June, 23 2010, 09:42am EDT
Statement: Suit McDonald's Cue to Stop Predatory Marketing Altogether
Statement by Kelle Louaillier, Executive Director, Corporate Accountability International commending Center for Science in the Public Interest’s efforts to stop McDonald’s toy promotions
WASHINGTON
Today our partners at the Center for Science in the Public
Interest have said enough is enough, notifying McDonald's it will be
filing suit against the corporation if it does not halt using toys in
Happy Meals. CSPI's notice letter says that McDonald's toy-related
promotions violate state consumer protection laws in Massachusetts,
Texas, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and California. CSPI's
letter gives McDonald's 30 days to agree to stop the practice before a
suit is filed.
McDonald's has been in the hot seat of late for its long-standing
and pioneering practice of peddling junk food to children...especially
our very youngest children, for which predatory marketing is no less
than exploitative.
and pioneering practice of peddling junk food to children...especially
our very youngest children, for which predatory marketing is no less
than exploitative.
Corporate Accountability International, its partners, and
supporters have called attention to the role such marketing is playing
in making our children sick by calling for an end to the use of the
world's most recognized corporate mascot, Ronald McDonald. In so doing,
the organization has advocated for an end to the universe of
youth-oriented marketing practices in which Ronald is the center.
supporters have called attention to the role such marketing is playing
in making our children sick by calling for an end to the use of the
world's most recognized corporate mascot, Ronald McDonald. In so doing,
the organization has advocated for an end to the universe of
youth-oriented marketing practices in which Ronald is the center.
The human impact of McDonald's predatory marketing is undeniable.
Each year, the corporation spends hundreds of millions marketing to
kids not just in the absent hope that this will lead kids to crave its
food, but because it is profoundly effective.
Each year, the corporation spends hundreds of millions marketing to
kids not just in the absent hope that this will lead kids to crave its
food, but because it is profoundly effective.
The proof is not only in the sales, but in the disease rates. One
in three children born today will become diabetic during their lifetime
as a result of a McDonald's-style diet. And even for those who don't
need to guard their children against today's toxic advertising
landscape, there is a $147 billion annual health care tab to pick-up
for treating conditions related to diet.
in three children born today will become diabetic during their lifetime
as a result of a McDonald's-style diet. And even for those who don't
need to guard their children against today's toxic advertising
landscape, there is a $147 billion annual health care tab to pick-up
for treating conditions related to diet.
Still McDonald's continues to substitute public relations for real
marketing reform - reform that could vastly improve the health of our
children.
marketing reform - reform that could vastly improve the health of our
children.
For instance, since the launch of Corporate Accountability
International's Value [the] Meal campaign, McDonald's has reduced the
amount it spends on advertising during children's programs. What has
not been reported is how many of those dollars have shifted from
television advertisements to social media, in an effort to reach
children in environments that are more difficult for parents to
constantly monitor and control.
International's Value [the] Meal campaign, McDonald's has reduced the
amount it spends on advertising during children's programs. What has
not been reported is how many of those dollars have shifted from
television advertisements to social media, in an effort to reach
children in environments that are more difficult for parents to
constantly monitor and control.
McDonald's has also responded to a public climate that favors
retiring children's junk food marketing icons, and prominent
initiatives like Retire Ronald, by scaling back Ronald's appearances in
mass media. In McDonald's-speak however, this means the corporation
will instead be using the hamburger-happy clown "in a more targeted
fashion toward children," such as, again, placing Ronald McDonald in
environments that are harder for parents to control like schools,
libraries, and, ironically, pediatric clinics.
retiring children's junk food marketing icons, and prominent
initiatives like Retire Ronald, by scaling back Ronald's appearances in
mass media. In McDonald's-speak however, this means the corporation
will instead be using the hamburger-happy clown "in a more targeted
fashion toward children," such as, again, placing Ronald McDonald in
environments that are harder for parents to control like schools,
libraries, and, ironically, pediatric clinics.
And McDonald's Orwellian manipulations don't stop there. In
response to parental concerns around the use of Happy Meals to attract
children to foods high in fat, salt, sugar, and calories, McDonald's
pledged to only advertise Happy Meals that met its own nutrition
standards.
response to parental concerns around the use of Happy Meals to attract
children to foods high in fat, salt, sugar, and calories, McDonald's
pledged to only advertise Happy Meals that met its own nutrition
standards.
