Munching on his favorite Subway sandwich, a BMT -- Biggest, Meatiest, Tastiest -- Richard Watson put his full support behind the restaurant's recent anti-fast food advertising campaign.
"Subway has really taken the lead compared to McDonald's and KFC," said Watson (freshman-international politics), a former Subway employee.
But according to The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA), Subway shouldn't be applauded.
Recent advertisements -- including one featuring a woman inquiring about a combo at a fast-food restaurant -- have faced harsh criticism from members of NAAFA.
In the commercial, the clerk explains the meal comes with "bloated feeling, regret, remorse, a bigger waist, loss of self-esteem, loss of boyfriend, shame and years of therapy."
Members of the organization believe these tactics "belittle and demean" overweight people, according to a press release.
Additionally, NAAFA thinks Subway reinforces negative perceptions associated with people of greater size, said Peggy Howell, NAAFA spokeswoman
"These advertisements insinuate that fat people are lazy, they stink and that they have no self-esteem," Howell said. "It's totally offensive."
Subway's advertisements reinforce negative misconceptions regarding fat people, Howell said.
Despite Subway's good intentions, there are better and less offensive ways to promote nutrition, Howell said.
"We had a great deal of complaints from people who were offended by it," she said.
Using the kind of humor featured in these advertisements perpetuates others to use similar offensive language, Howell said.
If Subway is promoting health, the business should just state that, Howell said. Subway is not trying to do anything negative or to specifically promote a diet, said Les Winograd, Subway spokesman.
People of greater size should take a look at the menu, Watson said. Napkins also provide customers with information regarding calories in Subway's food. Other places such as McDonald's don't do that, he added.
A former McDonald's employee and Penn State student found humor in the ads that specifically poked fun at fast food.
"People should realize it's just a commercial and it shouldn't be taken personally," said Justin Brown (sophomore-security and risk analysis), a former McDonald's employee.
Other students agreed. Stephanie Huntsman doesn't think the commercial was intended to be taken seriously.
"Take it with a grain of salt. It's a lighthearted way of poking fun at how to be healthy and what will happen if you aren't. It emphasizes that Subway has better options," Huntsman (sophomore-kinesiology) said.
The focus on avoiding being overweight might force people to prioritize size over health, Hector Williams (junior-electrical engineering) said.
"It's just telling obese people to eat right," he said.
Huntsman said Subway carries healthy foods.
"The Subways in State College are a nice alternative to chips and cookie places," Huntsman said.
Subway supports a healthy lifestyle by providing fresh ingredients; it bakes its own bread and promotes fresh vegetables, Winograd said. Therefore, individuals have the ability to make nutritious choices, he added.
