The Seven Forms of Nagging

I recently read this sickeningly factual book by Eric Schlosser and Charles Wilson. Click here for review.

One of the most interesting parts was this excerpt from Kids as Customers, a book by James U. McNeal, professor of marketing at Texas A&M University. McNeal is known as America's foremost authority on successful marketing techniques geared at children.

McNeal classifies childhood nagging into seven categories. Please note the following information was found on page 50 of Schlosser's book. I've copied it verbatim.

• The Pleading Nag. A pleading nag is one accompanied by repetitions of words like "please" or "mom, mom, mom."
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• The Persistent Nag. A persistent nag involves constant requests for the coveted product and may include the phrase, "I'm gonna ask just one more time."
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• The Forceful Nag. Forceful nags are extremely pushy and may include subtle threats, like "Well, then, I'll go and ask Dad."
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• The Demonstrative Nag. Demonstrative nags are the most high-risk, often characterized by full-blown tantrums in public places, breath-holding, tears, and a refusal to leave the store.
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• The Sugar-coated Nag. Sugar-coated nags promise affection in return for a purchase and may rely on seemingly heartfelt declarations like, "You're the best mom in the world."
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• The Threatening Nag. Threatening nags are youthful forms of blackmail, vows of eternal hatred and of running away if something isn't bought.
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• The Pity Nag. Pity nags claim the child will be heartbroken, teased, or socially stunted if the parent refuses to buy a certain item.

McNeal states: "All of these appeals and styles may be used in combination, but kids tend to stick to one or two of each that prove most effective…for their own parents."

Does this just completely disgust anyone else but me? I can't believe marketers are so quick to make a buck that they'd promote nagging in children. Ugh.