Week 11: Discussion Question #2

After reading Wootan’s and Liodice’s articles, I can say Liodice’s argument is more strong and valid. Wootan’s position is placing blame on negative food advertisement targeted towards young children. She believes that implementing the Guidelines for Responsible Food Marketing to Children will lower child obesity levels. These Guidelines are very particular in placing food in the category of “bad food” or “good food.” I do not believe that food should be classified this way because it will not teach children to choose a healthy diet. If we teach children why a healthy diet is important, they themselves will make the conscious decision to eat healthy. If we restrict the “bad food” from them, all they will want to eat is the unhealthy food. Liodice believes these Guidelines are “ridiculously restrictive” (Boss, pg 336) and I could not agree more. Parents should be responsible for teaching their children to eat a healthy diet. The parents should set an example for the children to follow. Even though food advertising for children can be influential towards them, if they understand what a healthy diet is, they will be less likely to consume unhealthy food on a regular basis.