The Baby Einstein scandal

Was Disney's "genius" marketing grounds for a mass refund, or should parents have known better?

For years, Disney suggested its Baby Einstein DVDs could make young children smarter, but the American Academy of Pediatrics said kids under 2 shouldn't watch TV at all. With the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood threatening a class-action suit, Disney is offering refunds to millions of consumers. Should parents feel justified cashing in? (Watch coverage of the Baby Einstein community react to the refunds)

Absolutely. The name Baby Einstein is deceitful: Everyone knows that hyperbole is part of advertisement, says Lou Carlozo in Walletpop. But the name "Baby Einstein" suggests "an undeniable connection between the product and some sort of brain development." It’s an outrageous lie, so Disney should go a step farther and find a more honest name.

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