Is Ronald McDonald A Keeper?

We all know Ronald McDonald... some may know him too well. He's been around for nearly 50 years, so I'd be worried for McDonald's if the clown (in a literal sense) didn't have such a strong global presence. He's so important to our culture (and children) that he has his own website! There are some people, however, that aren't thrilled with Ronald, and have been urging the fast food chain to retire their long-time mascot. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of clowns and I do think Ronald McDonald is a little creepy -- not nearly as creepy as Burger King's King -- but I don't think McDonald's is ready to let go of him. 


He's a face for the brand. He humanizes the global chain. Yes, McDonald's has the "golden arches" but those arches can't engage customers. They can't shake someone's hand or pose for pictures. They won't be directly responsible for putting a smile on a child's face. Ronald McDonald is a friend, and while he hasn't been as visible in McDonald's ad campaigns as he has in the past, he still has a strong presence and connection to the brand. 


The advocacy group, Corporate Accountability International, wants Ronald McDonald to step aside. They've created a website solely for this cause, Retire Ronald, blaming Ronald McDonald for prompting children to visit McDonald's and ultimately become obese (hmm...). I understand the advocacy group's reasoning, but their proposed solutions to the general problem are a bit ridiculous. Retiring Ronald McDonald will not remove a child's desire to visit the fast food chain. Getting rid of the toys in Happy Meals? That's another story. It's possible that future laws will prevent marketing fast food to children due to recent widespread childhood obesity... but for now, McDonald's is safe.


McDonald's says the clown is "an ambassador for good". He has "the smile known around the world," says Willard Scott, the creator of the mascot. Ronald McDonald is not only the face to the brand, or a character in commercials, but also the leader in McDonald's philanthropic efforts -- Ronald McDonald House Charities.


For now, our old friend, Ronald, is sticking around. Hopefully he'll be greeting McDonald's patrons, old and young, for years to come. Luckily, Burger King "dethroned" their creepy mascot in August... and replaced him with... a mom? Read more here. I totally support that retirement. He's scary.

POGS,
AKtually Ashley