I hadn't seen these commercials starring Mel, the Milkbite, until Laura M. and Jason S. brought them to my attention.
What did I think, they asked?
Well, first let me explain: Mel, the Milkbite is a character created by Kraft to help sell a new granola bar that is half milk and half granola. It has so much milk, they say, that it needs to be stored in the refrigerator.
So, the first of the ads I watched was called "Parents." Mel is talking to his parents: his mom is a glass of milk, his dad is a bowl of granola, and Mel asks woefully: "Did you think about the kids?" I have to say, this did make feel me yucky. It is, of course, the "well-intentioned" question of so many who oppose interracial and intercultural marriages--
The jingle is off-putting too: "I'm part milk and part granola, but mostly I'm confused."
But then there are several more Mel the Milkbite ads including one in which Mel allies himself with a spork (because he understands coming from two worlds); and one in which he goes to art therapy, etc. which are just kind of funny-- I laughed out loud at the Dating video.
The ads speak to a need to put humor into the discussions about the Mixed experience, but where does it cross the line and become mocking? I'm not sure. Thoughts?
