At our school today (Tapton), it was a themed 'Mexican' day in the dining room, so the food was tacos, chilli, enchiladas etc. The Staff wore novelty sombreros, there were flags around, and cheesy music playing...anyway, to get to the point, the whole thing was sponsored by Old El Paso. Sorry for the leading question, but do you really think that it is acceptable for this kind of marketing in schools?

i know at my school, some of our exercise books were paid for by advertisers, so they were covered in adverts. Thou I cant remember what the adverts were for.

I dont see a problem with it personally, the mexican food gave them an ideal look into another culture as well as it prolly being healthier than the usual school grub

one thing i've been impressed with at the school is the quality and healthiness of the food (if it is a bit overpriced) compared to Newfield where i was until Y11, where the only veggy option was chips and beans really. at tapton there are pasta bakes and baked potatoes, cauliflower cheese etc, and the chips are horrible!

I don't see a problem with such days/events if they have an educational link and schools today do give our children insight into different cultures and religions which is a good thing. There's a big world out there and while some of us can't afford to go far from our own back yards we at least have the opportunity to broaden our minds.

My only concern with schools today are the number of sponsored events held locally. I tend to get lots of children knocking on my door during particular times of the year asking me to sponsor them for some event or other. I often ask these children where they live as they are unknown to me and with my own children only close friends and family are approached. So two concerns here, approaching strangers and the possibility of being invited inside the house and the fact that children are being encouraged to collect money. This immediately starts off rivalry - 'I've got more than you' - 'our class/school raised the most' - and during all of this they've probably not taken on board the principles of doing good deeds for others or helping out the less fortunate.
You were right with the capitalist bit I think - everything's about money and what you've got these days.

I don't have a problem with companies like Old El Paso sponsoring school events, it's when Cocal Cola, Pepsi and McDonalds stick their oar in when it gets worrying.

Originally posted by fnkysknky
I don't have a problem with companies like Old El Paso sponsoring school events, it's when Cocal Cola, Pepsi and McDonalds stick their oar in when it gets worrying.

Todays lesson is brought to you by Burger King,a free whopper with every assignment handed in on time:D

IMO advertising to children is wrong. Especially when it comes to large corporations such as those mentioned by fynkysnky above. I detest the fact that it is not possible for kids to watch commercial TV without having being bombarded with adverts for Mc****e or Burger Crap. Allowing advertising in schools is just one step away from having this inflicted througout the day.

There are better ways to fund education.

Originally posted by Jim
IMO advertising to children is wrong. Especially when it comes to large corporations such as those mentioned by fynkysnky above.

yep quite agree,in fact ive often wondered why channels like cartoon network and Nickleodeon put loan ads on every two minutes,dont think my 6 year old wants to re-mortgage his house just yet

Originally posted by gizmo
yep quite agree,in fact ive often wondered why channels like cartoon network and Nickleodeon put loan ads on every two minutes,dont think my 6 year old wants to re-mortgage his house just yet

Hehehe, that would be because some adults (like my dad for example!) also like cartoons...it's a spongebob thing.

heheh, i think we are all a bit partial to a bit of sponge bob at times. The ads are directed towards the parents with the children...if u know about the ads on them channels then its worked hasnt it? i mean u must have seen them.

anyways, i think that companies advertising for events like this are alright aslong as they are paying for the event and the children are benifiting from it. i mean who doesnt want their kids to try new foods and learn about other cultures in a fun way?