Mcdonalds and the world
I think that is rather unfortunate that McDonalds seems to be acting a representative for United States culture and interest all over the world. While this is a free market and they are a successful business, it is a shame that they are able to thrive in seeminlgy inappropriate conditions. In my opinion there are certainly areas on the globe where the local people do not need a McDonalds and therefore, should not have to deal with the construction of one. For me, it seems rather ridiculous for others to view the United States based on the practices of McDonalds but then I realized that I think in a similar way about tother cultures. I associated the middle east with oil and find it hard to find information on the feelings and culture of the people who live there. I associate Japan with technical innovation even though there my be cultural and more humaniost aspects of the nation that I am missing. Perhaps people cant draw a line between and nation and its exports.
Comments
Everyone likes eating good food. How do you know they didn't want a McDonalds there. Did you ask them?
Posted by: Debra Krein | October 13, 2006 12:27 AM
I agree with Elliot. There are definitely places around the world that don't need a McDonald's franchise. And is McDonald's actually considered "good food"?
It is unfortunate that this is how it has to happen, but stereotypes are something that humans create and live off of. McDonald's just happens to be one of those American symbols, for better or for worse.
Posted by: Mike Peterson | October 13, 2006 01:10 AM
What I still don't understand is why everyone keeps these McDonalds open in their countries, cities, and towns if they really disagree with them so much. If people protest this so called face of America why would the community keep it up and operating if they detested it so much. Obviously people are eating there all over the world. Maybe the can argue it represents America and their views against us, but above all its a restaurant. A restaruant people are apparently willing to put adside its American representation for a burger or fries.
Posted by: dustin bell | October 17, 2006 01:42 PM
McDonald's is a rich, powerful company that can induce state governments to allow its presence in the country regardless of the population's feelings. Also, many governments have to contend that with American companies selling their products in their country, mainly to Western tourists, they are able to boost their economy. So, whether the public wants American goods and services it doesn't matter, when a poor government is trying to bolster a declining economy in need of foreign investment. Basically, it’s out of the public’s hands whether a McDonald’s restaurant or a Gap store is built on their front yard.
Posted by: Tulip02 | October 19, 2006 03:27 PM
i think that it is the peoples choice whether or not they want mcdonalds no ones forcing them to eat it. Without the peoples consent mcdonalds connot build and therefore they will not have that food. I mean do poeple really think mcdonalds just gets to build where ever they please? No, they have to be told they can and that is the descision of the people.
Posted by: sam | August 26, 2007 10:34 PM
i think that it is the peoples choice whether or not they want mcdonalds no ones forcing them to eat it. Without the peoples consent mcdonalds connot build and therefore they will not have that food. I mean do poeple really think mcdonalds just gets to build where ever they please? No, they have to be told they can and that is the descision of the people.
Posted by: sam | August 26, 2007 10:34 PM