No More Pure Imagination?

In 1971, when the movie "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" was released, the title character sang the following words:

"There is no life I know to compare with pure imagination. Living there, you'll be free if you truly wish to be."

It sometimes seems to me that today's children aren't given much of a choice.

I just heard a radio commercial that asked:

"What will happen to Captain Crunch and Tony the Tiger?"

The ad talked about certain focus groups currently being created because of the belief that only certain "healthy" foods should be marketed to kids between the ages of approx. 5 and 18. The announcer went on to say that the groups created were being designed to research different cereals, desserts, and prepared meals (among other items).

Our government seems so involved in the lives of our children, and here they are again trying to be sure that our kids are protected...

Let's see, there's a zero tolerance policy on drugs, so if a teen-aged girl has Midol in her backpack, she is sent to the office. Teacher's are not allowed to suggest to parents that a child's behavioral problems could possibly be due to ADD, because they are not doctors and are not allowed to "diagnose" anything. Parents are no longer allowed to send homemade baked goodies to a child's school party because the foods are not pre-packaged, and this could be potentially harmful to both a child and the school. Students are now encouraged to call Easter eggs Earth Spheres as a way of showing respect for those students and parents who do not celebrate Easter. On the same note, Christmas parties are now "Winter" or "Winter Break" parties or celebrations, as a way of being respectful to those who do not celebrate Christmas. Now two childhood icons, Captain Crunch and Tony the Tiger, could possibly be no longer politically correct because they are promoting unhealthy eating.

Look, preventing childhood obesity and promoting healthy eating is one thing. (and it's wonderful)...but what is really going on here?

Who doesn't remember watching Saturday morning cartoons and hearing: "They're Grrrrrrreat!!" It was fun right? So were school parties when room mothers sent cupcakes.. but gone are those days as well. After all the things done to protect our kids from harm, what is left that they can truly enjoy?
How about encouraging compromise? Oatmeal, or scrambled eggs during the week, with the anticipation of Captain Crunch or Frosted Flakes on Saturdays and Sundays? This same strategy can be used for things like soda, and sweets, giving children something fun to look forward to, rather than doing away with cartoon icons that have been around for more than 30 years. Childhood is very short, but with us the rest of our lives. Setting patterns of healthy living is awesome, but let's also set a pattern of allowing our kids to be kids.