McDonald's Nation

Posted: Wednesday, August 08, 2007 7:45 AM by Noah Oppenheim

This morning we reported a study on the staggering power of advertising. Children, ages 3 and 5, were presented with an assortment of identical foods, half in McDonald’s packaging, half in unmarked packaging. The kids were then asked which tasted better. An overwhelming majority said the foods labeled “McDonald's” tasted best.

To drive this point home… When presented with absolutely identical French fries, 77% of these young kids said the ones with a McDonald's label tasted better. When presented with carrots – yes carrots – a majority of kids said they preferred the McDonald's wrapped veggies. These kids, too young to reason, have been convinced that anything stamped by a Golden Arch is superior.

What can we conclude from this data? At the very least, we can say that by the age of 3, many of our children are already heavily influenced by marketing. At worst, we can say we are warping kids’ minds and creating an army of brainwashed, chicken-nugget popping zombies.

Many have suspected all this long before now, but the stark power of this particular study has renewed the call for government intervention – for regulation that would limit advertising to children. I’m as concerned by McDonald's influence as anyone, but that is most definitely not the answer.

If we limit ad time on TV, marketers will buy online banners and roadside billboards. Trying to shutdown corporate speech is a futile exercise.

If you don’t want marketers talking to your children, don’t dump them in front of a television for hours on end. Counteract advertisers' message with your own, by actually spending time as a family. “Buy a Big Mac” is not the worst thing kids will have whispered in their ear. Which is why parents better be whispering back.

EMAIL THIS

Comments

Not often do I talk back to the television, but I found myself talking today! Come on, advertising is what makes a brand. We are a society who purchases based upon advertising...look back at Willy Loman! Wendy's has red braded pigtails, Burger King has the king, for crying out loud even the Olympics has 5 colored rings! By the way the Olympic swimmer interviewed from China right after the advertising story was wearing the McDonalds logo on his shirt! This "expert" on influences on children needs a reality check!

GinaB, New Hartford, NY (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 8:03 AM)

Grow up and wake up America! Parents take responsability for yourselves and your children. Turn off the television, and talk. McDonalds is not the enemy you are. I raised three children and have five grandchildren. My family uses television as a tool. We control this tool.
I feel the biggest problem facing this country is "trying to blame" someone else for our problems. Stop it and grow up!

Priscilla Kight (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 8:07 AM)

It's funny how we still blame the media for our problems, yes media does make people of color feel inferior because they make it seem like there are no affluent ones of all colors and hair types, i.e. HOllYWOOD!
But Parents who are parents and are there child's First Teachers and last and have control over what a child learns about, eats, drinks does in life. We as Americans have passed the buck to offset our laziness from parenting. When are we going to say enough is enough and be parents again? Turn off the TV, cook at home, read to your child be aware of what's good in the world and you as a parent will be rewarded, be a lazy parent and you will see the downfall of your offspring in ways you wouldn't believe could happen!

Danielle Turner (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 8:11 AM)

Hooray for Donny! Yes, it our responsibility as parents and adults to set the boundaries for our children! As a parent and now a grandparent, I am and was in control of where my children ate, what clothing was purchased and what books were read. Come on people, be the parents our children are begging us to be. They want and need us to be the parent, leader and decision maker!

Linda Rhodes, Deer Park, Texas (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 8:52 AM)

I'm tired of the so called professionals that keep blameing everyone else but the parents. I raised my children not to sit at a computer or video games and get outside and be active. If the "professioals" would attack the lack of parenting skills as actively as they attack big business they would be out of a job.

Rick Karnish, Sioux Falls,SD (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 8:54 AM)

I was in disbelief when i heard the so called "expert" talk about advertising and how we should be putting laws and boundaries on the advertising towards children. come on people, it is not the advertising companies job to stop obseity in our children. it is the parents' job!! i am a parent myself and i know that it is MY responsibilty for my children's health...not anyone else's. yes, the media has influences on a lot of things today, but ultimately it is our own responsibility for our bodies and how we treat them. nobody except ourselves makes us eat things, dress the way we dress, or say things. that's called FREE WILL. we have the choice to eat junk or to eat healthy. stop pushing the blame on everyone else just because you don't want to take responsibilty for your own actions. once we do start accepting responsiblity for ourselves, i think that will help w/ an ultimate change in lifestyle, health, etc.

