Corn, Paper Plates, and Media
I’ve been noticing commercials lately that promote products that are under attack by health and environmental trends. It’s interesting to see what angle the ads take to promote the products.
Examples:
Dixie paper plates
Overt message: Paper plates are good for your kids because you get to spend more time with them instead of washing dishes. The product makes life easier.
Indirect message: Washing dishes, teaching kids to clean up after themselves, and using more economical reusable plates are not family-oriented things.
Corn Refiners Association
Overt message: HFCS is natural. Cool moms serve HFCS.
Indirect message: The people complaining about HFCS are just parroting what “they” say and are not informed.
Although the debate about corn syrup rages at a different level, connected to public health issues such as obesity and diabetes, it seems like commercials are being targeted against the healthy eating and sustainable living trend on multiple levels. Advertising urging families to stick with simplicity and give up arguing against potentially unhealthy, unsustainable living practices gives me the impression that this change in public attitude is hurting businesses...some businesses.