If you’re going to argue that kids aren’t the market for M & Ms’ sexist ads, children are attracted to animation. You can debate whether that’s natural, conditioning, or a mix of both, but anyone who has a child knows her eyes go to cartoon characters like a magnet. That’s why the U.S. government banned Joe Camel.
If a company is going to use cartoon characters to sell products, not to mention a self-described “family brand” whose product is candy, it should take the responsibility not to promote sexism in its advertising. That’s bad for kids. This mom won’t be buying any more M & Ms. I hope you join me.
Please Tweet or go to M &Ms Facebook page #NotBuyingIt
Even if kids knew who Joe Camel was, doesn’t mean it was meant to be aimed at kids.
As a cartoonist, I hate the implication that cartoons = for kids. Especially since there are plenty of cartoons that are aimed at adults (South Park, anything by Ralph Bakshi, Family Guy), etc. It’s an unfair stereotype.
Hi CAB,
I get that comment a lot, that animation is not just for kids including movies like “Ratatouille.” As I wrote, kids are attracted to animation, so if you are SELLING something and you use animation to sell it, its ethical to be cognizant of that.
Margot
I can get down with that. We’ll not be buying any M&M/Mars candy at all. Besides their chocolate also is harvested using child slave labor. 🙁 Boo on all accounts.