Ronald McDonald's a No-Go?: It's Not a McDonald's Thing It's A Parent's Thing

Since the year of 1963, Ronald McDonald has been serving a magical enterprise to children. And has been marketing to children around the world, to eat happy meals with kid friendly toys, fries, burgers and anything else that was tasty. But many reports have surfaced that more than 500 doctors have placed ads in newspapers discouraging the health side affects of Ronald and his "happy meal".

Truth is, the health of American's children is declining. More children are saying "so long" to healthy diet and excercise, and "hello" to psychological, and physical side effects such as: an increased risk, of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, breathing problems and even trouble sleeping (aacap.org/page).

But Is just Ronald McDonald alone responsible for this? Absolutely not. In fact the roles that parents, technology and even education systems play are all connected to "eat-for-obesity-marathon-mania". What about iconic figures such as Santa Clause: reassuring kids to crave presents like toys and electronics? Even Santa Clause helps promote a corporate business influencing parents to spend their money on tons of gifts that only a year later will be trashed or abandoned.

Not to mention some schools, funding more for the student's state tests, and kicking physical education programs to the curve. Even dance and band programs are cut for save the school's budget.

It is most important for the parents to maintain a balance, fun and encouraging program for their children. Family physical activities are a way to boost healthy choices and closer relationships with children and parents. I believe if a parent truly loved their son and daughters, they would also watch the intake of food their child is eating, the kind of food, as well as their daily lifestyle consisting of hobbies/interests and even friends they hang with.These are all casual things a parent is excepted to look at anyway right? So why is everyone parading on Ronald's sunshine? Everyday a child is influenced, by the images and ads glorifying toys, the latest techno gadgets, music, candy, and yes food and as a parent, they should monitor those daily ambushing forces.

We cannot possibly only blame Ronald McDonald. Besides how can we blame just Mr. McDonald alone, as the main influence of our children's obesity? After all, yes he is a key marketing tool. He celebrates the delicious idea of fast food. He has been in over hundreds of commercials targeting more kids. He gets kids to think "you'll be happy and more than satisfied if your mommy or daddy bought a Happy Meal'. But at the same time he is just a clown, covered in whit make up and red lipstick. Ronald can only do so much. Next comes the parents --- they take the extra mile, to drive up to the restaurant, order the meal and buy it for their children. If the parents are making their kids happy in an unhealthy way and not enforcing fun ways to exercise; if they aren't encouraging kids to eat things that will help the longevity of their lives, how can America's youth progress?

So who's really to blame? I'll let you be the judge.

Sources:
(Obesity in children and teens)
http://aacap.org/page.ww?name=Obesity+in+Children+and+Teens&section=Facts+for+Families

(Ronald McDonald Evil Genius...)
http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2011/05/ronald_mcdonald_evil_genius_th.html

(Child Obesity in America)
http://www.helpcurechildobesity.com/index.html