Shrek is spreading image thin as both a healthy role model for kids and a friendly face on ads meant to lure kids into eating junk food.
Like many of their cartoon predecessors, Shrek and the other members of “Shrek the Third” are associated with McDonald’s happy meals. Their faces cover the boxes and kids can find a Shrek toy inside.
Shrek can also be seen on recent ads for Pop-tarts, cereal, candy and other junk food. Kids are into eating these products because the lovable ogre is featured on them. Parents feel pressured to buy the unhealthy choices for their kids to avoid a fight and put their kid’s health at risk.
Parents aren’t the only ones complaining now. After seeing a new commercial with the characters from “Shrek the Third” encouraging kids to “get up and play an hour a day,” the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood is voicing their opinion. They believe that Shrek is a poor choice for a role model for kids. They think that being the spokesperson for the US Department of Health and Human Services is a contradiction to his associated with ads for unhealthy food choices, therefore sending kids mixed messages about what to eat.
While Shrek may appear to be one unhealthy ogre, it is important for kids to see the balance between seeing his face on junk food and seeing commercials with him telling kids to get moving. Occasional treats are fine, but making healthy food choices and daily exercise are important. Even obese kids and adults need to move and be active.
I woudln't say that Shrek is a health role model, but I do think kids need to see the balance and that people of all sizes and shapes need to exercise.
