in customer service, PR, sales, advertising, and broadcast media. She currently teaches English Composition at Stark State College and UA. Her passion is living and teaching tolerance while pushing for Size Acceptance. She hopes to inform as many everyday Americans that the issue of Size is not an issue at all but merely a distraction from the real issues, such as the decline in public education, our infrastructure, economy and healthcare system. Mary loves irritating people by speaking her mind and presenting them with annoying facts, contrary opinions, and life's little ironies; when not doing that, she loves being with her family.