The CSPI is good at some things. Being rational and logical isn’t one of them. On a post at Fat Head, the author makes some hilarious points about CSPI’s current issues with the famous golden arches (McDonalds).
From the article:
How does “bombarding” my kids with advertising make my job as a parent impossible? Sure, advertising has made my kids aware of Happy Meals toys. That’s why we sometimes have conversations like this:
“Daddy, can we go to McDonald’s?”
“No.”
“Puh-leeeeeeeease!”
“No.”Or, if we’re at McDonald’s …
“Can we get the Happy Meal?”
“No. Mom said to get six McDoubles to go, and that’s what we’re getting.”
“But I want that toy!”
“No. It’s not worth the extra money.”
“But I really, really, really want that toy!”
“No.”Trust me, it’s not that hard to say no. I do it all the time. If there are parents in the world who are powerless to say no when their kids whine, those kids are going to have far worse problems in life than bad eating habits.
It certainly is a rather hilarious, and informative post.
The main points which the CSPI guy brings up against McD’s is that it markets directly to children (partially true) and that parents are powerless to stop their kids…. HUH?!
Since when can a parent not control their little young kid from getting a Happy Meal? As the author wonderfully said in the quote above: Just say no!
Though, I do remember briefly watching a commercial for a Jerry Springer episode (or was it Opera?) where the mother didn’t know how to say no or couldn’t say no and now there are problems. <sigh>
The author also brings up a few counter arguments and brings forth many contradictions in the actions and statements of the CSPI. Don’t you just love how consistent our government is? 
Read the article (linked above) and let me know in the comments what you think!
Sound off in the comments! Let me know your thoughts.
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
As a parent you are in charge. When going out to eat you establish expectations up front. I am planning to take you to (insert your fast food restaurant here). If you are good we will get a hamburger and drink. If you ask me for a (insert happy, kids or what ever other fast food marketing ploy here) you will not get anything. Then you let the child self select to allow you to order without incident. If they try you the get nothing there. You may have to go somewhere else to get them something else to eat but it they will not try you again once they realize you will keep your word.
Just my suggestion.
Thanks for the post I really enjoyed it.
Kevin
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First of all I do not find it hard to say no to Micky D’s . There are some things we just do not do.
It is sad when a parent lets the kids run the show. The role of a parent is one of trust. Our children really want us to care for them. One of my favorite definitions of Discipline is – Training. Kids learn by example, so be a good example.
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There is another group out there called the elderly who also crave for those Happy Meals.At this point there should be a Happy Meal for seniors and instead of toys things like thermometers , and other goodies.
rosie made an awesome post: It’s Shake and Bake Blogging and I Helped-
Lol! I wouldn’t mind me some goodies when I get a Big Mac either!
Here in the US, it’s not marketing directly to the children anymore – much of it is now to the adult coffee drinkers (their new McCafe line – competition for the very adult Starbucks). I’m not a coffee drinker by any means, but I do like the sugar-free vanilla iced coffees and the mocha frappes. I got to McD’s every morning to get a sugar-free vanilla iced coffee. They now have this delicious thing called a Mocha Frappe. I have to tell myself “No” all the time (considering the number of calories and amount of sugar in it). I do see the serious, hard core coffee drinkers every morning getting a cup of hot coffee. To Rosie’s point, there should be some kind of goodie with those too
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