Salem Event, June 20th @ 10 AM

What: Consuming Kids: The commercialization of Childhood When: Saturday June 20, 10 am Where: Cinema Salem, 1 East India Square, Salem, MA (www.cinemasalem.com) 978-744-1400 How much: Free (CinemaSalem has generously donated its facilities) Why: Because your kids are always nagging you for stuff. Because you're worried about them growing up too fast. Because you want them to think for themselves. Because you value their imagination. Because childhood obesity is on the rise. Because gender stereotypes are cramping your child's style. Because you want them to be happy for who they are and not for what they own. Who: Hosted by Alexa Ogno (adogno@alum.mit.edu). Just a mom on a mission. Join us for " an eye-opening account of the pervasive and pernicious effects of children’s advertising on the health and well-being of kids" and a lively discussion afterwards in CinemaSalem's cafe. For more information, visit http://www.consumingkidsthemovie.com/ "Consuming Kids shines a bright and probing light on the powerful forces of commercialism that are reshaping childhood. Contemporary marketers have developed a panoply of techniques -- from focus groups to "parties in a box" to brain research -- for engaging and influencing children, often under the radar of parents. The tentacles of modern marketing now penetrate every aspect of children's lives -- on television, in school, and through an array of new digital media, including interactive games, mobile phones, and 3-D virtual worlds. With its vivid imagery, this thoughtful and well-researched documentary explains it all." - Kathryn C. Montgomery, PhD. | Professor of Communication at American University | Author ofGeneration Digital: Politics, Commerce, and Childhood in the Age of the Internet