Heather, Spring Hill, TN (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 8:55 AM)

Well, when my kids only watch maybe 1 hour of TV a day, and that is only PBS, McDonald's has even infiltrated that channel! Support the network and all they do for our kids, but don't run your commercial promoting your junk food to my 3 year old who is there to watch Sesame Street. It frustrates me to no end that MY efforts as a mom to 2 very young children are undermined even at this age, b/c Ronald McD is smiling back at them after every PBS show they may watch over the course of a week's time. It's EVERYWHERE, and my 3 year old does NOT need the message that McD's is good food in her face every time she wants to watch Elmo.

Heather Bush, NW IL (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 8:56 AM)

I am the mother of a 10 yrs. old boy, and the owner of an ethnic restaurant. My son loves every fast food that offer a meal with a prize on it, but I control his intakes. Once in a while I allow him to eat one of those meals. Our house is a block away from two of the most marketed hamburgues makers so he used to be tempted,but my responsible role as a parent insisted in our food at home, at our restaurant and lots of sports.

Zoraida Rivera-Tañón (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 8:59 AM)

The interview with the two "adults" about McDonald was a perfect example of a bad way for persons to interact with each other. I would worry more about the events of the interview than whether or not I drive by McDonald's.

Marha Mitchell Franklin KY (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 8:59 AM)

I was a teacher for 8 years (was). I find it incredulous that all of the problems that our children have are attributed to the lack of qualified Teachers (No Child Left Behind) and Large Corporations. Not once did I ever hear about the responsibilities of parents when it came to the success of their children; rather it was about ‘contributing’. It was always about 'the school' and what others were going to do for their children. I am hearing the same comments when it comes to Fast Food and obesity: “It’s the Corporations responsibility”. Children are sponges and take their lead from their parents. Of course, the lead may be positive or negative, depending on the maturity of the parent. Hence,
“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree”.
It's very sad that our children's fate is being relegated to marketing and popular society. Let's hope that enough parents wake up and realize that they need to be parents, not babysitters, entertainers and best friends.

Ismael Garza, Houston, Texas (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 8:59 AM)

If parents don't like the fact their kids are humming the McDonald's jingle then perhaps parents need to reevaluate the amount of television they allow their children to watch as a whole.

Steve Nieckarz, Harper Woods, Michigan (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 9:03 AM)

Have parents forgotten the word "NO" Good Gravy! Last I checked a 5 year old couldn't drive themselves to McD's! If by 3 they are that warped then turn off the TV and take them outside, they are watching way to much!! My 3 kids see the same commercials yet we only go to McD's once (rarely twice) a month as a treat. We also limit our TV and send the kids out for exercise.

Kim R, Peculiar, MO (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 9:03 AM)

I am the mother of 3 and grandmother of 6. It amazes me that people want to blame someone or something for problems that they as parents do not want to deal with. What is wrong with telling our children "no"? Food such as Mc Donalds needs to be used as a treat not a daily menu. Parents are too easy to give up the decisions and authority that they should have and give blame. Giving children limitation prepares them for the real world. When we raised our children, we at healthy all week and then Friday night was fast food night. Once a week will not be the cause of childhood obesity. Also turn off the tube and have the kids go outside.

Coni Reames (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 9:04 AM)

I found myself talking to the t.v. as well. Is that lady serious? I am so sick and tired of people in this country. Get a clue. I love a good Big Mac every now and then, I just don't eat them everyday. Is there any common sense left anymore in America? Everyday I wonder.

jayne rossow austin texas (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 9:05 AM)

Are you kidding me with this study. If you remember in the 70's McDonalds used their characters to get kids wanting to go to McDonald's. They used to have the stores with talking trees and bright colors. I can remember driving by McDonalds and begging my Mom to let us eat there, but she would say No and that was that. Don't blame McDonalds for doing their jobs and getting there product out there.

Cheryl Jones (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 9:07 AM)

As parents, my husband and I ALONE are responsible for our children... not the media or any advertisement. I do not care how much advertising is focused on them, I educate them to make smart choices. Even when my child was 5 she did not want to go to McDonalds or any other fast food place that did not offer healthy choices that she was used to eating. It is a lifestyle choice that my husband and I made to eat well ourselves. It has - by example and education - affected what the children want to eat. They prefer water over soda and healthy food over fried. Parents have every opportunity to teach their children to have a mind of their own and use it. It is not the responsibility of anyone else!

