Finally, Something to Blog About
I just finished reading this article over at AlterNet, and I'm pretty steamed. People who know me would probably agree that I take a pretty liberal stance on issues, but this is just too far in my book. Essentially, the Center for Science in the Public Interest and Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood are suing Nickelodeon (well, their parent company, Viacom, anyhow) because they market junkfood (get this) to kids! Now, normally, I'd say a SIG with a name like CCFC would be something I could really get behind, but I think that they're missing a big piece of the puzzle. From the article, "Corporations are fond of blaming overworked and stressed out parents for giving in to their children's requests for unhealthy food." You know, I have two kids, work third shift, juggle countless other household tasks, and I STILL have time to tell my five-year-old "NO" when it comes to junk food. My household rules might seem a little Draconian, but we only have candy on the two "candy holidays" (Halloween and Easter (Pagans LOVE candy)), and Dante asks for water or milk over soda nine out of ten times. I guess that last one isn't a rule, really, but it contrasts my own upbringing severely. Jugomugo (who was a gas-station attendant back in the day) can speak volumes about my addiction to soda that was fostered heavily by my mother. Do I blame the Pepsi-Cola corp for manufacturing those hundreds (nay, thousands) of gallons of Dr. Pepper and Mountain Dew that I've consumed over the years? No, my mother just made a poor choice in teaching me proper dietary habits and portion control. But I digress. This guy goes on to say that parent's shouldn't be held accountable for giving in to the "nag-factor," and even alludes to an endorsement of Congressional action. What the hell? Why can't parents be trusted to say no to their children? I mean, with obesity rates where they are, it's obvious that we're doing a bang-up job right now, but surely there's a better way. Is taking money from Viacom and Kellogs going to make that fat kid down the street put down the candy bar? Cause...if he does...you know...I'm going to go steal it.