There is a new Kellogg's commercial out that is pissing me off. Most things piss me off, but this really takes the cake. It's sort of posited under the guise of accepting and loving yourself, but what it really means is that we (women, consumers, society, cereal eaters) should stop trying and lower the bar.
I call bullshit.
Per a Globe and Mail article entitled "Kellogg's Special K rebrands dieting image with self-empowerment" " Special K has a problem: Its brand is known for dieting. For years, its ads were built around images of fitting into that perfect red dress, and in decades past, of bragging that "you can't pinch an inch" of fat. But the women who are Kellogg Canada Inc.’s target consumers are sick of being told to diet."
Yep. Carrying around some extra weight? Learn to love yourself. Find yourself wearing a bigger pant size every year or two? Relax: accept yourself. Happiness comes from within.
The Canadian Obesity Network says "One in four adult Canadians and one in 10 children have clinical
obesity, meaning six million Canadians living with obesity may require
immediate support in managing and controlling their weight". TWENTY FIVE PERCENT OF ADULT CANADIANS.
This is an epidemic. And I see it when I walk down the street: kids in strollers eating high sugar foods; people hopping on the bus to get off five or six blocks later; peoples' food choices at the supermarket checkout. If 25% of Canada's adult population was an alcoholic - with all the health problems and health care expenses that come with that - we would be considering prohibition.
I eat Kellogg's cereal. I don't eat it to fit into the little red dress, or so you can't pinch an inch on me. I eat it for breakfast some mornings in moderation because I'm hungry. The reason that I do fit into that little red dress is because I never allowed myself to lower the bar, because that bar represents my health and how seriously I take it.
And now, in the midst of an obesity crisis in Canada, a large food manufacturer is lowering the bar for us? You've got to be kidding me.
#fail
I think back in the day it was called Special K because it wasn't Corn Flakes, it was different and special. I don't think it started out being diet food. My mom would make this candy that the 3 main ingredients were Special K, Karo Syrup and peanut butter. That's my preferred way to enjoy Special K. Oh so healthy and sure to keep you figure in check.
ReplyDeleteHe he. Actually, I still don't associate Special K with diet food, but it sure is funny how they continue to change their marketing campaign to capture the largest segment, no matter what.
ReplyDeleteDo you have a little red dress?
ReplyDeleteNaw. Never been one for flashy colours.
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