"Wednesday Phew "[wenz-dey-fyoo] definition: A moment that brought a sigh of relief, sarcastic or not.
In a stunning move this week, Walt Disney Co. threw out the first gauntlet in the fight against childhood obesity, for which I applaud them. With U.S. first lady Michelle Obama by the companies side, Walt Disney Co. announced they will be taking responsibility for the health of America’s children.
What does this really mean? Starting in 2015, they will no longer allow junk-food advertising on any of its television, on-line, and radio programs. The changes are being hailed as “a wake-up call” to the other networks to do the same and take responsibility for their actions.
“...Disney is doing what no major media company has ever done before in the U.S. - and what I hope every company will do going forward. When it comes to the ads they show and the food they sell is to ask themselves one simple question: Is this good for our kids?” First Lady Obama said. Her comments were echoed by Disney CEO Robert Iger who stated that, "The emotional connection kids have to our characters and stories gives us a unique opportunity to continue to inspire and encourage them to lead healthier lives."
During the press conference there was, thankfully, little focus on the parents.
No mention of parents being responsible for educating their children.
No mention of parents having to ensure they served food “good for our kids.”
No mention of parents having the duty to encourage and inspire their children.
And certainly no focus on parents having any responsibility for the high levels of obesity and diabetes.
As a parent and an educator, I let out a big "Wednesday Phew." Not only to the lack of responsibility I have to shoulder, but due to the fact they identified who truly is responsible, T.V.
So as always, whether this is worthy of a “Wednesday Phew” moment, sarcastic or not, that is up to you.
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