Just saw this Mastercard commercial, which makes me want to either tear my hair out, or go kick a puppy; maybe both:
“Helping Dad become a better man: priceless.”
I like most of the Mastercard “Priceless” ads. They’re clever and well-executed. This one, however, annoys me in so many ways.
It’s the latest example of ads and TV shows which portrays parents as stupid/lame/thoughtless and children as wise beyond their years. Ugh, what glurge! It used to be that parents were parents, and their role was to ensure that their children grew up to be good people.
Perhaps we’re seeing such a dramatic rise in spoiled mall brats because today’s parents are not truly being parents any more — they are trying to be “friends”, practicing “consensual living“, or some other such claptrap. We’re seeing the result of such “parenting” techniques in the spawn of many liberal, tree-hugging, save-the-whales types these days. And in commercials like this.
It also gets my goat, of course, for the blatant “greening of America” running through the commercial. There are far too many hypocritical Al Gore-types out there already; we don’t need to have mega-corporations (or anyone else — let alone that moppet from Hell in the commercial) lecturing us.
Do your part. Raise your kids properly. Don’t lecture others. It’s not that hard.
Stoutcat
Grand Rants 
Greetings:
One of my father’s often used witticisms was “Don’t help Daddy.”
And, if you want to really teach your kids fiscal responsibility, don’t use credit cards. If you can’t pay with cash, show them how you wait until you DO have the money… by SAVING or sacrificing in one area so you’ll have the money for another area.
THAT is one MAJOR way this country failed its young.
I want to produce a commercial that says,
“Passing up a night at the movies for the family? Saved $65.”
“Deciding to keep the car for another year? Saved $23,597
“Teaching your kids how to be responsible by NOT using credit cards unless it’s an absolute emergency? PRICELESS!”
One more thing. I too, am sick of the “Children Know Best” approached used in commercials. NO THEY DON’T. They have to be TAUGHT be parents who care enough to impart their wisdom.
But I find it interesting that there is a very similar issue when it comes to cartoon kids. Specifically, I find it personally offensive to see how Bart Simpson smart talks his parents in virtually every episode I’ve seen of the Simpsons. The popularity of the show (it’s now in its 20th year) speaks volumes for the excellent writing and the tremendous acceptance of the show and its way of dealing with issues.
Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy the Simpsons as an adult. My concern is that Bart has always been a smart-mouthed little kid and I don’t think anyone can deny that HIS popularity with kids has sent a subliminal message that it’s OK to smart-talk your parents.
It’s not OK. If I had a son that spoke to me in the same manner as Bart often speaks to his parents, I’d send him to his room. Oh wait. He’s got high-definition TV, PC with Internet Access, Wii, Playstation… OK, I’d send him to MY room. I got nothin’ but dirty laundry there.
DOH!!
Gerry,
I think that you miss the point behind The Simpsons… The show was never intended to be “Bugs Bunny” (talk about a smart mouth) or the TeleTubbies… It was never intended to be a “drop off point” where parents would simply plunk their kids and then go off to other things. It was (and especially in the last 15 years) meant to be a family show. Look at the writing… Look at how the conservative religious right have flocked to it…
Here’s the deal… The Simpsons is jam-packed full of object lessons about religion, respect, society, etc., etc., etc… And responsible parents should either explore those lessons or (if deeming the child over his head) simply change the channel.
But don’t suggest that a great learning experience is bad just because some parents can’t handle their job. That’s not fair to the ones who can.
Talk about the dumbing down of America…
Alan
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