Childhood Obesity: The Responsibility of Parents Although obesity is a very sensitive topic, it is a pressing issue in modern culture, and it is something we cannot ignore. Who is responsible for the health of America? Is it parents, teachers, or is it the responsibility of fast food marketers to properly inform their audience? Often the blame is shifted to other people and to other influences like billboards and commercials, but rarely is the individual held responsible for their health. Lawsuits and legal action try to shift the blame onto fast food restaurants and school cafeterias. Most people feel better if they can blame their poor health on anything other than themselves. Evidence shows that one’s childhood years have a huge
Calvert devotes a large portion of his article to this idea of marketing. He insists that, “Many products marketed to children are not healthful and promote obesity” (Calvert 206). He continues to explain that marketing tactics are more deceptive than ever, and that younger children are especially vulnerable because they often don’t understand the persuasive design of advertisements (206). Freeman sees the same strategies at work and writes, “The industry directs its greatest efforts towards children. Not only are children more susceptible to manipulation, but they also represent a long-term investment.” (Freeman 2233). Marketing towards children is highly profitable because it is aimed at the uninformed youth of our nation and will likely influence the spending of generations to come. This circle will continue indefinitely unless someone intervenes. Some people believe it is the school’s job to educate children in a healthy lifestyle. Story et al. shows how health education in schools can help students look past advertisers’ marketing, eat healthier, and stay active. In theory health education in schools would solve our childhood obesity problems overnight, but in practice it doesn’t work so well. By time kids are in first grade, as Calvert explained, they have been exposed to countless marketing tactics aimed directly at them and if the parents aren’t standing up