10 Things I Hate About You is a coming-of-age series about two teen sisters. In last Monday’s episode Kat, a precocious high school junior, learns about the public health risks posed by meat production. She goes to her Student Council and asks that they help her take action by supporting Meatless Monday. Kat convinces the council members that Meatless Monday will be a cost-effective program that will boost student awareness and generate positive media attention for Padua High.
The Student Council agrees! Padua High holds a festive kickoff event, where the students try meatless lunch options. When one of the Student Council members protests Meatless Monday in an effort to gain power, viewers are left wondering what the fate of the initiative will be. The episode concludes with Kat’s carnivorous boyfriend Patrick enjoying a soy hot dog- reassuring us that even resistant students are embracing Meatless Monday.
According to Neilson, last Monday’s episode was seen by 751,000 people. By centering a scripted plot on Meatless Monday, 10 Things has shown that the campaign has truly entered public awareness! As Meatless Monday continues to enter the American lexicon, we hope to see more integration between the campaign and pop culture!
