Mcdonalds

McDonald’s in Globalization

Inglés
Globalization has affected almost every aspect of life in almost every nation. From economic to social to culture, this widespread exchange of goods, services and ideas have influenced changes around the world. Even though the cultural influence in globalization is of slight significance to policy makers, its power has tremendous consequences to the nationsinvolved and its people. Food is an important element in defining culture. Britannica (2007). “Food is the oldest global carrier of culture.” (para. 1). Any changes in the foods that we eat, in its preparation, the way it is served and consumed diminishes the traditional beliefs of the people.

One of the most influential changes came with the introduction of fast food restaurants likeMcDonald’s into foreign countries. Transformations have taken place which could be perceived as beneficial or corrupting to that culture. According to William Gould (1996), before the introduction of McDonald’s overseas “fast food was almost unknown. McDonald’s was the first company to try to export America’s love of fast food and changes in eating habits of other nations.” Catherine Schnaubelt (u.d.) inher study, has found that “McDonald’s has over 1.5 million franchises in the United States and about half of the total franchises are outside the U.S. in over 120 countries……Amidst all the fame and fortune of McDonald’s, there are concerns about how the spread of standardization of the franchise is affecting culture, attitudes and the environment.” (p.49).

The globalization of McDonald’s hasraised many debates on both sides of the issue. The pro- globalization belief is that it enhances culture rather than adulterate. Radley Balko (2003), states that “In most communities, in fact, the McDonald’s has conformed to the local culture not the other way around. The McDonald’s corporation notes that most of its overseas franchises are locally owned, and thus make efforts to buy from localcommunities. McDonald’s also alters its regional menus to conform to local taste.” (para. 12).

There has been a loss of traditional values with the introduction of non traditional food into the culture of foreign countries. The types of foods are symbolic to particular regions, religions and morés. In India, to the Hindu people, the cow is considered to be sacred as part of its religion. Accordingto the AsianInfo.org (2007), “Diversity can be found in India’s food as well as its culture, geography and climate.”(para. 1). “Although a number of religions exist in India, the two cultures that have influenced Indian cooking and food habits are the Hindu and the Muslim tradition.” (para. 3). With the introduction of non traditional foods into this society, as with many others, there are adverseeffects on the traditions it tries to uphold.

McDonald’s is viewed as American and the movement away from traditional foods towards fast food is considered to be “Americanization” of the diet. This concept has more far reaching effects than is seen on the surface. The “Americanization” of the food also means that of the culture and a way of thinking which in not acceptable to many nations.Sebastian Mallaby (2007), writes that “Hyperpower invites backlash, and McDonald’s has not escaped such consequences. In 1999 a French farmer named Jose Bove ransacked a McDonald’s and became a hero of the anti- globalization.” (para.5). The restaurant stands as a symbol of an unwanted change sweeping across the borders of culture and tradition.

The content of the McDonald’s diet has long beenan issue of contention with nutritionist. In his book Fast Food Nation, Eric Schlosser (2002), states that “By eating like Americans people all over the world are beginning to look more like Americans, at least in one respect. The United States has one of the highest obesity rate of any industrialized nation in the world.” (p. 240). “As people eat more meals outside the home, they consume more...