Shari, Ada, Oklahoma (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 9:16 AM)

Both sides of the argument are true, at the surface level. Beneath the surface is the issue of turning people into objects. Parents want the best for their children (however they decide what the best is to be). Advertisers want to be able to survive and thrive. Sadly the issue of operating as if the developing minds of children are static and inviolate is not considered by either argument. The research has shown that advertising influences perception in children. The advertisers insist that parents are shirking their duty in child raising, when in fact the act of brand identification is subtly usurping the child's perception and in a sense stealing the child's ability to be discerning for themselves right from the very face of the parents. To fail to see this on the part of supporting the unfettered freedom of advertising is disingenuous.

at the level this argument is proceeding, the only thing that will be produced are stronger resentments on either side. the issue is not brand identification good or bad. it is are we doing the best we can to raise children to be fully functioning, autonomous individuals. if that were to be the goal, what would that individual look like?

John Whiting, Okemos, Michigan (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 9:16 AM)

Definitely parents have the control of the TV and the car. Children under the age of 12 may prefer McDonald's food because they've been brainwashed by the advertisers. But parents are ultimately the ones who go to the restaurant and buy the food for them. My grandkids, aged 12, 9, and 5 always want to go to McDonald's when we eat out for lunch, but the main reasons they want to go there are: the toys in the Happy Meals and the indoor playground, not the food. I throw out fries and half-eaten burgers almost every time we go to McDonald's. The 12-year-old is starting to want to eat at other restaurants. The McDonald's charisma does not, thankfully, last into teen years. Watching your segment on Today, I think that Mr. Deutch is right and there is nothing wrong with companies advertising their products. Some advertisers are just better at it than others. McDonald's has always been good at appealing to children. Their advertising that is aimed at adults doesn't work, because we know that there is better food out there. I found the study interesting but wonder if they put other restaurants' wrappers on the food, would the children have chosen that instead? It seems like the study had plain wrappers and McDonald's wrappers only. Would it work if you put plain wrappers and Burger King wrappers? Would the children choose the restaurant logo food over the generic? Something to think about.

Trudy Johnson, Temple, Texas (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 9:17 AM)

The conversation between Donny Deutsch and Dr. Susan Linn was just getting good when the segment ended. McDonald's has advertised to children since I can remember. I was born in 1970. I remember the commercial characters like the Hamburgler, Grimace, and the Mayer. I even joke that I became hooked on Micky D's as a kid. What I especially liked about this morning’s debate was that next segment was an interview with Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps – sporting a giant McDonalds "M" on his shirt. I wondered how that would inform the debate b/n Deutsch and Linn. It seems too simple to blame either parents or corporations and advertising for the nutrition and fitness problems of children (and society in general). But it is exciting to see research informing the mainstream dialogues.

Madison, WI (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 9:20 AM)

Of COURSE kids can identify the golden arches and prefer food wrapped in them. That's what GOOD advertising does, and McDonald's does it best. I would bet that even those children who DON'T eat McDonald's even semi-regularly would still give these "researchers" the same results. That's not bad marketing, that's GOOD marketing. And good marketing doesn't make children obese! Those who want to blame this on McDonald's need to get a grip and realize we live in a consumer-driven, capitalistic society. Good branding is part and parcel to our free-market system. No "good marketing" can undermine my (or anyone else's) parental control. That's just nonsense.

terrieP., Waukesha, Wisconsin (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 9:22 AM)

I actually stoped getting dressed this morning when I heard the woman on TV blame McDonalds for children wanting to eat their food. This is typical of our society today, blame others not ourselves. As a parent we need to teach our children what's good and what's not. If you can't accomplish this small feat how will you be able to teach your children the right and wrong of other issues, maybe we need to start looking at our parenting skills and not worry about a McDonalds advertisement. I have two children that have never had a happy meal growing up nor ate a Big Mac. If we ate there we got a hamburger and fries and that's because we were hungry and on the road going somewhere. It certainly wasn't for a dinner.