But again, patrons have to read between the lines. Not only are
nutrition standards devised by the world's leading burger salesman
questionable at best, the alternatives being offered are really no
alternative at all (apple dippers with a sugary caramel dipping sauce,
for example). What's worse, the Center for Science in the Public
Interest (CSPI) has found it exceedingly rare for clerks to even offer
such "alternatives" at the register.
nutrition standards devised by the world's leading burger salesman
questionable at best, the alternatives being offered are really no
alternative at all (apple dippers with a sugary caramel dipping sauce,
for example). What's worse, the Center for Science in the Public
Interest (CSPI) has found it exceedingly rare for clerks to even offer
such "alternatives" at the register.
In all, McDonald's pledge was some small concession when the real
vehicle for Happy Meal promotions is not actually the food in the box,
but the seemingly ubiquitous toy promotions for everything from Shrek
characters to Barbie dolls. After all, McDonald's is the standard
bearer for what the American Psychological Association calls "the most
common persuasive strategy employed in advertising...to associate the
product with fun and happiness, rather than to provide any factual
product-related information."
vehicle for Happy Meal promotions is not actually the food in the box,
but the seemingly ubiquitous toy promotions for everything from Shrek
characters to Barbie dolls. After all, McDonald's is the standard
bearer for what the American Psychological Association calls "the most
common persuasive strategy employed in advertising...to associate the
product with fun and happiness, rather than to provide any factual
product-related information."
For this reason, we commend CSPI's action and encourage McDonald's
to do the right thing and drop its use of toys before the suit goes to
trial. This is an opportunity for McDonald's to stop parading its
public relations around as corporate responsibility and to start
responding directly to the very real concerns of parents, health
professionals, and educators across the country.
to do the right thing and drop its use of toys before the suit goes to
trial. This is an opportunity for McDonald's to stop parading its
public relations around as corporate responsibility and to start
responding directly to the very real concerns of parents, health
professionals, and educators across the country.
As the most profitable fast food corporation, McDonald's can set
an example to countless emulators and competitors. And that example
needn't be yet another half-measure. It should be the retirement of all
predatory marketing to children from toy promotions to the use of
Ronald McDonald.
an example to countless emulators and competitors. And that example
needn't be yet another half-measure. It should be the retirement of all
predatory marketing to children from toy promotions to the use of
Ronald McDonald.
Corporate Accountability stops transnational corporations from devastating democracy, trampling human rights, and destroying our planet.
(617) 695-2525LATEST NEWS
Oxfam Says Israel 'Actively Hindering' Aid to Gaza in Violation of ICJ Order
"There is an indisputable, man-made, intentional deprivation of aid that continues to suck the life out of any and all humanitarian operations, including our own," said one campaigner.
Mar 18, 2024
The Israeli government is intentionally restricting the flow of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip by subjecting shipments to a prolonged and dysfunctional inspection process, arbitrarily rejecting items, attacking aid convoys, and limiting the number of crossings through which deliveries can pass, Oxfam International said in a report published late Sunday.
The report, titled Inflicting Unprecedented Suffering and Destruction, argues that Israel's continued obstruction of humanitarian aid is a direct violation of both international humanitarian law (IHL) and a January order from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which ruled the Israeli government is "plausibly" committing genocide in Gaza and must ensure that assistance reaches desperate Gazans.
Oxfam said Sunday that "humanitarian access in the Gaza Strip has effectively worsened" since the ICJ handed down its interim order nearly two months ago, and conditions on the ground in the Palestinian territory have deteriorated rapidly. New data from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) shows that Gaza's "entire population" is facing "high levels of acute food insecurity" and 1.1 million people are experiencing "catastrophic" hunger—a figure that one expert called "unprecedented."
"The ICJ order should have shocked Israeli leaders to change course, but since then conditions in Gaza have actually worsened," said Sally Abi Khalil, Oxfam's Middle East and North Africa director. "The fact that other governments have not challenged Israel hard enough, but instead turned to less effective methods like airdrops and maritime corridors is a huge red flag, signaling that Israel continues to deny the full potential of better ways to deliver more aid."
"Israeli authorities are not only failing to facilitate the international aid effort but are actively hindering it," Abi Khalil added. "We believe that Israel is failing to take all measures within its power to prevent genocide."
In its new report, Oxfam outlines seven ways in which the Israeli government is impeding humanitarian aid shipments and exacerbating one of the worst humanitarian catastrophes in modern history:
In February—the first full month after the ICJ's order—Israel allowed just 2,874 aid trucks to enter the Gaza Strip, a 44% decline compared to the previous month, according to Oxfam.
The group said Israeli authorities "have rejected a warehouse full of international aid including oxygen, incubators, and Oxfam water and sanitation gear, all of which is now stockpiled at Al Arish just 40 kilometers away from the border of 2.3 million desperate Palestinians in Gaza."
