While, the golden arches have these associations I believe there is an argument within them. Like I said it has become a symbol for poor nutrition, however people make the choice to purchase their meals and have many options to choose from. McDonald's has made strides in trying to comply with these complaints and create healthier options. They have made an attempt at healthier menu items (such as the chicken wraps and salads) to comply with the demand of healthier foods, but it is impossible to please everyone. There are many critics out there who are disgusted with McDonald's, but I think the real argument is whether we should be criticizing McDonald's menu instead of the consumers who keep it in demand. People often complain about their how bad the meals are for their children, yet they continue to buy happy meals for them. These critics need to keep in mind that there is only so much the fast food industry can do for healthier options (substituting kids fries for apples and milk for sodas). Many believe that healthier implies more expensive, however their salads, wraps, and fruit are not significantly more expensive than the other choices and some are even included on their dollar menu.
I believe McDonald's often gets a bad rap when it comes to our harsh consumer society. The arches also represent a successful corporation that gives jobs to many people worldwide and makes contributions to the Olympics, the Ronald McDonald House, and offers grants/scholarships to give back to the global community. My dad works for the software development company owned by McDonald's and there are many events that he attends for charities, such as golf outings that are auctions for the Ronald McDonald House. While my dad may not love his job (since it is not his ideal career) they still provide him with good benefits and he is a part of a company that takes full responsibility for their products and pride in their brand. I have multiple friends that work for McDonald's (as cashiers and work on the food line) and absolutely love the people and atmosphere they are immersed in. For me when I see the arches lit up it symbolizes childhood and growing up. It represents the company I've grown to know because of my father's outings and being able to play with the software on take your daughter to work days as a kid. Maybe I've been lucky to know people with good experiences and to have had them myself, but I don't believe the corporation is as malicious as the public wants to believe.
Next time when grabbing a bag with the golden arches on it we need to consider the fact that we made the choice to buy that double cheese burger with fries. The golden arches represent so much more than fast food.
Not to mention, McDonald's takes a large part of the rap for obesity in America, whereas other food chains, like Burger King, get little to no disrespect. People hate McDonald's only because it's the most popular fast food place. Why can't we hate on Burger King too?
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you. McDonald's is just a business that provides what consumers demand. If people do not like what McDonald provides, maybe they should stop asking for it. And just like you said, McDonald's has made many changes to be more healthier.
ReplyDeleteI think another thing that the golden arches represents is home. While traveling abroad, the golden arches are very comforting in the midst of culture shock.
This is really a great post, Comet! People tend to forget that no one is forcing them to buy fast food at McDonalds. Unfortunately, I've often heard people degrading McDonalds as a job. They'll still purchase their midnight frosty and fries, but when someone says, "I work at McDonalds" people kind of go silent or say, "Oh, that's cool...". They fail to realize that even though this person might not have the highest paying job, they are indeed working to provide for themselves, for their families, and not to mention learning some valuable job experience. McDonalds is not hurting anyone, as you said, the consumer is making the choice to eat there, and no one should be looked down upon for associating with a company that is providing our entire nation, as well as foreign countries with what they demand.
ReplyDeleteIt's also important to note the classism that keeps McDonald's and every other fast food chain in business. Our society has become increasingly obsessed with health and "better" food options, yet it fails to note that these types of foods are available only to middle and upper class people. The price disparity between "healthy" foods and what one can get at a place like McDonald's is outrageous. A large part of the hate that fast food chains receive, then, comes from the classist structure of our nation; the wealthier upper echelons tout health food and shame those who don't eat it without considering that it is not available to a huge portion of the population. Chains like McDonald's are vital to lower class people and the charity work they do represents that, despite being a capitalist institution, they recognize the needs of their clientele. It's vital that people like us are mindful of this as well.
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