The Classy Side of McD

Yes, America is the most obvious and dominant globalizing force, but the customs of the countries often influence the american product or company, not only in the country itself, but back in the US. We do not have to view globalization as an imposition of a foreign culture. Rather, we can view globalization as Sturken and Cartwright suggest, a "true world community" (405). American companies adopt foreign customs and ways of life into the designs of international locations. McDonalds (although a way over-used example) demonstrates this. The 'American' McDonalds is a fast food restaurant with linoleum floors, a drive-through window, and a chicken-nugget/burger/fries oriented menu. As McDonalds began to grow internationally, it had to adapt its menu to suit its international customers. Thus arose the Teriyaki burger in Japan, the "Maharaja Mac" in India (Hindus won't eat cows, so it is made instead of chicken or lamb), grilled salmon in Norway, beer in Germany, the McLobster roll in Canada, rice and beans in Costa Rica, Burgers in pita bread in Greece, rice patties in China, and juevos rancheros in Uruguay. In College Station, TX there's even a burger called a "McGangBang" on the menu. Yep, that bad. 

Not only is the food so drastically different, but so is the atmosphere. In most countries, the act of eating is social and slow-paced, whereas in America it is about the ease and speed. When McDonalds was first introduced into China, the Chinese people had to be taught to use a drive-through. To cater to foreign ways of life, McDonalds abroad are set up like restaurants with nicer interiors and sometimes even waiters! And while it can be said that America is inflicting the fast-paced American fast food culture on other countries, the slow-paced atmosphere is also affecting fast food culture in America. McDonalds locations around Manhattan are being renovated and set up as eat-in establishments with carpeting, decorative wall art, and more tables. Italian-style coffee drinks are served and wi-fi internet connection is available.  McDonalds is changing the way people think about "fast food" by slowing the pace of the busy American and submersing them in a 'restaurant experience'. 

The newest addition to this sort of McDonalds is on Broadway, close to Washington Square. The night of its re-opening, two of my McDonalds obsessed friends (this statement is legitimized by the reaction they have to seeing the store open) dragged me to go see it, and it was quite a sight! I took a video because I knew I meant to blog about it this week, so you can see for yourselves! The music, the menu, and the setting were all counter to the fast-food establishment.