Israel's military, which is armed by the U.S. and other major countries that are legally obligated to prevent genocide, has also blocked humanitarian staff from entering Gaza, adding "pressure and workload" to already overwhelmed aid efforts, Oxfam said.
Celine Maayeh, advocacy and research officer at Juzoor for Health and Social Development—an Oxfam partner organization—said Sunday that "there's been an alarming increase in cases of malnutrition among children in the last month, and yet the only food the team is able to find to feed people living in 45 shelters is some vegetables."
"There is an indisputable, man-made, intentional deprivation of aid that continues to suck the life out of any and all humanitarian operations, including our own," said Maayeh.
"If a famine is declared, it will already be too late for too many people—children are famine's first victims and are already dying in Gaza because of malnutrition."
Oxfam's findings are consistent with those of other aid organizations and lawmakers who have visited the region in recent weeks.
In January, U.S. Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) told reporters that they witnessed "miles of backed-up trucks" stuck at border crossings as Gazans nearby struggled to survive, eating grass and drinking contaminated water.
The senators said they saw one warehouse full of items that Israeli authorities rejected in their inspection process, including oxygen cylinders and medical kits used for delivering babies.
Van Hollen said the warehouse was "a testament to the arbitrariness" of Israel's inspections.
Oxfam argued Sunday that the "only meaningful solution" to Gaza's intensifying humanitarian emergency is "an immediate, permanent, and unconditional cease-fire."
"Even the trickle of aid that a humanitarian response could provide under the current circumstances is being further obstructed by Israel's policies and practices, inflicting suffering on millions of Palestinians who are living under Israeli bombardment without access to food, clean water, and medical care," the group said.
Xavier Joubert, country director for Save the Children in the occupied Palestinian territory, echoed Oxfam's call for a cease-fire and warned in response to the new IPC figures that "we have a clear timeframe to stave off famine, and it demands urgency."
"If a famine is declared, it will already be too late for too many people—children are famine's first victims and are already dying in Gaza because of malnutrition," said Joubert. "Every minute counts for them. It should be on the collective conscience of Israeli authorities and the international community that every day without an immediate, definitive cease-fire and unfettered access for and to humanitarian aid is another catastrophic day of starvation and suffering, another step towards famine, and another death knell for Gaza's children."
Keep ReadingShow Less
Warren Says Trump Will 'Try to Ban Abortion Nationwide' If He Regains Power
"Donald Trump is proud that he overturned Roe v. Wade, he's proud he ripped away a fundamental freedom from millions of women," said Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
Mar 18, 2024
Sen. Elizabeth Warren warned Sunday that Donald Trump will aggressively pursue a national abortion ban if elected to another term after the former president and presumptive 2024 GOP nominee boasted about the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade—a move that opened the floodgates for draconian attacks on reproductive rights across the country.
Trump nominated three of the five Supreme Court justices who voted to overturn Roe in 2022, and he stacked lower federal courts with far-right extremists.
In a Fox News interview that aired Sunday, Trump said the justices "did something that from a lot of standpoints is extremely good" and repeated commonplace right-wing lies that Democrats support infanticide—claims that are frequently used to justify further rollbacks of reproductive freedoms. Next week, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a case brought by right-wing groups that could dramatically weaken access to medication abortion.
The former president said he will be deciding "pretty soon" on a specific abortion policy for his 2024 campaign for the White House. The New York Timesreported last month that Trump has told advisers and allies that he "likes the idea of a 16-week national abortion ban with three exceptions, in cases of rape or incest, or to save the life of the mother."
Asked during the Fox News interview whether he thinks a 16-week abortion ban would be "politically acceptable," Trump responded, "We're gonna find out."
Trump's campaign previously dismissed the Times reporting as "fake news."
Trump on if a national 16 week abortion ban would be politically acceptable: "We're gonna find out."
He then lies about Democrats supporting the murder of born babies. pic.twitter.com/B5e41m9ftm
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 17, 2024
Warren (D-Mass.) said in response that "Donald Trump is proud that he overturned Roe v. Wade, he's proud he ripped away a fundamental freedom from millions of women, and if he regains power, he will go even further and try to ban abortion nationwide."
"By overturning Roe, Trump put judges and politicians in the driver's seat of women and their families' most personal healthcare decisions," said Warren. "He opened the door to even more extreme restrictions on our freedoms: criminalizing doctors, passing bans with no exceptions, and restricting access to IVF—and he brags about it."
