Do you remember Ronald McDonald and the cast of characters in McDonald Land? I loved the Hamburglar and Officer Big Mac. In recent years Ronald McDonald and his friends have made few appearances on TV or any of the McDonald’s restaurants. It seems his character is a thing of the past except for his appearances relating to the Ronald McDonald House. With all the negative publicity about the fat grams in their food and mothers suing because their children want Happy Meals, and they just can’t tell them no. It seems that McDonald’s has decided to place their focus on their coffee rather than their burgers.
It’s rather sad that a cast of characters have been abandoned. I loved taking my daughter to play in McDonald Land Saturday afternoons when she was growing up. She ate a happy meal every Saturday, and she’s healthy and happy. I find it rather disturbing that obesity is being blamed on corporations such as McDonald’s when in fact the parents should take responsibility for their own inability to control their child’s diet. I guess it’s easier to point the finger at somebody else rather than look in the mirror and say I’m the problem. My parenting skills need some work.
It also saddens me that you can’t find McDonald’s characters incorporated into their playgrounds anymore. Children should be allowed to use their imagine and be carefree. I would love for my grandchildren to see Officer Big Mac, Mayor McCheese, Grimace and the Fry Kids. Instead McDonald’s is changing their marketing gimmicks to the more sophisticated consumer. They carry iPads, text, and sip lattes, mochas, cappuccinos and espressos. The new consumer is sophisticated. Unfortunately, I guess all good things must come to an end. I must accept the fact that we’ve entered a new millennium.
Photo courtesy of Daily Mail
Stop! Wait! Meet the new Ronald McDonald. McDonald’s recently gave him a makeover or at least a new outfit. Does he look creepy? Should the designers left him in his original clothes? Tweeters are debating. McDonald’s wanted to update Ronald and have him take on a new role on Twitter. Most importantly, tThis Ronald will be moving into social media. As a matter of fact, he will be tweeting for the corporation using the hash tag #RonaldMcDonald. Additionally, McDonald’s plans to bring Ronald into the mainstream later this year.
However, from my perspective I think Ronald looks handsome in his new outfit. And I can’t wait for my grandchildren to see him at upcoming events. Finally, I hope they will bring back the other adorable characters.
