Ah, school. You remember the old routine, right? First there was homeroom, followed by math class, English, recess, and then after lunch a special class field trip -- to the Apple Store!
Wait. Excuse me?
Apple is promoting its store as a field trip destination - an educational resource for students K-12 to use/learn to use Apple's programs. No doubt that it's vital for students to learn about today's technology; tech will be (or already is) an integral part of their lives. And any company that offers such a resource for free is offering a great service, right?
Uh, maybe not. While it's an undoubtedly lucrative and intelligent way to market its products, I'm struck by the boldness of Apple's move. With all the controversy surrounding marketing to children, Apple's decision seems downright unethical.
I'm wondering if consumers will see it this way too. How long will it take for a group of consumers to rally against the Apple Field Trip. Or can Apple, the always hip purveyor of tech, do no wrong?
- posted by Hillary Hempstead
[photo by lori gerig]
