Back in October ’06, I wrote an entry basically skewering Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt for a really stupid press release put out by his department. Click on the link if you missed it. Anyway, Mike and the geniuses at HHS have come up with some more brilliance.
This time around, HHS has decided to use Shrek as the spokesman (spokesogre?) in an ad campaign targeting childhood obesity, in which the obese character and his buddies urge kids to exercise at least an hour a day. The campaign, a joint effort of HHS, Shrek’s creator Dreamworks SKG, and the Ad Council’s Coalition for Healthy Children, is admirable in its goals. Who can argue that kids watch too much TV and spend too much time in front of the computer and need to get outside and run around more?
But, is an obese cartoon character the best person (ogre) to deliver the message?
Well, I actually don’t have a problem with Shrek’s waist size and, given his recognition amongst the target market, he could actually get kids to listen to his message. The problem is all of the other messages Shrek will be telling your kids once the movie is released May 18.
You see, the movie “Shrek the Third”, has marketing and promotional deals for dozens of unhealthy products including Snickers, M&Ms, Sierra Mist, Pop Tarts, Keebler cookies (ogres and elves?), Cheez-Its, Frosted Flakes, and Fruit Loops. There is also a deal with McDonalds which will include Shrek-themed Happy Meals.
Umm… aren’t these some of the main causes of childhood obesity?
Unfortunately, as I said, given Shrek’s recognition amongst kids, don’t you think they’ll be listening to his message to go out and buy all of these products? Am I the only one who sees a conflict here?
“Hi, I’m Shrek, a cute, fat ogre. Now kids, make sure you go out and get your exercise today because I’ll be on a bunch of other commercials later today telling you to go eat lots of crap.”
What exactly are the qualifications for a job at HHS anyway?
~Dave
About the Author
Dave Soucy is a coach, trainer, motivator, husband, dad, and former fat guy. His goal is to teach as many people as possible how to achieve a life of health, fitness, and wellness through simply eating right and exercising. Click here to learn more about Dave.
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