Family Time

Yesterday, I was absolutely astounded when I saw a Wii ad in Good Housekeeping. There was an American family in an upper-middle class living room, playing the Wii. At the bottom, there was a very professional looking grey box(not shown above) that read:

The average person sits for nearly eight hours a day.

Get up and get playing with Wii.

Get informed. Learn about the benefits of being physically active.

Get empowered. Make proper choices to create a healthier lifestyle.

Get active. Wii Fit Plus and Wii Sports Resort can play a part.

Then at the bottom is says, Nintendo and The American Heart Association are "working together to promote physically active play as part of a healthy lifestyle." This makes my blood boil. What is interesting about this ad, is that it takes itself so seriously. "Get informed. Get empowered. Get active." are phrases that non-profits would use to promote awareness of the genocide in Sudan. Marketers are stealing the vernacular of ethical, conscious people and manipulating it to sell products. There is no cause! If the cause is being physically active, then video-game obsessed children will go from sitting to standing. This does not change the fact that they are still pickling their minds in front of a screen. Maybe their parents will join in. Will this actually work on adults? One would think that reasoning adults would not be persuaded by an ad like this. However, superimposed on the image, is a quote(not shown above) that reads, "It is the perfect way to bring all the ages together." It's as if the marketers are saying, "Want family time? Play video games! It's the only way you'll be able to connect with your kids." This message may be enough for parents. We'll find out soon enough.