In a previous post, I ranted about Ronald McDonald teaching fitness at my daughter’s elementary school. I just checked the activity calendar for my son’s preschool and found a Ronald McDonald visit scheduled this month! Seriously, when you think of the person who’s going to solve the growing obesity epidemic … Do you immediately think, Ronald McDonald?
I’m not usually the type of mom organizing protests at the PTA, but McDonald’s is targeting toddlers and preschoolers. That’s enough! It’s time to take a stand. My plan to “rock the boat” is to pull my child out of school for the day and file a protest with the school’s director. Here’s my draft of my protest letter:
Dear Director,
My son will not be attending school next Monday because of the scheduled visit of Ronald McDonald. I strongly object to my child being exposed to commercial marketing messages at school. I believe that having Ronald McDonald on campus is an implied endorsement of McDonald’s products by our school.
I further believe that McDonald’s marketing efforts in schools are solely designed to capitalize on that implied endorsement. Allowing McDonald’s to enter our school under the guise of presenting a fitness program gives the corporation an opportunity to link its brand to fitness and health in the minds of our children. While I certainly applaud any efforts by the school to introduce fitness concepts, I would prefer they be delivered in a non-commercial way.
The rising obesity epidemic among our children cannot be ignored. Concerned parents and educators are looking for solutions. I would urge you to reject the easy and cheap solutions being offered by corporations with ulterior motives. I am certain that McDonald’s visit to our school falls in their budget along with very specific business goals to build lifetime customers. I have no desire to help McDonald’s teach my son their marketing messages.
Please reconsider future visits to our school by Ronald McDonald.
Sincerely,
Lisa Young
So readers, please let me know how you think my letter will be received. Are there any other strategies you would suggest?
I’m considering taking my child to the zoo that day. I haven’t been to the zoo in a while. I’m not going to find corporate logos stenciled on the animals’ hides, right?
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July 14th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
I think your letter is well-constructed. It’s not argumentative. It clearly states your plan of action and the why.
As for alternatives, there’s always the Playplace at McDonald’s. Ha. I kid.
July 18th, 2008 at 5:11 am
[…] Taking a Stand on Ronald McDonald at Preschool: Dear Director, […]
July 18th, 2008 at 8:24 am
Good for you and what a wonderful letter. You might want to consider giving copies to your son’s classmate’s parents. You might find some allies and that would probably increase the chances that the preschool would cancel Ronald’s visit - or at least not schedule him in the future.
July 21st, 2008 at 9:26 am
Good for you. I would have done the same thing. I detest McD’s and this just adds fuel to the fire.
Out of curiosity, how did your son react to your protest of the event? Did he understand your motives? I’d also be curious to hear if you receive a response from the school administration.
August 26th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
Vaquera,
I don’t think my son really understood my motives. He was quite happy to have a day with mom. But he does seem to understand my desire that we eat healthy foods. He will randomly ask me, “is this food healthy?” Usually that prompts a look at the label. My son has a peanut allergy so we’re really into label reading.
The school administers said Ronald’s visit only included magic tricks, no fitness education. Other than that, I didn’t get any real response from the school’s owners. I suspect they think I’m a total whack job.