"Trump said we're going to find out if the country will accept his plans for a national abortion ban, and he's right," the senator added. "He's going to find out this November when the majority of Americans who support reproductive freedom turn out to send President Biden and Vice President Harris back to the White House and remind Donald Trump that we will not go back—not now, not ever."
"As Project 2025 makes clear, opponents will not stop until abortion is banned and out of reach in all 50 states."
Right-wing groups, including the coalition known as Project 2025, have been working for months on a range of proposals that would further curtail reproductive freedoms at the federal level and undercut people's ability to receive basic medical care.
"In emerging plans that involve everything from the EPA to the Federal Trade Commission to the Postal Service, nearly 100 anti-abortion and conservative groups are mapping out ways the next president can use the sprawling federal bureaucracy to curb abortion access," Politicoreported last month. "Many of the policies they advocate are ones Trump implemented in his first term and President Joe Biden rescinded—rules that would have a far greater impact in a post-Roe landscape. Other items on the wish list are new, ranging from efforts to undo state and federal programs promoting access to abortion to a de facto national ban. But all have one thing in common: They don't require congressional approval."
Project 2025, a coalition of dozens of right-wing groups—including Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America and other anti-abortion organizations—is "drafting executive orders to roll back Biden-era policies that have expanded abortion access, such as making abortions available in some circumstances at VA hospitals," and "collecting resumes from conservative activists interested in becoming political appointees or career civil servants and training them to use overlooked levers of agency power to curb abortion access," according to Politico.
"Donald Trump is to blame for the ongoing abortion access crisis," Planned Parenthood Votes said in a statement earlier this month. "Because of his first-term actions, 21 states—and counting—now ban some or all abortion; and one in three women are blocked from access in their home states. As Project 2025 makes clear, opponents will not stop until abortion is banned and out of reach in all 50 states."
Keep ReadingShow Less
Russia's Putin Secures Another Term
The controversial leader won a record number of votes for a post-Soviet candidate even as opponents organized a protest at noon on the election's third and last day.
Mar 17, 2024
Despite protests on Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin won reelection with more votes than any candidate since the fall of the Soviet Union.
Exit poll the Public Opinion Foundation (POF) put the final tally after three days of voting at 87.8%, the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) at 87%, and Russia's Central Election Commission (CEC) at 87.3%. Putin will now serve another six-year term, meaning he will have been at the helm of the Russian state for longer than any leader since Catherine the Great, surpassing Josef Stalin.
The election comes less than a month after the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and is likely to lead to more tensions between the Russian and U.S. governments.
"It gives me some hope to see how many people are not happy with the dictatorship, the war, with what's happening in Russia."
"For a U.S. administration that hoped Putin's Ukraine adventure would be wrapped up by now with a decisive setback to Moscow's interests, the election is a reminder that Putin expects that there will be many more rounds in the geopolitical boxing ring," Nikolas Gvosdev, director of the National Security Program at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, told the Russia Matters project.
With most of Putin's prominent opponents either dead, imprisoned, or in exile, the elections results were considered a foregone conclusion by both friends and foes of his administration.
A Putin spokesperson said in 2023 that the election was "not really democracy" but instead "costly bureaucracy," according to CNN. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council said the election was "obviously not free nor fair."
However, Russian opponents of Putin did find a way to demonstrate their position with a protest called "Noon Against Putin." The protest was called for by St. Petersburg politician Maxim Reznik, according to The Guardian. Participants were instructed to head to a polling place at noon and cast a paper ballot for one of the candidates running against Putin, or to write-in another candidate or spoil their ballot.
Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny had endorsed the protest before his death last month in a Russian prison, leading the Independent Novaya Gazeta newspaper to dub it "Navalny's political testament."
The action drew crowds to polling places both in Russian cities like Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Yekaterinburg and at Russian embassies around the world.
"This is the first time in my life I have ever seen a queue for elections," one woman waiting in line in Moscow told
CNN. Russian journalists reported that the lines at some stations within the country reached the thousands, according to Reuters.
Navalny's widow, Yulia Navalnaya, who had also endorsed the protest, voted at the embassy in Berlin, while several protesters gathered outside the embassy in London.
"I expected there to be a lot of people, but not this many," London-based participant Maria Dorofeyeva told The Guardian, adding, "It gives me some hope to see how many people are not happy with the dictatorship, the war, with what's happening in Russia. And we want to stop it."
Ruslan Shaveddinov of Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation told Reuters:
"We showed ourselves, all of Russia and the whole world that Putin is not Russia (and) that Putin has seized power in Russia."
"Our victory is that we, the people, defeated fear, we defeated solitude—many people saw they were not alone," Shaveddinov said
Keep ReadingShow Less
Most Popular