"More babies, please: they're fun!" Five words caused quite a stir in Cheerios' new commercial. While it was originally posted on YouTube in September 2016, it has apparently gotten more television airtime recently. For your viewing pleasure, take 30 seconds to watch this "controversial" commercial.
In the description, Cheerios explained that "Life is more fun, messy, and wonderful with babies around. More babies, please." It's a simple statement. Most parents will tell you that the day their child(ren) was born was the best day of their life. Sure, they lost most of their sleep schedule and changed more messy diapers than a landfill could hold, but seeing their little ones grow right before their eyes was worth it.
Children are messy. Children are lovable. Children are exciting. Children are exhausting. Children are creative. Children remind us what is important in life. Children are not offensive.
However, the video has received criticism from YouTube comments and articles alike. The article that first brought my attention to this commercial was from another Odyssey creator; she said, "Let's keep the baby talk for the human beings under the age of 3, shall we?" I have to respectfully disagree.
Having children is one of the most exciting, fulfilling journeys you can take in life. While the commercial clearly winks at the "natural" way to have babies, we shouldn't slam the commercial for being exclusive. I think the focus has been on abortion so much lately that many people have forgotten or ignored adoption. Families aren't always naturally made, but that doesn't make them less whole. Taking in a baby as your own is a beautiful thing. While a womb carries life during pregnancy, a mother and father's hearts carry life as long as they live.
Family is worth celebrating, and I think that Cheerios was trying to celebrate the joy that children bring to our lives, whether by pregnancy or adoption. Just because some people do not want children or find this commercial offensive doesn't mean that they should cancel the celebration for everyone else. Family is important, and we should keep loving the next generation and encouraging those who raise them.
