If you read yahoo news or tune into the Today Show, you may have heard, or read, about a small controversy over the new, Sketchers Shape Ups for kids. Yesterday, while scanning online, news articles, I came across post about this issue and later noticed a segment on the Today Show about the controversy as well. From what I gathered, some people were clearly appalled at the fact that these "calorie burning shoes" were being targeted to young kids. The new commercial for the shoes was also criticized for displaying a unhealthy message towards young girls.
Over the past couple years I've heard and read increasing news coverage, commercial and television promotions, and articles and journals on the epidemic of childhood obesity.
By simply surveying our day to day surroundings, the truth in this issue is clearly obvious. Kids aren't getting as much activity as they need; instead they are more likely to be found on Facebook or playing video games; our fast and upbeat lifestyles also forces many of us to put healthy eating aside and instead eat convenience foods that are not always the most healthy choice.
Clearly - the last thing any parent or person should do is to say to a child that they need to lose weight; this would obviously cause early insecurity and also begin an unhealthy thought process about how they should look and whether they fit a certain accepted "body image". Instead, I think kids should be encouraged to have more fun in activities that get them moving and allow them to be more active.
So - do Shape Ups really encourage healthier attitudes towards exercise and activity? Maybe, maybe not. I'm also unsure if Shape Ups are actually proven to provide health benefits. Either way, I certainly do not see any potential harm in these shoes; whether or not they actually do provide positivity towards exercise or not, I can say that I do not see these shoes causing any sociological harm to young girls; they will simply be another pair of tennis shoes with color and sparkles that your daughter likes to wear.
Here is the new commercial for Sketchers Shape Ups for Kids. What do you think?
Also, just released yesterday - A video segment from the Today Show.
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