February 15, 2005
The Hostile Takeover Of Childhood
[Book(s)]
'Kids can recognize logos by 18 months, and before their second birthday, they're asking for products by brand names. By three or three-and-a-half, experts say, children start to believe that brands communicate their personal qualities; for example, that they're cool, or strong, or smart... Upon arrival at the schoolhouse steps, the typical first-grader can evoke 200 brands.'
The media reform movement that has gained currency in recent years would do well to see the protection of children as a way to build broad support for reforms that ultimately will protect everyone. Economic life in our society is built around the market's quest to achieve the highest rate of profit possible. Because corporate control of childhood is an inherent impulse in this system, organizations need to build that awareness into their organizing.
~Selling to kids teaches them to be informed consumers.
it takes a free market to raise a child
[link, image & caption via the happy tutor]