Parents for Ethical Marketing
is a young, grassroots organization of people concerned about the effects of corporate marketing practices directed at young children.
Members receive action alerts and a monthly e-newsletter.
Parents for Ethical Marketing on Facebook and Twitter
On Facebook? Become a fan of PEM! Or follow me on Twitter!
American Eagle 'down-sizing' into kids wear
Twenty-two employees researched kids at homes - and in school! - for a whole year.
Watch "The Story of Stuff"
Ninety-nine percent of the stuff we purchase is trashed within six months. A must-see story of our materials economy.
April 12th, 2008 at 6:41 am
I think I’d rather trust my kid with the stranger.. could Ronald look any weirder?
April 12th, 2008 at 9:45 am
What’s interesting to me (in addition to the nostalgia) is that since the time of Aristotle the basic pitch hasn’t changed: “You can trust me.” Since this ad was broadcast, hucksters have just gotten better at it, whether it was President Bush drawing Congress into the war in Iraq, the corporate shills denying global warming, Robert Jarvik peddling Lipitor, ad nauseum.
The blatant messages like this one are easy. The challenge is teaching kids to be wary of the subtle stuff, without turning them into cynics (like me).
April 17th, 2008 at 8:01 am
Jeff, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with being a cynic when it comes to media. If more people (including kids) were cynics, maybe it would balance out all those who passivley let the messages flow over them without a thought.