Q3+benchmark

= Q3 Benchmark = == Obesity is a huge problem in America. What, in your opinion, do you think the problem is? Well, there are people who believe it’s the fast-food company’s fault. There are also others who think it is the parent and child’s fault for choosing to eat it. In this essay I will explain both of those opinions and then discuss my own. == == David Zinczenko, a New York Times reporter, says that “Kids suing McDonalds? Isn’t that like middle aged men suing Porsche for making them get speeding tickets? Whatever happened to personal responsibility?” He thinks that it’s pretty ridiculous. People go to McDonalds on their own. Patricia Gonzalez, like Zinczenko and many others, thinks that parents need to take responsibility. The problem is that parents and kids themselves won’t take responsibility. == == Nearly 1/3 (30%) of California’s teenagers are overweight or obese. “Research shows that teens are more likely to consume fast-food and soda if parents do.” Said Gwendolyn Driscoll. So, if parents stop or at least slow down on eating fast-food, kids might too, right? Maybe. A study shows that fast-food is as addictive as drugs like cocaine and heroin. So how do you get parents and kids to take responsibility and then cut back on fast-food? Good question. Suing places like McDonalds doesn’t help. The best way is for parents to take responsibility, as Zinczenko and Gonzalez have said. They need to start eating more fruits and vegetables and stop suing people. “It’s time that parents got back to their foremost duty, which is to give their children the time and care that they need,” Patricia said. == == Happy Meals account for about ten percent o McDonalds ad spending – and of course, the toys. Its standard marketing: pitch your product to the most easily persuadable. Roy Bergold translates it into what he thinks means “Go after kids”. A man sued McDonalds, trying to make them stop using toys as bait to lure Children. McDonald’s chief executive, Jim Skinner, said “We are proud of our Happy Meals and intend to vigorously defend our brand, our reputation, and our food.” “The McDonalds Corp. wants to be everywhere children are” says New York Times David Barboza. In video games, Barbie dolls, and many more. He thinks fast food is marketed too much. ”How often do you see fruits and vegetables marketed?” Barboza said. “Drive through any thoroughfare in America and try to find somewhere to by a grapefruit.” == == In my personal opinion, I think it’s more the consumers fault. Sure, there has to be a little blame somewhere to put on the fast-food companies, but they are just doing their jobs. So they put toys in there Happy Meals. The parents need to take responsibility. They have free will. No one holds a gun up to their heads and says “Eat lunch at McDonalds or we will blow your brains out.” They have choices. Plus, no one is suing Burger King. I eat there every once in a while, and they have toys in the kids meals. They advertise their stuff more than McDonalds does. Don’t blame only McDonalds (even though there food is gross). Take responsibility. == == In conclusion, stop denying the truth. Stop blaming and suing the fast food companies. Its sides fault, one for selling, one for buying. I hope you have enough information to make your own opinion. And parents, take some responsibility. ==