Comments | meldawen: There are no words. Actually, there ARE a few...

meldawen

There are no words. Actually, there ARE a few...

Apr 22, 2007 21:24

When I was pregnant (and indeed, for probably the first 8 months of my son's life, despite evidence to the contrary), I suffered from 'childless' syndrome. If you're a parent, you've no doubt encountered this syndrome as childless friends, family, and complete strangers peppered you with wisdom and advice as to how to raise your children. I like to ( Read more... )

media, politics, parenting

Comments 5

kiri427 April 23 2007, 03:31:28 UTC

Whoa! No shit!

O____O

soleta_nf April 23 2007, 04:38:10 UTC

Excellent points. I think the letter could be just what you posted here. You may also consider cc-ing your local paper or other media outlet, and making that clear in the letter to the company.

I can see the DVD player being a neat feature if you have teenagers and go on a lot of roadtrips, etc, but I completely agree with you that sensationalizing and selling the effective indoctrination of young children is sickening. Not the kind of family values anyone should want to promote. :(

meldawen April 23 2007, 11:48:12 UTC

You know, sending this piece to local papers occurred to me, but I just feel like it doesn't correctly convey just HOW upset this commercial makes me. I mean, I tried, and it's good for LJ, but I'm not sure it's enough to put out there for the general public. Perhaps.

I agree that the DVD player can be a neat feature. While I've never been thrilled about parents using it in lieu of actual parenting, the commercials don't usually bother me so much. But this one... Like you said, sensationalizing that zombie-effect is just WRONG.

br0ken_dolly April 23 2007, 04:43:21 UTC

seconded ( ... )

meldawen April 23 2007, 11:45:08 UTC

I, too, am not one to resist technology. I just hate the whole tv-as-alternate-parent thing. TV as a babysitter for short and infrequent periods of time, ok, there are probably better ideas, but whatever. But when you substitute parenting for TV, I get a little cranky.

"When kids get what they want, you get what you want." I mean honestly! I don't think that is any better than a commercial of screaming kids whose caretakers thrust Oreos at them and we cut to a scene where they are chipmunk-cheeked and silent. And somehow I don't think even Americans would stand for that. :\