All of us have been, at least once, in fast food restaurants like: McDonalds, Taco Bell, Subway, Pizza Hut or Wendy’s. We know by hard their combos, their promotions, their menus, even their commercials. But, have you ever realized how these fast food chains are in other countries? How different they are from the United States junk food restaurants? One of the Globalization phenomenons was the introduction of food chains all around the world. You can find a McDonalds even in the smallest village in Philippines. That’s why, American founded - fast food chains are considered multinational corporations. In several countries like England, Israel o South Africa many home based fast food companies were closed in the 1970’s and 1980’s, after McDonald’s became the number one in the market.
One multinational corporation’s characteristic is that they usually modify their menus to satisfy local tastes. Mc Donalds in India for example uses lamb, rather than beef in its burgers because Hinduism forbids eating beef. In Israel Mc Donalds respect the Jewish dietary laws. In France they have implemented baguettes and wine to their menus.
Why do you think this type of food is so popular in other countries, as in the United States? Do you think fast food restaurant’s quality doesn’t change in the States, like in France, because its population doesn’t demand it? Do you resent the persistent intrusion of this mediocre and commercially based food?
Check out this two articles that explains better how fast food changes among different countries:
I think that this is such a neat topic. I had heard of this before but I never really looked at it in depth. I think this will be something interesting to look at during study abroad for some of us. I can't wait to talk about it in class!
ReplyDeleteMaria, this is such a perfect subject. I'm so glad you chose to talk about this! :)
ReplyDeleteThere will be a great class discussion tomorrow!