This 2008/9 commercial for Van de Kamp’s fish is another indicator of a cultural shift. Yes, the kid is a mouthy, disrespectful brat–kids are kids, and they have always been kids*. So that’s not the point. Point is that in this commercial we’re saying, “The kid is right!”
No longer is there an authoritarian voice, the over-riding voice of reason (i.e., the parent). In this day of democratization, everybody is an authority. Everybody has a say. Everybody is right.
* Though they may be kids, hopefully we guide them toward better behavior.
