Pot Meet Kettle

Posted by Stropp on January 9, 2008

I just saw a news item up on Blues News that has given me a little chuckle. This article from the MCVUK website reports on the latest comments from the head of MacDonalds UK.

To quote:

Steve Easterbrook told The Times that the food and drinks industry shared responsibility for the issue with individuals and Government.

But he made special mention of the popularity of games – and said they have reduced the amount of time young people spend outdoors “burning off energy”.

And he’s right. To an extent.

But you know what?

Back a few years ago, there were the same comments about TV reducing outside activity and causing obesity. Now it appears games are the culprit.

MacDonalds advertises during children’s television viewing hours. MacDonalds attempts to convince parents that they are healthy. And a few years ago they had the stated aim of having a MacDonalds store in EVERY Australian suburb. (I don’t know if that is still the case.)

Hey Pot… meet Kettle.

Sure if you game all day and all night and never get any exercise; that’s bad for you. The human body needs at least 30 minutes of cardio exercise every day. But don’t forget, eating Maccas one or twice a week is also bad for you. Buns loaded with sugar to increase appetite so you’ll buy more food. Salt in the soda to keep you thirsty so you’ll buy more drink. Fries that are deeeeep fried and loaded with preservatives. Nasty stuff indeed.

But. When all is said and done. Who bears responsibility for childhood obesity; Who should be limiting the intake of junk food; and who should be making sure their kids don’t spend all day in front of the computer, xbox, or television?

I don’t believe it’s Steve Easterbrook’s responsibility. I don’t believe it’s Blizzards responsibility.

Maybe it’s the parents.

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