Free Essay About Not All Companies Are Viewed As Equal

Introduction

The development of free trade worldwide has given several industries competitive advantage in the global market. Despite the improved opportunities, some industries prevail well above others. Though some succeed through ethical marketing and production of healthy products, others unfairly target certain groups in the society. Candy companies, for instance, have through the years unfairly targeted children with enticing yet unhealthy products.

Unethical Practices of Candy Companies

The candy companies act unethically by providing children with a variety of products that are not healthy for them instead of adhering to the ethical obligation of protecting the health. The influence of commercialism on the lives of children is a cause for concern for years. Unfair and deceptive marketing and advertising done by various candy companies exposes children to serious health risks. It is wrong, and the companies should be stopped due to a variety of reasons. A view of the problem in the context expresses the gravity of the situation. A view of the multimedia used in advertising for children’s food in general show how unhealthy foods are made to appear attractive. Advertisements for salty snacks, sugary cereals, candy and fast foods among others involve children’s favorite cartoon and entertainment characters.

Consequences of Candy Companies Unethical Practices

The unhealthy foods have a negative effect on children’s health and diets. According to Harris et al. (2014), obesity rates among teens and children have tripled over the past 30 years; health experts attribute the phenomenon to an increase in advertising for unhealthy beverages and foods. Candy companies, for instance, provide a range of products high in sugar, calories, fat, and sodium. The consumption of such products results in diet-related diseases, obesity, and poor diets. The attractive nature of advertising for such products also increases children’s preference and requests to parents to purchase the unhealthy products. The companies are also a major risk due to their use of social and mobile media platform accessed by many children worldwide. Today, children’s higher levels of media consumption and greater independence put them at a high risk of influence by the companies.

Motivation behind Candy companies Unethical Behavior

The capitalistic perspective has allowed candy companies to propagate their individual and selfish goals without concern for the influence their products have on the lives of children. The companies only focus on strengthening their competitive edge, profits and expansion to further reach more children. In their perspective, capitalism overlooks the best interest of the society as companies embark on achieving self-serving goals.

Dealing with Unethical Practices

In my opinion, it is impossible for candy companies to cater for both their interests and the consumers’ needs jointly. The companies will continue to produce products whose main ingredients are unhealthy sugars, fats, and other destructive ingredients. Efforts, to cater for the health of children, would require alteration of their products and it may affect their position in the global economy and lower profits. The competition amongst them also makes the adoption of healthy products impossible if the competitors do not comply with the same changes. Though the industry executives show concern over the obesity rate and overall unhealthy lifestyle children are exposed to, the consumption of unhealthy products is likely to continue unless concrete changes occur (CSPI, 2014).

Conclusion

There are several industries that continue to target unfairly and take advantage of various groups in the society. The situation poses social, health and economic risks. It raises a need for the enforcement of policies and regulations ensuring the companies cater for the well-being of members of the society. The education of people will also make them aware of the risks thus make healthy choices and ensure quality living.

References

Center for Science in the Public Interest. (2014). Limiting Food Marketing for Children. Retrieved January 18, 2014 from http://www.cspinet.org/new/pdf/limitingfood_marketing.pdf
Harris, J. L., Heard, A., & Schwatrz, M. B. (2014). Older but Still Vulnerable: All children need protection from unhealthy food marketing. Yale Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity. Retrieved January 18, 2015 from http://www.yaleruddcenter.org/resources/upload/docs/what/reports/Protecting_Older_Chi ldren_3.14.pdf