Proud Papa

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZdALTZ6aA8

McDonald’s commercials lately have not been very appealing to me as a consumer. Most of them just don’t make any sense. However, this new ad, which aired before the Super Bowl, was different. I had both positive and negative reactions. My first reaction was to acknowledge the creativity and cleverness behind the concept. Like any family in the United States, the proud father wants to reward his son for his hard work and what better way than providing him with an all-american treat i.e. the McDonald French fry. However, unlike us humans who actually go to a McDonalds and pay for our food, the bears decide to get it the only way they know possible, scaring campers, hikers, etc.

Secondly, the commercial made me think back and recognize all the “hallmark” moments they’ve began to display through their advertisements. Specifically, I am referring to the McDonalds commercial where the teenager passes his drivers test and decides to take his family to McDonalds. McDonalds brings families together. It gives families something to bond over. In the bear commercial, the father is passing on knowledge to his son about how to get what you want. In the driver’s license episode, the father is teaching his son the importance of good driving and responsibility. In both, hard work is rewarded!

Finally, the only negative thing about this bear ad was its connection to obesity. Now you’re probably wondering, where is she going with this thought? Well, here is the answer:

Why does fast food have to be a reward? This quote from “Ad Week” explains it all: “Mmm, reward your kids with sub-decent, low flavor food that will make them fat and teaches them nothing. Go fishing with your kids instead. It's what bears would do.”

In this regard, I have to say to all the “proud papas” out there….take your kids to the batting cages, or any other physical activity when you’re proud of them. Don’t take them for fast food. If you're proud of them for getting good grades, secure them a healthy future, not an unhealthy one! Give them a chance to succeed.