The discussion in last class reminded me of the topic about banning junk food advertisement for kids. Research shows that nine in ten food ads aimed at kids sell high-fat, high-salt, high sugar, or low-nutrient foods. This finding actually came from a study of 27.5 hours of children’s programs that ran on a single Saturday morning in Washington, D.C.
(http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/04/01/health/webmd/main3987942.shtml?source=RSSattr=Health_3987942)
This concern is not new to people. In 2007, CCFC (campaign for a commercial-free childhood) and CSPI (Center for Science in the Public Interest), together with Kellogg agreed upon nutrition standards for foods advertised on media. In addition, Kellogg agreed not to advertise to children under 12 in schools and preschools. http://www.shapingyouth.org/blog/?p=489
As we all can tell, these changes in marketing are not easy for companies in the food industry, but very important for the society. I was thinking in a free market economy, is it ok (or necessary) to regulate the ads? Should we wait for the changes from the companies themselves? (However, maybe at that time everyone has obesity) The ethical issues in a profit-driven company or environment are hard to solve to certain extent. If “I am” the only one in the market considering ethics, “I” probably would be the first one to leave the industry.
Meanwhile, ads are ads only. They don’t reach out our pockets for money to buy the products. People probably should develop more control and more appreciation of the quality life themselves at the same time, although I know it’s hard.
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