Alberta Ragan, Pittsburgh PA (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 9:25 AM)

Im not one to argue with the fast food issues, but this morning there were a few things that had upset me about the issues. Susan asked is it okay to by-pass the parents and advertise directly to the children, I find that no different than a toy company advertising water toys or dangerous toys that your children can get hurt on. Yes I understand that is totally different but the advertising is sent out to the kids so I really dont find that any differnt. McDonalds is just trying to stay in business through all of the health issuses rising and if your child watches on TV that he/she wants a Happy Meal and you run out to get it that is more of the parents fault than the adversising. As a parent of 2 children watching television together me as the adult i make the decision rather or not my child can or can not have a happy meal and if I say no then the answer is NO and they are not getting a happy meal or a cool toy on tv. Its not like after the 5 year old child watches a McDonalds comercial he can hop in the car and go by himself, the parents take him.

Kimberly Swepston, Lakewood, Colorado (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 9:57 AM)

The problem with kids liking McDonalds is not the advertising, it's the way that most parents ALLOW McDonalds to "brainwash". My kids watch TV and see the commercials but they have NO desire to eat at McDonalds because I have taught them the value of whole foods and creating yummy meals in our own kitchen.

Dina Berray, Minneapolis, MN (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 10:01 AM)

I don't feel that any advertising has underminded my parenting. I simply say briefly why or why not we are buying into any product. Health/Hipe. A little conversation goes a long way.

Sue, Castle Rock, CO (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 10:08 AM)

I'm still screaming at the t.v about how ridiculous these "professionals" are to think it's the advertisers responsibility to babysit the children. GIVE ME A BREAK!!!! My kids like a burger just like the other kids but for them it's more a special occasion to go to McDonald's than lunch and dinner every day. If parents are too busy to feed their kids, pour them a bowl of cereal. It's better for them unless the parent gave in to the evil marketers and only buy the evil sugary cereals because their kids demanded it and the parent had no control.AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Camille C., Idaho Falls, ID (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 10:12 AM)

I feel it is not corprate America's fault that so many kids like fast food. It is a parents responsibility to monitor what their kids eat. Now granted my eight year old loves her sweets, but she doesn't even like McDonalds kids food, including the french fries. I have to order her grilled chicken ('like on salad'), for her to eat anything there. She likes to go there because there is an indoor playplace that is either air conditioned or heated. I feel she is this way about her food because when she was little I never offered her french fries and such until she was old enough to ask for them. I frgured that just because I like fast food for its convenience doesn't mean she had to live on it. If you don't choose wisely then places like McDonalds can be very unhealty. And it is our job as parents to be aware what food goes into our kids, not Corprate America's. It is there job to let us know what they have to offer.

Kim Shipard, Palisade,CO (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 10:37 AM)

WOW! Who is the parent here. I did not have fastfood until I was out of High School. My father did not beleive in it. As my children were growing, a special occasion was when they went to lunch at McDonalds. They saw all the commericals, heard all the hype with the toys and their favorites in the Happy Meals. But, parents you are in control. A simple NO should mean no and then make it special. I am sure you have told your children " IF.......... jumped off the bridge would you do it too?" Let them enjoy the commericals and then let them know what your ground rule are. They won't starve or die if they do not get the Happy Meal. Grow up and be a parent. Teach them yourselves!

Vickie, Columbia, MD (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 10:42 AM)

I would have to agree with Donnie this morning. As a parent of children in the age group highlighted by the story I know my kids like McDonald's. If they are given a choice about eating out, they often choose that place because they like chicken nuggets and playlands. We have DVR and fast forward through most commercials. We rarely watch live TV but my children still recognize McDonald's. It is my job as a parent to make responsible choices for their diet, and for my wallet. McDonald's isn't always the best choice for nutrition or budget. Eating at home is usually better. I am so tired of liberals trying to take away my responsibilities as a a parent. I know their are bad parents out there who make poor choices for their families, but again, it is their choice to make. Don't take away my responsibility as a parent and make the decision for me. I will be angry about it. The other consequence is that my children will be poorer for it as they will have learned nothing from it. I must teach my children by living a life before them. If I can't make choices and mistakes, then learn from them I can't teach my children how to do that either.

