An Ohio Hospital plans to rename its ER after major clothing brand.
A few weeks ago I received an email from the Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood whose mission is to “counter the harmful effects of marketing to children through action, advocacy, education, research, and collaboration.” Since this stuff is right up my alley, I am a subscriber to their “Action List”, and frequently get alerts from them when someone, somewhere exploiting kids to make money.
I’ve written about this topic in articles and blogs before, so to faithful readers, my ire at this most recent development should come as no surprise. It seems that the Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio plans to rename it’s ER “The Abercrombie and Fitch Emergency Department and Trauma Center” in trade for a $10 million donation.
Many of you who feel as I do about marketing to kids may be aware of Abercrombie’s reputation for sexualizing kids through their products and marketing. Clothing designed for preteens emblazoned with provocative messages advertised through the use of unnaturally thin body types is bad enough in the department store. However, bringing the Abercrombie brand and all that it represents to an institution supposedly dedicated to health and well-being seems irresponsible.
It infuriates me when people promote unhealthy messages to kids for any reason. Doing it in pursuit of money, whatever the reason, is, in my opinion, inexcusable.
For information about how to get involved in this and other CFCC inititative, check out their website.
