Disney Offers Refund for Baby Bupkis
Somehow the Walt Disney Co. managed to convince the parents of one-third of America's babies to spend $200 million a year on Baby Einstein videos. The tapes were supposed to smarten kids up, but watching TV from ages 1-3 could actually cause attention problems. Under pressure, Disney is now offering refunds. (continued)
Somehow the Walt Disney Co. managed to convince the parents of one-third of America’s babies to spend $200 million a year on Baby Einstein videos. The tapes were supposed to smarten kids up, but watching TV from ages 1-3 could actually cause attention problems. Under pressure, Disney is now offering refunds.
Your little monster might have the disposition of a flea, but at least you can get your $15.99 back.
Americans used to be outraged by the idea of marketing to kids, but then they started buying their pint-sized consumers everything in sight. Disney has obviously had great success selling things to children, but recruiting customers right out of the womb? That takes some chutzpah. — PZS
Wait, before you go…New York Times:
Last year, lawyers threatened a class-action lawsuit for unfair and deceptive practices unless Disney agreed to refund the full purchase price to all who bought the videos since 2004. “The Walt Disney Company’s entire Baby Einstein marketing regime is based on express and implied claims that their videos are educational and beneficial for early childhood development,” a letter from the lawyers said, calling those claims “false because research shows that television viewing is potentially harmful for very young children.”
The letter cited estimates from The Washington Post and Business Week that Baby Einstein controlled 90 percent of the baby media market, and sold $200 million worth of products annually.
The letter also described studies showing that television exposure at ages 1 through 3 is associated with attention problems at age 7.
If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.
Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.
Support Truthdig
Author Edward Dolnick tracks the blind spots that prevented the greatest minds from figuring out how two beings make one.
A new study finds that bilingual infants can identify which words in a phrase belong to each language they know.
The wealthy failed GOP presidential candidate doesn't want them worrying about getting a job and making money, because who needs those things to support a family?
The GOP isn't known for being the party of science--far from it, in fact--so when one of its own reaches a new low in scientific stupidity, it's worth noting.
As immigration into the U.S. slows, the 2010 census shows that birthrates of racial and ethnic minorities are overtaking those of whites, with nonwhites making up more than half of all births today.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.