On a recent parenting forum, one parent posted a complaint about a well-known ad currently on Aussie TV. It features a boy on a bus eating Chicken-in-a-biscuit and suddenly burping live chickens out of his mouth.

Here’s what this parent wrote:

Am I just being too particular or does anyone else feel ill when that new chicken in a biscuit ad comes onto TV? You know the one where children burp up live chickens? I think burps are disgusting but when I eat a food I really don’t like the thought of associating it with the live animal.

Lady,  the answer is Yes. You are “being too particular”. I think the ad is one of the funnier ones on TV and has some brilliant CGI.

You went on to voice concerns about the ad brainwashing kids to buy the unhealthy food. I too am concerned about advertisers hardselling and softselling junk food (and junk morality) BUT … When you train your kids (as we have) to understand ads are made to make you spend your money, they tend to detach from the “Oo I gotta have that!” emotion in favour of the “What a funny burp; look a chicken came outa his mouth!” response.

I also marvel that you don’t burp.

And I’m sure there are far more important and detrimental things on TV to get upset about. Ads with strong sexual references during children’s TV timeslots. Sexual references within childrens TV programs. Fast Food giants sponsoring sporting events. Little girls being enculturated to wear provocative clothes. Leave the ads about chicken-burps alone! They’re one of the most refreshing things on TV!!!!!!!

My final observation is perhaps the most important one: chicken flavoured things are often the only things out there that don’t actually taste like chicken to me! (I think we’re just told they do and we’ve believed it)…

Addendum: Nabisco, you can make that cheque out to Pete Aldin. Thanks.