Shelly Keller, Topeka KS (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 10:53 AM)

Susan has fallen into the same trap that seems to afflict the whole of the United States...blame someone else. From a frivolous lawsuit against the ball mit manufacturer when your kid doesn't catch a ball and it hits him or her in the face to blaming McDonald's because your kids are fat. At the end of the day, parents and other care givers will be the biggest influence and it is up to them to provide guidance, control, education that lead kids to making smarter choices when they are older. That choice will hopefully include take advertising with a grain of salt.

david, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 10:58 AM)

I truly thought I would be the only one defending Donny D. this morning! I have three children, two in college and one in high school. My husband and I have been their primary teachers and source of guidance, and it has been SOLELY our responsibility to raise our children. I am sick of excuses blaming everyone but the parent for poorly developed and irresponsible children. I AM TIRED OF COMMERCIALS TELLING ME TO SIT ONCE A WEEK AND HAVE A MEAL WITH MY FAMILY AND TALK. When did America decide to give the newspapers, authors of books, television, and everyone else the authority to tell us what to do and tell us what is good/bad for us???? Grow up parents, take responsibility and tell your children "no". They'll grow up independent thinking, problem solving, responsible people if you the parent take the time to teach them. They'll thank you for it later. So will the rest of society.

Carol C. Salem, Oregon (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 11:02 AM)

I am so glad to see how many people agree with me when I say that government and outside groups should not take responsibility for raising anyone’s children. For someone to say we need restrictions on advertising to protect children is ridiculous!! Of course the libral left in my home state would probably disagree.

Brian Haena, Folsom, CA (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 11:07 AM)

It's sad to see that adults continue to show their lack of ability to communicate on a sensible and mature level. To air interviews where interviewees are yelling at each other, interupting, demeaning, and walking over one another doesn't allow any real communication to occur. I'm appalled by the behavior of your guests. I really don't appreciate so called news items that aren't handled professionally...so much more information could have been passed to people if we could have heard past the nonsensical behavior.

We, as a human society, have the responsibility to be accoutable to one another. Any advertising or food we feed ourselves or our children affects us. We each need to take our responsibility in that matter seriously, but we don't need to attack each other in our quest to learn what's best.

Ang, W., Seattle WA (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 11:08 AM)

In agreement with many of these postings -- I too found myself arguing with the woman on TV. If your child is overeating at McDonalds, chances are -- you're driving them there and if they drive themselves then blame yourself for not educating your kid on nutrition. I was a single mother who worked two jobs for MOST of my 19-year-old daughter's young life and we DEFINITELY ate at McDonalds several times per month -- but it was treat to her (or me). More so, I don’t recall her ever trying to overrun my decision to eat a cooked meal at home. To place blame on Advertising a burger & fries to anyone’s weight issue is just reckless. Perhaps glancing at your parental boundry setting skills would be a great idea, and as one responder here suggests -- conversations go a long way with your kids. I LOVE MCDONALDS and all the fat it brings to me when I choose to eat it.

Cheryle A., Santa Monica, CA (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 11:10 AM)

Let us break it down to the facts: until your child can drive themselves to MacDonald's, the parents are in the driver seat...just don't take them to the fast food joints....end of discussion.

Michele Felde, Murrieta, CA (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 11:13 AM)

I normally don't write but today's segment really got me fired up. The problem is parents don't want to say no to their children, and they don't want to "rock the boat." They would much rather be friends than parents. I want to be my child's friend but being a RESPONSIBLE parent is more important. I have a 2 year old and newborn twins, and I am a working mom. My 2 year old knows that McDonalds is where we get apple as a snack and thats it. Today, many parents, including my own mother, think that parents who don't allow their children to eat fast food or sweets like juice, cakes, candy, ice cream, and/or soda are depriving their children.

An example is I had to get a note from my doctor to say no juice for lunch and snack at day care because they can't deprive my child juice for snack/lunch, and ice cream/cake for birthday parties. I would prefer water but a federally-ran day care can't deprive a child is the reason I got. So, instead I have to comprise on the juice because my doctor wouldn't write the note, and take time off of work on party days just so my child doesn't eat cake and ice cream.

