Love Through Food

Fast Food Nation discussed how kids are the main targets when trying to sell a product, especially foods. Although this was the main point, and very true, another point stood out to me-- parents try to show love through buying their kids these products, and often fast food. Fod instance, McDonalds was trying to be a family place, where parents could bring their kids for a meal, showing how much they love him or her, and this was successful. As I read this, I immediately realized that my dad did this. For instance, whenever my siblings and I played a sports game, we were rewarded with a win (usually Carvel ice cream) and if we lost, he'd buy us carvel as a treat to make us feel better. Carvel uses deals like the McDonalds dollar menu; ever since I can remember they've done the buy one ice cream sundae on a wednesday get one free. Also, when my mom refused my siblings and I something, my dad would take us out, making him the more favorable parent and foolishly we believed that he cared more. I can recall an argument with my mom about not letting us get Burger King-- I told her when I'm older, I'm going to get Burger King for my kids whenever they wanted. Another time, I questioned why rich people didn't get all the food that they wanted. As a kid, I wasn't aware of the health problems that came along with fast food. I was told that it isn't good for you, but as an active kid with a fast metabolism, I wouldn't understand nor see the effects of it until I got older. It's these simple deals that allow parents to easily treat their kids to treats. It wasn't until I got older and I had to start watching what I ate that I became a bit resentful of these deals, and what I considered my dad being affectionate. As much as we want to think that we can't be swayed by deals and commercials as kids, Schlosser was right, children's minds are easily targeted and although immoral, an efficient way to market these foods, deals and other products.