When you think of Shrek — America’s favorite slobby, paunchy, smelly ogre — you’re probably not thinking physical fitness and good dietary habits. But the folks at McDonald’s, of all people, think they can give the green grouch an image makeover. Instead of the usual Happy Meal tie-in for this month’s Shrek the Third, they’ll be using him to sell meals of salad, chicken nuggets, low-fat milk, and apple dipping slices.
Now, I can understand why this would please parents and nutritionists. (Assuming, of course, that deep-fried chicken, oily salad dressing and sugary fruit-dipping sauce are actually better for you than deep-fried potatoes, a fried burger, and a sugary soda.) But if I were a kid, I think I’d feel cheated. What’s so happy about that meal? Does everything meant for kids have to have some medicinal or pedagogical value too, or can’t it just be fun?
So, PopWatchers, do you think fictional characters with kid appeal are obliged to serve as positive role models? Will Shrek be able to persuade kids to eat healthier? Or are McDonald’s and DreamWorks risking a Shrek-lash?
IMHO, the appeal of Shrek’s that he’s kind of an anti hero. Kids love huggable looking monsters and meanies. So when Shrek gets all positive, he loses his street cred.
On the other hand, I’d hate to see Shrek pawn off malt liqour like Lando Calrissian, so maybe it’s better that he sends kids a good message.
I think that this is fair but we also must realize that MacDonalds in no way should be a substitute for breakfast lunch and dinner. The key to eating there is not to eat there all the time. Besides, Wendy’s chicken nuggets taste better.
I do not associate McDonald’s with eating healthy. If I want to eat something good for me I’d go somewhere else or stay home. It’s not McD’s responsibility to make sure kids eat well. Parents could actually fix meals for their children instead of taking the lazy way out.
Why do people fall for these marketing ploys anyway?
I love Shrek, but has there ever been a bigger marketing whore? Since the first movie, Dreamworks has been plastering this character’s name and appearance on everything they can. I understand that kid’s movies (Although, just because it’s animated, can it really be called a kid’s movie?) are usually like this, but it seems excessive with Shrek.
How about we just stop Shrek from promoting *anything* anymore? That would make me happy.
This reminds me of Mr. T. telling us in the 80′s to “eat our greens”, or all of the semi-celebutants who proudly spew “stay in school!” More practical advice from those who don’t practice what they preach…
I guess we’ll need to wait to see the movie to see if Shrek holds up a large carton of McSalad instead of the expected Ogre-Sized Fries.
Anybody see Supersize Me? Even the salads at McDonalds are as good for you as a bucket of Crisco!
Just a reminder: McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets are the worst food, per-ounce, than everything else on the McMenu. (Unless the powers-that-be have changed their recipe to include grilled chicken breast tenders… doubt it).
Don’t fall for this, you gullible moms out there, you. McDonalds wants your children, so to build up brand loyalty from an early age. And they will gladly fatten your kids to do this.
read fast food nation by eric schlosser. brand loyalty for children is a huge marketing campaign for mcdonalds. gross…
Come on, let Shrek advertise for happy meals like the old days. I hate when people blame McDonald’s for fat kids. The parents don’t have to take them there shoot. And you CAN eat McDonald’s without being 2930482349 pounds, you just have to learn about the “leave some on the plate” rule.
OK, salads and fruit, got it. Do we still get the TOY??? That’s all my daughter wants anyway…
Where’s Ice T or Ice Cube when you need them? Can’t they come out with a “F*$! tha Food Police” or “Food Cop Killa” or something of that sort?
Where’s Ice T or Ice Cube when you need them? Can’t they come out with a “F*$! tha Food Police” or “Food Cop Killa” or something of that sort?
The new toys suck.
Shrek as a role model for fitness, wouldn’t that be a little like taking diet advice from a fat a$$ like Dr. Phil? Oh…right…never mind!
I use these marketing ploys as a way to teach my kid the truth about rampant consumerism. I teach her that any cartoon tie-ins are designed to just sell product, and it’s not good product anyway! I don’t need any help teaching my kid about nutrition, good manners, or how to be a better student. That’s MY job, and it’s every other parent’s job, as well.