Kellogg’s chief executive officer said Thursday that it was better for poor people to eat cereal for dinner to save money, but he is being criticized by public opinion, the British daily Telegraph reported. According to the report, Kellogg CEO Gary Philnick said in a recent CNBC interview that cereals, which are usually used for breakfast, are fine for dinner and are already popular among households that are burdened with the cost of living. “Serial prices have always been cheap and when consumers are under pressure (monetary), cereal tends to be a great option,” Philnick said. He said eating cereal would cost less than eating other foods and predicted that “dinner is more prevalent than expected, and this will continue in situations where consumers are under financial pressure.” However, Philnick’s remarks immediately drew backlash from social media. Social media users criticize Philnick’s remarks as no different from saying, “If you don’t have bread, you can eat cake,” which drew public anger during the French Revolution. This statement is said to have been made by Queen Marie Antoinette, but many historians believe it to be untrue.One TikTok user criticized Philnick’s remarks, saying, “What on earth is this anti-ideal hellscape?” Another user asked if Philnick would give his children cereal for dinner, revealing his uncomfortable psychology. Others criticize the hypocrisy of Philnick, who is making a huge income.
According to SEC data, Philnick received $1 million in wages and $4 million in incentives last year.
It is also pointed out that cereals are no longer cheap and expensive brands such as Kellogg’s are not available at home where people eat cereal for dinner to cut costs. The author, Merion Williamson, strongly criticized that advertising the poor to eat cereal for dinner is tantamount to using their hunger to make a financial profit.
JULIE KIM
US ASIA JOURNAL
