Comments on: McDonald’s and nationalism http://homecookedtheory.com/archives/2005/04/24/mcdonalds-and-nationalism/ Fri, 21 Nov 2008 07:04:37 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.2 By: Adam Kasugano http://homecookedtheory.com/archives/2005/04/24/mcdonalds-and-nationalism/#comment-22006 Adam Kasugano Mon, 16 Jan 2006 10:04:03 +0000 http://homecookedtheory.com/archives/2005/04/24/mcdonalds-and-nationalism/#comment-22006 I actually approached McDonalds about aquiring the two advertisments they ran (the one of the veterans disappearing and the lady thanking the veteran they ran a few years ago). Even if it is little more than a marketing ploy it serves as a reminder to the brave soldiers who fought and died for Australia, particularly the second one as it serves as a reminder that the Anzacs are no longer with us. I actually approached McDonalds about aquiring the two advertisments they ran (the one of the veterans disappearing and the lady thanking the veteran they ran a few years ago). Even if it is little more than a marketing ploy it serves as a reminder to the brave soldiers who fought and died for Australia, particularly the second one as it serves as a reminder that the Anzacs are no longer with us.

]]> By: melgregg http://homecookedtheory.com/archives/2005/04/24/mcdonalds-and-nationalism/#comment-476 melgregg Wed, 27 Apr 2005 01:38:29 +0000 http://homecookedtheory.com/archives/2005/04/24/mcdonalds-and-nationalism/#comment-476 Hey Sarah, Thanks for writing. It's interesting isn't it. I try to avoid blanket condemnation or support for the company because a lot of people do get enjoyment and benefits from its existence. And it works at a very sophisticated level - think about how the Hamburgler and Ronald himself appeal to kids, building a relationship with the brand from a very early age. Or how families use the restaurants: I've heard they are a popular neutral zone for exchanging kids between divorced parents; and that they are the default meeting place for mums on rainy days because the kids can continue to play. The latest changes are an interesting example of how capitalism becomes 'civilized' through placatory measures. But really, those low fat options aren't anything more than a marketing decision. They were losing money! Plus it's always good for business to appear 'nice and caring'. Hey Sarah, Thanks for writing. It’s interesting isn’t it. I try to avoid blanket condemnation or support for the company because a lot of people do get enjoyment and benefits from its existence. And it works at a very sophisticated level - think about how the Hamburgler and Ronald himself appeal to kids, building a relationship with the brand from a very early age. Or how families use the restaurants: I’ve heard they are a popular neutral zone for exchanging kids between divorced parents; and that they are the default meeting place for mums on rainy days because the kids can continue to play. The latest changes are an interesting example of how capitalism becomes ‘civilized’ through placatory measures. But really, those low fat options aren’t anything more than a marketing decision. They were losing money! Plus it’s always good for business to appear ‘nice and caring’.

]]> By: Sarah Washington http://homecookedtheory.com/archives/2005/04/24/mcdonalds-and-nationalism/#comment-472 Sarah Washington Tue, 26 Apr 2005 05:04:16 +0000 http://homecookedtheory.com/archives/2005/04/24/mcdonalds-and-nationalism/#comment-472 Hi MC Gregg. Was watching TV with my 19-yr-old sister and my boyfriend when that ad came on. My boyfriend and I groaned at the sappy tear-jerker music as we both started muttering about cultural appropriation and "McDonalds trying to convince us of their sincere commitment to the community with this myth-building ad" and so on. My sister's (angrily expressed) view, though, was that we should stop being so judgemental and accept it as a nice and caring recognition of ANZAC day...after all, McDonald's aren't so bad now, what with the Ronald McDonald House and the low fat options and the school sponsorship. Have seen a few comments around the place that condemn the ad, but none that share her view. Liked your position. Hi MC Gregg.

Was watching TV with my 19-yr-old sister and my boyfriend when that ad came on. My boyfriend and I groaned at the sappy tear-jerker music as we both started muttering about cultural appropriation and “McDonalds trying to convince us of their sincere commitment to the community with this myth-building ad” and so on.
My sister’s (angrily expressed) view, though, was that we should stop being so judgemental and accept it as a nice and caring recognition of ANZAC day…after all, McDonald’s aren’t so bad now, what with the Ronald McDonald House and the low fat options and the school sponsorship.

Have seen a few comments around the place that condemn the ad, but none that share her view. Liked your position.

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