History Repeats Itself: From Big Tobacco to Big Food
Yet, we fail to learn from its lessons
You’ve probably heard of this quote before: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it”. This rings a bell when examining the unethical tactics used across different industries to push unhealthy products, despite knowing they cause widespread public harm.
Going back in time - the past
There is so much to learn from the tobacco industry due to its deceitful marketing practices used to promote smoking and downplay health risks while working behind the scenes to sow disinformation.
The tobacco industry has a long-documented history of targeting people in low-income communities and communities of color with the very tactics—like children- targeted marketing. Some of the tactics used include:
Lobbying: pouring millions into lobbying efforts to influence policymakers and legislation Intimidation: public attacks against individuals Controversial marketing: Using advertising to associate smoking with youthful vibrancy, independence, and attractiveness Influencing Science: Secretly burying internal research confirming smoking's health dangers Weakening the laws
Pausing for a moment- the present
Parallels in the Food and Beverage industry exist
Food and Beverage companies have been using the same techniques as tobacco firms . They have masterfully crafted their advertising strategies to captivate the youngest audience, employing aggressive and subtly manipulative tactics.
Current and past industry positions and actions
Exert strong political influence
Argue that industry self-regulation is sufficient
Fund science as a sign of goodwill
Dispute links between products use and ill health
Market heavily to youth
Use celebrities to endorse products
Two detailed examples:
Lobbying Against Regulation: Efforts to combat regulations are evident in the opposition to sugar taxes, advertising restrictions, and labeling laws. The food and beverage industry employs its influence to sway policy decisions and avoid restrictions that could impact profits. Questioning Science: Similar to the tobacco industry's tactics, some food and beverage companies fund studies that cast doubt on the negative health impacts of their products, contributing to public confusion and debate.
“Ta ذغ iya” by Sarah Zahr
Fast forward- the future
Industries may change, but their strategies often remain the same, especially in pursuit of profit. We must learn from history to recognize and counteract these tactics; otherwise, new industries will enter the market employing the same tactics.
“The Food & Beverage Industry”
Brownell, K. D., & Warner, K. E. (2009). The perils of ignoring history: Big Tobacco played dirty and millions died. How similar is Big Food?. The Milbank Quarterly, 87(1), 259-294.
