In the documentary Fast Food Nation by Eric Scholsser, it was shocking to see how more children can identify the McDonald's arch sign rather than a church cross. I ask myself is it because Church is not publicized more? Advertisements and values seem to have a lot to do with this situation. McDonald’s have countless commercials on television, on the side of buses, coupons in the paper, and broadcast on the radio. Whereas church is only heard on the radio, on television when most people are asleep, and when people actually attended church. So would children be able to identify more crosses if church was on during the day for kids to watch? That’s a possibility, but I doubt children would still be able to identify the cross, especially depending upon the age of the child. They might not even understand the concept of church. Either way you look at this problem it is still sad.
As I think about the video and when the children were shown a picture of Ronald McDonald, they were able to identify him. However, when shown a picture of Jesus they had no clue of who he was. Yet, it is not the children’s fault about whom or what they identify. McDonald’s is simply part of their surroundings. Not saying church is not either, but it seems if you look at certain areas all over the United States, there are probably more McDonald’s on a corner than churches. So what does that say about our society? Obviously we value food more than religion. Of course food is a wonderful thing; who does not like to eat greasy, fat food, which clogs your arteries and makes you gain weight?
I guess people do not think about that until after they gain the weight. Anyway, I wonder if there is any way for children to identify the cross more than the McDonald’s arch sign. The solution could be to tell them about Jesus, the bible, and take them to church. Or do we have to take rationally measures and advertise everywhere, just like McDonald’s, giving out coupons in the newspaper to have a free dinner plate after church service. That just does not seem right! We as a society have to not give into the value of food so much, that it overshadows religion. So if your child is identifying McDonald’s arch signs more than the church cross, what do you plan to do? Stop at the church and explain the cross or drive by the church and go across the street to McDonald’s because you want a big mac?
I completely agree with what you're saying. It's insane how children are unable to identify the cross but automatically smile at the sight of a McDonald's. I also thought it was great when you said who would want to eat greasy, fattening food that clogs your arteries.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with what you're saying, the fact that Ronald McDonald is one of the most recognizable icons by children is an awful reflection on our society. I liked what you talked about in the last few sentences of your post about how are we supposed to change the problem of the children recognizing a fast food icon over a cross.
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