This is an excellent example of priming and Agenda Setting. Here, the seed of influence is planted in the minds of all the parents/parents to be/grandparents that fat babies are the start of fat children and fat children AREN'T GOOD FOR ANYONE. This video, while not directly talking about it, emphasizes obesity as one of America's primary problems. The very nature of its existence speaks volumes about how the media portrays weight as an issue, and how large of an issue it has become. I think possibly the most interesting part of the video is the reporter stating that "keep in mind this doesn't mean that a chubby baby will be a chubby adult, or an obese adult." Not only does this affirm any passing thoughts about obesity that may have been floating around in your mind, but it also manages to continue to set an agenda concerning weight in America. Later in the video, the female co-anchor mentions that it is hard or impossible to overfeed a baby by breastfeeding during the designated window, and the Dr. says nothing to refute this claim...and instead confirms it in many ways. NOW we have yet another ideal hidden in the subtext: breastfeeding vs formula. Is weight a problem in America? Probably. Is this kind of news coverage the way to deal with it? I would challenge that.
-Tim
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