It's always been bad, since I was a kid watching Saturday Morning Cartoons (yes, cartoons used to be shown only at certain times not entire networks dedicated to them 24/7!) commercials geared to kids were always annoying. Not much more so than what the grown ups got though, at least ours usually came with cute characters and catchy jingles (two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun) You're singing it in your head aren't you?! :0)
Lately I've noticed a trend, I'm sure it's been going on forever - but now that AJ is older and paying more attention, it's come to my attention as well. The trend of "COLLECT THEM ALL" - have you noticed this phrase is everywhere!! I know it's always been there, otherwise shows like "Hoarders" would never have come about. Remember the Beanie Baby craze? I know I thought I needed every one of the Strawberry Shortcake dolls or my life was going to be incomplete. McDonald's (Happy Meal toys) and most cereal companies (see General Mills below) have based entire marketing campaigns on the fact that kids want to search, find and collect.
Who doesn't like to collect stuff? But it's getting to be outrageous - I mean really, kid's shampoo?!? ......
Okay, I get there are 4 different varieties and four different characters - but what are you collecting? Are you really expected to keep the plastic container with the picture after the product has been used? What are they supposed to be doing with their collection?
Can you imagine trying to market to adults in this manner? " Try our new croutons, there are 4 flavors, collect them all!" or "Now Squiggles fabric softener has 3 new bottle designs in three fashion colors, collect them all!" Most products for adults that come in multiple fragrances/varieties are enticing to you to find your "signature scent" and they make a variety to appeal to the largest market possible - not so that you'll go out and collect them all.
Can you think of something marketed specifically to you where they ask you to "collect them all"?
At at least when we were kids the stuff was durable. These new toys break within seconds or have absolutely no purpose.
ReplyDeleteI agree.........
ReplyDeletePretty much outta control. Usually, my kids get this stuff and it's trash in about a day, if that. Julie is right. It's really just junk. Thankfully, that is one upside of the middle and high school years that are upon me. Less of this kind of cr*p will be requested. ;-) Have a great day, ladies.