What can you do but shake your head? While headlines scream “obesity epidemic!” and medical “experts” warn us that all American children are going to be obese if we don’t take action (a campaign that so far seems to mostly involve fear and shaming), we get word that Beyonce, one of the biggest stars in the world, has inked a $50 million dollar deal to be a “brand ambassador” for Pepsi.
Beyonce, in the public eye and a role model for many, is going to be paid a ridiculous amount of money to convince us how great soda is, and how we should be drinking more of it. And this is after she worked on Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” campaign! I guess we’ll really need America’s youth to get moving if we have this charismatic and influential woman encouraging them to load up on sugary drinks with no nutritional value.
Does a celebrity spokesperson influence whether or not you purchase or consume a product? As an adult, you might say no. But think back to when you were a kid. Did you just have to have the latest pair of shoes shilled by the world’s most famous basketball player? When Michael Jackson sang about Pepsi, did you just have to have one of those fizzy drinks?
Beyonce already has a ton of money. I’m disappointed that the lure of $50 million is more important to her than the health of people around the world who are influenced by her. What are your thoughts? Are you disappointed in Beyonce’s choice to market a product that contributes to the ill health of our nation, or maybe just impressed that anyone would be given so much money to parade around in skimpy outfits selling soda? Sound off in the comments!
