In a letter signed by over 550 health professionals, McDonalds is being asked to change their marketing practices, and get rid of Ronald. I am not sure that the clown really has a lot to do with the sale of Happy Meals.
Back in the day, I grew up knowing who Ronald McDonald was, in the same way a child from my generation knows that Frosty is the singing snowman. I never met either of these childhood icons, but I knew both of them as well as I knew my first grade teacher. I don't remember any strong desire to go to Mickey Dee's for any sort of kid's meal, probably as a result of my being a fossil who remembers when Happy Meals were invented. I can, however, still sing the Big Mac song.
As a parent, I do not bring my kids to eat at fast food restaurants, more because we live on a strict budget, that would be blown if I dragged my crew of 5 kids in to eat at one. They do see the commercials and want to go get the little truck or other worthless figurine though. We have been known to go to the drive through and buy JUST the toy. For around $2.00, they are happy and I haven't blown a large portion of my grocery budget on a meal that wouldn't even fill them up.
Although I get what the letter was all about; I think it misses the mark. The kids who eat Happy Meals are not driving themselves to McDonalds. The parents are responsible for bringing them to the restaurant, allowing them to order what they are going to be eating, and getting the kids out of there without complete meltdowns. Is the problem the clown, or parents needing to put on their grown up pants and using fast food as it really should be used: An occasional treat?
This whole issue just smacks of an excuse for parents to once again not take responsibility for their children's upbringing. What do you think? Should McDonalds send Ronald McDonald into retirement?
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