What is going on with our society and junk food to include McDonalds. Its not the corporations, ITS PARENTS!!! You just need to say No. My child doesn't know McDonald's hamburgers or french fries, why because I don't buy it. If I need a quick meal because I am tired, or in a hurry...cereal w/fruit or pb & j w/veggies is served. People are amazed that a 2 year old eats veggies and fruit w/out complaining, and why is that??? Its in OUR HANDS AS PARENTS to say what we put in our child's mouth and trust me I have a typically picky eater 2 year old.

Frustrated Parent, Salinas, CA (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 11:14 AM)

Well believe it or not both people in the segment had correct points. The problem lies in Sat. morning T.V., practically every other commercial is a McyD's and as most adults know the quickest way to train a mind is by rote. Only in this case it is repeat, repeat, repeat and scream at the adult where you want to eat. Now what they do not tell you is because of how the beef patties are mixed with the coloring and flavor additives, if the patties are on the grill too long holes in the patties develop.

Herbert E. Larson, Cleveland, Ohio (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 11:15 AM)

Really! Same food but some in a wrapper and some not and then ask an opinion?? The results were obvious before they started. You could do the same with millions of adult items and get the same results. People are people and are swayed by advertrising of course. But, I think a better question would be, Do children really prefer the taste? Give them the name brand and generic without any labels to see what they really like best. That would be of more interest to me and how many of your shows do other items. Ex: Degigner clothes and shoes - Natalie really did prefer most designer shoes without being told which was which.

Donna McFadden, Ellensburg, WA (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 11:17 AM)

I am always amazed at the people who forget that these children have parents and that it is the parent's responsibility to control what goes into their children's stomachs. If you as a parent are unable to control these simple aspects of your child's life, maybe you need to rethink being a parent. This expert needs to spend a little more time evaluating not advertising, but the lack of parenting in the USA. Maybe she needs to be an advocate of imprisoning parents who allow their children to become obese (equally rediculous isn't it). I was glad to see that a majority of the blogs were in agreement with this point of view.

Jon W., Tucson, AZ (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 11:18 AM)

Wow!! Is that lady insane! When my kids were young I made a commitment not to let them eat greasy hambergers and french fries. Parents make choices for their children's health and what they eat. I wish that woman would put more energy in protecting children in other uncontrollable situations. The parents are the responsible party--not McDonald's! My now adult children are not overweight, eat healthy, and excersize.

Rosalie Poway, CA (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 11:34 AM)

It is so easy for people without small children to get up on their high horse and look down their nose at parents. It is incredibly difficult to teach kids to want to eat healthy when they are bombarded on all sides with crap! The only way to avoid it would be to NEVER turn on the TV and NEVER leave the house! At home we always cook healthy well-balanced meals with fruits and veggies but still my 5-year old asks if we can have lunch at McDonalds all the time. We have rarely eaten there - mostly just on long trips when it's the only option. I can't believe people don't think the media should take any kind of responsibility and should just be able to do whatever they want. You try avoiding ALL media for one week and see how easy it is. It's impossible in this day and age - not only with internet and TV, but with billboards everywhere you drive, magazines when you're waiting to check out, etc etc. Protecting your kids from things you don't approve of is practically impossible. I don't just mean McDonalds, but smoking, drinking and all the other bad things that surround us. Yes, it is our job to teach them to make good decisions but why should we be forced to battle with overwhelming marketing everywhere we turn?

Adrienne W. (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 11:42 AM)

I so agree with everyone else. Today I also found myself wanting to shake Susan and the rest of the parents that want to blame the marketing of businesses. If they have sucked you in then they have done their job. They are out there to sell you their products. It is not their fault if you get fat off of them. Please wake up AMERICA and take responsibility for yourselves. Parents need to start taking responsibility for the raising of their kids and theirselves. The kids can't drive themselves to these restaurants nor can they pay for it. So WAKE UP Parents. A big applause to Donny for presenting his side. We are in a sue happy society that just wants to stand back and point fingers, when in reality if we would all just take a little blame ourselves it would be a miracle!!!! Be a good role model and eat healthy yourself and then you kids will do the same!!!

Anissa Nelson, Caney, KS (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 11:44 AM)

I applaud all the parents that have spoken up here asserting thier parental control. Kudos to you. The very idea that television and marketing has more influence over what children eat than a parent is ludicrous. A child may whine and beg to go to McD's but it is ultimatly up to the adult to make the decision on what they can and can not have. The teaching begins at home, so turn off the TV and have dinner and conversation at the table.

