I am feeling a bit shaky as I write this post today. I don’t know why. I have a thick skin, I’m a tough cookie, after all I am a redhead. If you’ve been here before you know I promote a healthy, non-toxic lifestyle for my family and for everyone else. However, if you follow me on Twitter, and were there on Friday night, you would have been surprised by the hashtag appearing in my tweets for about an hour. The hashtag was #Lunchables. Yes, I participated in a party hosted by ResourcefulMom -fabulous lady and savvy businesswoman- (Amy Lupold Bair) which was being sponsored by Lunchables. I was there for the discussion, not the Lunchables. The discussion was regarding a Field Trip program that Lunchables is funding. Let’s be clear, I am not clueless. I realize all the participants at that party were being marketed to, I realize that even with the good intention of field trips that Lunchables was hoping Moms would walk away and run to the grocery store to purchase their products. Not this Mom, not ever.
Should I have been there? Nope? Did I consider stopping my participation about half way through? Yes I did. Instead I stayed. Oh, I should fully disclose that there were prizes involved, as is often the case at Amy’s Twitter parties. They included: full value Lunchables coupons, $100 AmEx gift cards, and branded Flip cameras.
In the midst of all this was Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution on television. A movement I am ultra passionate about. I have signed his petition, have written blog posts, and have visited the lunch cafeteria at my children’s school. Oh, and I have also tweeted with the hashtag #FoodRevolution on numerous occasions.
After the party, the fallout began. Well, in a round about way, anyway. You see, if you want to call me out, then do it. But tweeting something in a general way in order to get my attention is so darn insulting I can hardly wrap my brain around it. Let’s just say that didn’t end well….actually, it ended for the best.
In walk Jessica Gottlieb’s blog post about the evening’s conflict.
It was short and sweet, but well written and just enough to get her readers chomping to comment. And they did….and so did I.
Here’s the thing. I am on the same page as Jessica on this topic, but she and I have very different ideas about how to reach out to Moms and encourage change. She’s an in-your-face kind of a gal and I would like to teach and educate by my example. I also think that some of her commenters just like to hear themselves rant. Fine for them. Personally, I would rather take action. So, although, I spent one hour of one night at a party I wish I hadn’t, I can’t change that fact. Instead, I will move on and spend countless hours working to improve the lunch program in my kids’ school district. While the haters will just continue to, well, hate and spew and rant their message and will never be heard.
I do hope that my message will be heard, though. I just plan to spread it in a more respectful manor than some.
I appreciate all your honest and candid comments. Let’s just please keep this respectful of everyone.
I’m a Sell-Out and a Hypocrite
April 18, 2010 · by · 8 Comments
We already discussed this on my post, but I just wanted to return the comment favor. I am one of those people that doesn't respond well to the "in your face" kind of activism. My purpose as a parent is to do the best that I can with the resources that I have, and I don't take kindly to those attacking anyone's parenting skills and motivations when the real issue is not with moms, but with the food industry as a whole. Everyone is so busy finger-pointing that they forget that there are people out there who might be willing to make the changes that they think are so important, with a little guidance. We know this stuff isn't the best for us, but when time and money are at a minimum and people would rather tell us how terrible we are than offer FEASIBLE suggestions as to how we can make changes, what are we to do?
You're on the right track. I support you and understand your issues with dealing with others that "don't get it". It up to people like us to spread knowledge and to inform. I want to start a blog of my own, I have so much I want to share! I just found you, following on Twitter, I will continue to read your blog and see what you have to say. Thanks for being part of the "Revolution".
I'm sorry that you feel bad about your decisions.
It's really important for us as Moms to be the gatekeeper for food and marketing into our homes for as long as possible. My daughter is eleven, and the marketing is reaching her directly now, but we've had enough conversations that I don't think she'll be easily swayed when it comes to chemicals in food or gross polluters.
I know that there are many different styles, and I am aware that not everyone appreciates mine. I'm okay with that, and I hope you will write the same words one day soon.
It's important to have a mission, and you have a wonderful one. We all have different paths, but watching your journey is just wonderful.
As an FYI, Oscar Mayer, Kraft and Lunchables aren't really part of my world, so their behaviors can't disappoint me. Moms in Social Media are part of my world, their behavior disappointed me.
Thanks for the comment Shannan. I completely understand where you(and many people) come from on this. I am striving to become a better support and resource for this topic. Now, I am going to work even harder to provide other options instead of processed/boxed foods for those of us who live on a tight budget!
Thanks Jennifer! So glad you are here and I look forward to keeping things interesting and informative for you!!
I just found your blog, and I am a no processed foods, green, organic, household, and I'm really liking what I see. I don't see a hypocrite. I see honesty.
I'll be back.
Thanks for your comment Jessica! I agree with you completely about the marketing. My son is also 11 and there is so much out there, but luckily he is starting to understand why things aren't healthy, rather than just hearing me say, "no, you can't have that"-just makes them want things more when we don't give them the knowledge.
Also, though, party or no party…..everyone needs to realize they are "voting" for foods by their purchases at the cash register.
Hi Jodi! Thanks so much for stopping by and for the supportive words.