To me, Ronald McDonald is creepy, but that's because I find clowns creepy in general.
Maybe it's the overly enthusiastic smiles that don't always reach the eyes, the thick make-up and wigs -- or maybe it's from reading too much Steven King or articles on John Wayne Gacy.
But I've never really liked clowns. Therefore an adult clown who plays with kids all day isn't someone I'm going to find fun or comforting. I'm probably in the minority though.
Ronald McDonald is one of the best-known characters who represents a global product, and he seems to be loved the world over.
He is instantly recognized from New York to New Delhi, as the guy who encourages kids to eat fast food, get free toys and have a jolly great time doing so.
But McDonald's is coming under fire in recent years.
I'm reminded of the Marlboro Man, whose ruggedly handsome face tried to embody all that was tough and masculine disappeared once the character was exposed as hawking a product that has maimed and killed hundreds of millions (and the actor who portrayed him actually died of smoking-related diseases).
Ronald McDonald is now seen as endorsing foods that are causing children to become unhealthy, obese and entering adulthood as ticking time bombs. Ronald isn't fun anymore.
Burgers and fries are no longer treats, occasionally had by children as a reward for doing well in school or given by grandparents, happy to have a day out with their children's children. They are staples in the lives of young people.
Health groups aren't finding him cute anymore, either. They want him gone.
He encourages kids to eat too much fast food. He makes it sound like it's okay to down burgers and shakes like there's no tomorrow.
In fact, he may be directly responsible for helping make America's children fat.
In fact, well over 500 health organizations and health care providers signed a petition and open letter to the McDonald's Corp last summer, asking Ronald to be retired on the basis that he represents ill health and has no place in society anymore .
The petition was led by Corporate Accountability International, who have also targeted companies like Coca-Cola to implore them to change their policies regarding plastics and their dangers to the environment. The petition didn't work.
Even if Ronald McDonald may be fun, childhood obesity is not. Nearly one third of America's children are overweight. That's nearly 25 million children. A disturbing 12 percent of children are obese.
And Ronald McDonald doesn't feed America's children. Parents do. They pack the lunches, make breakfasts and dinners and supply snacks and nearly all meals on weekends.
According to experts, as well as common sense, the buck stops at home. Commercials, friends and outside influences do play a large part in the desires of children, but nothing supersedes family rules and the actions of parents. Eight-year-old kids cannot drive themselves to McDonald's or order and pay for pizza delivery.
And those costs add up. Eating fresh, seasonal foods is often a cheaper, and far healthier choice. Whole grain breakfast cereals and breads for a packed lunch are far cheaper than pre-packaged convenience lunches.
A brown bag lunch of sandwich, fresh fruit/vegetables, a yogurt and plain water costs about the same as a greasy school lunch ($2.50-$4.00) -- with far better results. Starting a child's with these lunches in kindergarten will make it a delicious norm.
First Lady Michelle Obama also believes that what goes on at home is key. While having treats is ok in moderation, helping children make better choices and educating parents about nutrition is what will get children back on track and maintaining good health, she believes.
She doesn't hold back about the state of our children. "We've seen the surge in obesity in this country is nothing short of a public health crisis, and it's threatening our children, it's threatening our families, and more importantly it's threatening the future of this nation," she has said.
The Obama Administration is pushing for healthier school lunches, better food labeling and encouraging children to put down video games and remote controls and get more physical exercise.
Tell Us
Do you believe marketing tactics like the character Ronald McDonald should be retired? How influential do you think they are? Are they harmless or potentially destructive?
SOURCES:
The Wall Street Journal. Health. McDonald's Under Pressure to Fire Ronald. Web. Tuesday March 27, 2012. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142405274870350910457632961034035839...
EmpowHER.com. Obesity. "Michelle Obama: Let’s tackle childhood obesity. Let’s Move." Web. Tuesday March 27 2012. https://www.empowher.com/obesity/content/michelle-obama-let-s-tackle-chi...
Reviewed March 28, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith