Apparently, I have been watching a lot of childrens television programming lately. I have the theme song to Max and Ruby stuck in my head. I am disgusted by Phineas and Ferb and their sneaky ways. I shout "NOTEBOOK" back to Steve(or Joe) from the other room, because they are waiting for me to respond. So in the midst of this, I have been exposed to lots of commercials geared towards kids.
Now, I know there are regulations about the frequency and kinds of advertising that is shown to children during the daytime hours. The problem is not that the commercials are deceptive and ruthless. The problem is that I am weak in certain areas. I am conditioned to fight back against adult commercials. I can say no to a new brand of paper towel or dog food. Hot pockets don't really tempt me. And as fun of a time as they are having at the Olive Garden, I'm okay with not going. But there is just one kind of commercial I can't fight back against, and it seems to be in heavy rotation on all of the kiddie channels. AS SEEN ON TV! Perhaps media buyers know that the only people watching kids television advertisements are kids fascinated by shiny objects and moms with weak resolve. For whatever reason, I lose all common sense when viewing these. I even have been inventing more trips to Walgreens lately since they have a special AS SEEN ON TV section. I challenge you to watch a few of these and tell me if your curiousity isn't piqued just a little....Fun Slides anyone?
Here are my top four, and proof that i shouldn't be left alone with Nick Jr. and a credit card:
4.Big Top Cupcake-I'm not sure what the value of this is, except it is just a giant cupcake. For 19.99 it should probably do other tricks. But just when I mentally write it off, I imagine the pomp and circumstance of presenting my family with a GIANT CUPCAKE for dessert at dinner. They would probably cheer and whistle.
3. Bendaroos-we already own them, and they stink. Technically, they were given to us by a neighbor who bought them and was disappointed. They really are not fun. But every time I see the commercial i think "Maybe we should give them another chance." And then we do. And then they stink. Bravo, marketers, bravo.
2. Perfect Brownie-Even though the job of cutting brownies is not particularly taxing, it would be nice to have perfectly equal portions. So while I am figuring up points for weight watchers, I will know whether a single serving of fat in a square is 8 points or 9 points. And yes, I know, EAT FILLING FOODS ALREADY.
1.The Snuggie-I saved this for last because it perhaps the most controversial item. You are either pro-Snuggie or anti-Snuggie. There really is no middle ground. The anti-Snuggie camp's rallying cry is "it's a backwards rug for Pete's sake." The pro-Snuggie folks, meanwhile, hunker down on a cold winter's day in front of the fire, reading a book, with both their arms AND toes covered up. And a booklight. Show me a backwards robe that comes with a booklight.
So maybe I should tell my kids to go play outside or make a craft. Or just fast forward through the commercials...
Max and Rubeeeee. Ruby and Max. Max and Rubeeeeee. Ruby and Max.
Now you've done it. I'll be singing that in my head for the rest of the day. ;)
Posted by: Lindsay Ferrier | 01/15/2010 at 01:59 PM