J. B. Carlsbad, NM (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 11:46 AM)

I work as a Public Relations Manager; I am 24 and have no children. As someone in advertising and marketing, I commend the marketing/branding efforts of McDonald’s. Those individuals are great at their jobs! I can only hope to be that successful one day.

As I mentioned, I am young and have no kids of my own, but as a teen, I babysat for many children. I cared for children who had active parents who asked me to cook rather than call for pizza or go to McDonald’s. On the other side, I sat for kids whose parents left money for fast food every time. Most of these children are in there early teens now. By only looking at their physical appearance, it is obvious whose parents asked me to make a healthy dinner. The vast majority of these kids had a nice balance of playing outside and watching television. The difference - some had parents who cared what their children ate and others did not.

No one has mentioned McDonald’s recent Balanced Active Lifestyle advertising effort. Or, how about the Ronald McDonald House charity? In my humble opinion, McDonald’s is successful and they give back to their communities. They deserve a pat on the back. If a parent cannot teach their child to make good decisions about the food they eat, shame on them. I still love a cheeseburger happy meal, but I certainly don’t get one everyday.

Melanie S., Montgomery, AL (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 11:57 AM)

Hey, let's sue Apple for marketing their iPhone non-stop. Let's sue Verizon, for their network appearing all over the TV. I'm so pressured I now own several phones because the advertising won't stop. Please.

Karen, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 12:12 PM)

How ridiculous was this segment when it suggested that we more laws to protect people from being responsible. If we are this accept this premise, then why not pass more laws to make prohibit people from eating over three servings of a food per week, eating a product within a certain timeframe before going to bed because it will make you fat, playing video games over a certain amount of time per day,
Why not just have parents turn their children over to the government to raise. I believe that was done on one country in the 19202 and 1930s

Chris , Wisconsin (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 12:14 PM)

Are we really expected to believe the results of a study tested on 3 and 5 year olds??! Of course they thought that the food with the "recognizable logo" tasted better. These children are still developing their cognitive skills, so anytime they recognize something, of course they're going to chose it!! Try having a face off between McDonalds and BK, or any other recognizable brands, instead of McDonalds vs. no name, kids will still pick what they know. It's our jobs as parents to monitor what it is our kids are observing. If they don't get exposed to it, they're not going to want it, and even if they do want it, it's amazing what the word NO will accomplish.

JMD, Warwick, RI (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 12:18 PM)

People need to grow up and stop blaming everything but themselves for their children's weight problems! It sickens me. I grew up in a household where McDonalds was a TREAT, lucky to eat a happy meal twice a year. Sure I fell for the commercials, but my mom raised me on nutritious meals and snacks, not on burgers and fries. As a healthy adult, I am now thankful she didnt buy me a happy meal everytime I went kicking and screaming for one and I will be sure to do the same for my kids one day. It is the job of the advertiser to appeal to its market and it is the job of the consumer to purchase in moderation.

Dana, Hoboken, NJ (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 12:39 PM)

It's amazing how those evil corporations force their way into our homes and force our children to consume their product. If only there was a way to stop them. Oh wait, it's called being a parent.

Jennifer D., New England (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 12:47 PM)

Goodness, folks, please read the piece again. The author says that governmental involvement is NOT the answer, and calls for parents to SPEND TIME AS A FAMILY. Nowhere does the author encourage parents to absolve their authority and cry and blame the advertisers.

Jeanne Smith (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 12:48 PM)

I found it ironic that right after the heated discussion on whether mcDonald's is good/bad because of their advertising, the next piece is on michael phelps our most famous olympian and he is wearing a shirt with a big yellow mcdonald's M.

mike matkowski (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 12:55 PM)

Next >>

SEND A COMMENT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

Your name, city and state (John Doe, Seattle, Wash.):

Your e-mail address (jdoe@msnbc.com):

Your website (it's okay if you don't have one):

Remember me? (We'll keep it private) Remember me?

More allDAY

Recent Posts:

Archives:

Syndicate This Site

Add allDAY to your news reader:

ABOUT allDAY