Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Spreading, but Encompassing too.

In class this week, we discussed the globalization/cultural imperialism movement involving fast food (specifically McDonalds) around the world. Specifically, I thought the argument of fast food being labeled “American” even though the corporations might be based in other countries (like Burger King being in Germany) was particularly interesting. The assumption that all unhealthy fast food is an “American” product is sort of an unfair one, since it isn’t actually true. However, I highly doubt that that ‘stigma’ of unhealthiness in America (and cultural imperialistic spread of ‘unhealthiness’) is going anywhere. The blame is already set on our culture. People think: fast food and obesity= the American way of life.

As McDonalds spreads across the globe, more and more culturally-specific options pop up on the menu. This Wikipedia site, which I found particularly interesting, lists the specialty options at McDonalds’ worldwide. Many of the items found at McDonalds in other countries seem classier and healthier than the standard items we see there in this country. Could this be because McDonalds wants a different reputation than it built in America? I think so. They want people to buy their products, even after seeing documentaries like SuperSize Me. They want to specifically appeal to the people of each nation (which is a great marketing/business strategy!). So, while McDonalds might be spreading cultural imperialism, it also consciously encompasses the culture of the location it’s selling in.

That being said, check out the Wikipedia site listing fascinating McDonalds menu options around the globe!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonald's_products_(international)

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