Creative Commentary

SFU CMNS 130 Fall 2008
Topic: Advertising and Children

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When we were growing up, our parents were the ones who decided what we saw on television, what food we ate, what clothes we wore, ultimately controlling our spending habits. As we grew, so did our exposure to the media. It is in my opinion that problems such as violence and obesity could be solved if parents work hard to control the impulses of their children while their still young. I will contrast the role advertisers to those of parents in these issues.

By comparing two cereals made by Kelloggs - Fruit Loops and All Bran, we can see how a childs logic would work. All-bran is a much healthier option, with 50% of the recommended intake of dietary fiber, compared to Fruit loops 4%, and no artificial coloring or flavoring which is apparent in Fruit loops. Their respective boxes show fruit loops vibrant array of colors and its mascot, Toucan Sam while all bran, on the other hand, plainly shows the cereal and its name. Unfortunately, parents tend to buy the unhealthier of the two, simply due to the fact that it appeals more to their children.

With the rising number of school shootings, many are quick to blame the video game and movie industries for promoting violence. Yet, I will argue that if parents are strict enough to prevent their children from watching violent movies and playing violent video games, we may not have such a big problem to deal with. It seems to me that parents ignore the advisory labels that clearly indicate, on the boxes of movies and video games, the appropriate age range for the content in question. Games like 'grand theft auto' and 'bully' promote violence and a warped social behavior that is detrimental to a childs development. If parents do not help their kids to understand the difference between the virtual world and the real world, they might be setting themselves up to face a child with a history of crime.

The future of a child depends on the environment and advice that his/her parents provide while theyre growing. Advertisers may be partially at fault for childhood development issues. However, parents share equal responsibility; what separates a physically fit, socially-embraced individual in the future from an individual who has health issues or considered a threat to society depends on the rules enforced during his/her upbringing.

Category:

Education

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