Spongebob vs. Bugs Bunny

I was trying to think of something to write about, so I plugged in "product placement" into New York Times' article search engine. I found this article. It discusses a report from the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies which found that there was "compelling evidence linking food advertising on television and the increase in childhood obesity."

What was most interesting to me was the paragraph in the article that stated, "The report acknowledges that marketing to children has gone far beyond TV advertising to include, among other things, computers and video games that feature branded products, product placement in movies and television, and school-based marketing like signs and exclusive contracts with soft-drink companies."

It makes sense. When I was little, every time I watched an episode of Looney Tunes I would run into the kitchen and ask for a carrot. I mean, Bugs made them look so good! Unfortunately, now, influential cartoon characters (that's right. Influential.) are more likely to munch on a bucket of popcorn than a carrot. Cartoon shows and even other shows that children watch always have the best looking food, particularly to a younger age group. Spongebob Squarepants cereal, which now has marshmallows (yay!) is geared to this very naive and impressionable young audience. It's part of a complete breakfast, provided you drink a glass of orange juice, one of milk, and have a side of fruit. But, seriously, it's good for you.

(Most) children aren't mature enough to grasp the difference between carrots and marshmallows, except for the taste. Calories, sugar content, etc. don't mean anything to them. Spongebob works in a fast-food place, and Crabby Patties (I'll admit it) look absolutely delicious. But we know the difference between a veggie and a burger, so shouldn't advertisers serve as a gatekeeper to these impressionable kids? I think it's time to reevaluate product placement in children's shows and make it beneficial for all.




That carrot still looks good to me.

For more info:
New York Times Article

Picture sources:
www.eveningtimes.co.uk
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