Friday, October 15, 2010

Pause for a Commercial Break

Watching a Cheerios commercial yesterday, its concept slapped me silly: the dad uses his heart condition as an excuse to keep his son from eating said cereal.

"Your mother cries herself to sleep worrying about my heart." The dad slumps over the bowl. Son walks away from this pathetic heap of a father, seeking his own breakfast.

In another ad, a mother and father watch as their son drives down the country road, toward their farm house from college. . . the boy is clearly ecstatic to be home and we presume it's the first time he's had a break from the dorm.

"Quick! Hide the snack crackers!" cries Mom. Dad shoves the box into the cupboard so that son can't share their stash of precious snacks.

A tuxedoed father of the bride escapes from the flower garlands of the church, hiding his cheezie doodles under his jacket, eager to leave his daughter's wedding so he can grab a few clandestine bites.

We've become accustomed to seeing the kids squabbling over the cookies, spewing in loud volumes, "GET YOUR OWN BOX!"

"Leggo my Eggo!"

Get your hands off my food! WHAT a concept for a family. But maybe it sells cereal. Who knows?

What does it say about who we are? Are we sharing, giving, caring people who nurture our children, taking a back seat 'til they've been fed and cared for? Well, it seems we're the opposite.

Obviously the message to our own children and grandchildren shouts, stingingly clear messages assailing us daily: get ready, kids. We're taking your cereal, your cookies, forfeiting your wedding plans and visits home for the holidays so we can have this quick bite. And forget about a healthy earth. Don't even think about it.

1 comment:

  1. Is that sick or what!!

    And all about pseudo-food to begin with!

    ReplyDelete